Asbestos, Mesothelioma, The Law, And You

Asbestos, Mesothelioma, the Law, and You by Ed Garrison

Workers on new construction today have little reason to worry about asbestos. Asbestos-based building materials were phased out several years ago and are no longer commercially available to contractors and the general public.

But only a few decades ago, asbestos was well regarded in the construction industry because of its outstanding fire retardant qualities and its properties as an insulator of both temperature and electrical current. Moreover, it is derived from abundant, inexpensive minerals such as chrysotile and is easy to produce. Thus, hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of buildings still standing today, asbestos can be found in tiles, in insulation, and in flooring and ceiling materials.

What's the problem with asbestos? Quite simply, asbestos consists of exceedingly fine fibers that easily become airborne, especially when asbestos-containing materials are cut or broken. Once they are inhaled, they settle in the lungs, where they will remain for the person's life, since the human body has no means of eliminating asbestos. And unfortunately, asbestos is a carcinogen. In layman's terms, this means it causes cancer.

Brief exposure to asbestos normally does not cause cancer, but prolonged exposure, especially to high concentrations, increases cancer risk dramatically over time. Thus, a person who as handled asbestos is unlikely to develop skin cancer on the hands, but someone who has inhaled the fibers is at risk for lung cancer. Smoking increases the lung cancer risk significantly.

Often, asbestos fibers will work their way through lung tissue and into the chest cavity, where it can become lodged in the protective linings there known as the mesothelium. The resulting cancer is known as mesothelioma.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and have suffered health problems, you can sue the persons/companies responsible. The likelihood of winning your case, like any other lawsuit, depends on many factors. In general, however, it will be crucial for you to be able to prove that your health issues resulted directly from the asbestos exposure. Thus, a person who has been smoking three packs of cigarettes per day, was briefly exposed to asbestos, and developed lung cancer will usually have a harder time of it than a nonsmoker who was exposed to asbestos for decades and developed mesothelioma. After all, lung cancer is fairly common among heavy smokers, whereas mesothelioma is a rather rare cancer in people who were not exposed to asbestos.

If you think that you experienced significant exposure to asbestos; and if you have contracted a related disease such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis (a scarring of lung tissue caused by the body's reaction to asbestos, which in time can seriously impair the functioning of the lungs), you may wish to sue the persons or companies responsible for your exposure, even if it took place many years ago.

But be forewarned: because of the significant financial risk to the defendant in such cases, it's highly unlikely that the person(s) or corporation(s) you are suing will spare no expense in hiring a competent defense attorney. While you can theoretically file a mesothelioma lawsuit yourself without a lawyer, this is probably not a good idea, since an "amateur" is no match for the legal "big guns."

Therefore, if you're contemplating such a lawsuit, you would be wise to consult a competent attorney who preferably has extensive experience with asbestos lawsuits. Such an attorney will be able to advise you as to the merits of your case. If he or she believes that your case has a good chance of succeeding, you may be able to sue on a contingency basis. This means that the attorney will not bill you by the hour "up front," but rather will share in the proceeds if you win. This eliminates your risk of paying big legal bills for an unsuccessful suit, but promises a much bigger payout to your lawyer if you prevail, which also creates an incentive for your lawyer to fight for as big a settlement as possible. If you don't have a lawyer, you can consult your local bar association, and they will refer one to you.

For more information on how to sue someone and suing for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma visit HowToSue.org.

Article Source: Asbestos, Mesothelioma, the Law, and You

Asbestos, Mesothelioma, The Law, And You

Asbestos, Mesothelioma, the Law, and You by Ed Garrison

Workers on new construction today have little reason to worry about asbestos. Asbestos-based building materials were phased out several years ago and are no longer commercially available to contractors and the general public.

But only a few decades ago, asbestos was well regarded in the construction industry because of its outstanding fire retardant qualities and its properties as an insulator of both temperature and electrical current. Moreover, it is derived from abundant, inexpensive minerals such as chrysotile and is easy to produce. Thus, hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of buildings still standing today, asbestos can be found in tiles, in insulation, and in flooring and ceiling materials.

What's the problem with asbestos? Quite simply, asbestos consists of exceedingly fine fibers that easily become airborne, especially when asbestos-containing materials are cut or broken. Once they are inhaled, they settle in the lungs, where they will remain for the person's life, since the human body has no means of eliminating asbestos. And unfortunately, asbestos is a carcinogen. In layman's terms, this means it causes cancer.

Brief exposure to asbestos normally does not cause cancer, but prolonged exposure, especially to high concentrations, increases cancer risk dramatically over time. Thus, a person who as handled asbestos is unlikely to develop skin cancer on the hands, but someone who has inhaled the fibers is at risk for lung cancer. Smoking increases the lung cancer risk significantly.

Often, asbestos fibers will work their way through lung tissue and into the chest cavity, where it can become lodged in the protective linings there known as the mesothelium. The resulting cancer is known as mesothelioma.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and have suffered health problems, you can sue the persons/companies responsible. The likelihood of winning your case, like any other lawsuit, depends on many factors. In general, however, it will be crucial for you to be able to prove that your health issues resulted directly from the asbestos exposure. Thus, a person who has been smoking three packs of cigarettes per day, was briefly exposed to asbestos, and developed lung cancer will usually have a harder time of it than a nonsmoker who was exposed to asbestos for decades and developed mesothelioma. After all, lung cancer is fairly common among heavy smokers, whereas mesothelioma is a rather rare cancer in people who were not exposed to asbestos.

If you think that you experienced significant exposure to asbestos; and if you have contracted a related disease such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis (a scarring of lung tissue caused by the body's reaction to asbestos, which in time can seriously impair the functioning of the lungs), you may wish to sue the persons or companies responsible for your exposure, even if it took place many years ago.

But be forewarned: because of the significant financial risk to the defendant in such cases, it's highly unlikely that the person(s) or corporation(s) you are suing will spare no expense in hiring a competent defense attorney. While you can theoretically file a mesothelioma lawsuit yourself without a lawyer, this is probably not a good idea, since an "amateur" is no match for the legal "big guns."

Therefore, if you're contemplating such a lawsuit, you would be wise to consult a competent attorney who preferably has extensive experience with asbestos lawsuits. Such an attorney will be able to advise you as to the merits of your case. If he or she believes that your case has a good chance of succeeding, you may be able to sue on a contingency basis. This means that the attorney will not bill you by the hour "up front," but rather will share in the proceeds if you win. This eliminates your risk of paying big legal bills for an unsuccessful suit, but promises a much bigger payout to your lawyer if you prevail, which also creates an incentive for your lawyer to fight for as big a settlement as possible. If you don't have a lawyer, you can consult your local bar association, and they will refer one to you.

For more information on how to sue someone and suing for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma visit HowToSue.org.

Article Source: Asbestos, Mesothelioma, the Law, and You

What Is Mesothelioma?

What Is Mesothelioma? by Gabe Switzer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective membrane covering the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. This rare cancer is frequently caused by exposure to asbestos or other lung irritants. A highly aggressive disease, mesothelioma is frequently resistant to most common cancer treatments. There is no cure for this serious illness, but many researchers are focused on this field. Inducing remission has been successful in some patients, and there are treatment options to relieve pain, extend life expectancy, and improve a patient's quality of life.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

The primary symptoms of early stage mesothelioma are chest pain, coughing, and fatigue. Although caused by asbestos, symptoms of this cancer may not appear until up to fifty years after exposure to the irritant. In general, mesothelioma does not appear until at least twenty years following initial exposure. Due to the fact that the early symptoms are mild and can be caused by many other diseases, combined with the late appearance after exposure, mesothelioma often goes undiagnosed until symptoms worsen and the cancer becomes more serious. Later symptoms can include anemia, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea or constipation, chest pain, bowel obstruction, and night sweats. The prognosis is much better when the disease is caught in early stages. As such, anyone that has been exposed to asbestos should see a doctor immediately if they experience persistent chest pain, coughing, or fatigue.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms overlap with symptoms of many other diseases. As a result, diagnosis can be difficult. Patients presenting symptoms of this serious cancer will undergo a complete physical, imaging tests, tissue biopsies, and lung functioning tests. Further tests, such as fluid biopsies, magnetic resonance images, and blood tests may also be ordered by an oncologist to get a complete picture of the disease.

Types of Mesothelioma

As noted above, the mesothelium covers the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. Any organs that are covered by this protective membrane can be affected during the course of mesothelioma. Three primary types of mesothelioma, that target three different regions, have been identified. Over 75% of all mesothelioma patients suffer from pleural mesothelioma, which is centered in the pleural lining of the lungs. These patients are likely to experience shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain, and muscle fatigue. Peritoneum mesothelioma is centered in the peritoneum, or membrane covering the organs of the abdomen. Peritoneum mesothelioma causes fever, diarrhea and constipation, weight loss, blood-clotting abnormalities, fluid accumulation, and bowel obstruction. The final and most rare type of mesothelioma affects the pericardium, or membrane surrounding the heart. Rare and aggressive, pericardial mesothelioma causes severe chest pain, heart palpitations, respiratory problems, chest pain, and coughing. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma are frequently not candidates for surgery as this form of the disease is not typically diagnosed until later stages.

Who Gets Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos. The irritants are breathed in, traveling to internal organs throughout the body. Depending on where the asbestos lands in their travels, the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs can be affected. Anyone who works with asbestos materials for a living is at an increased risk for this serious disease. Examples of professions dealing with this dangerous substance include: some military veterans, construction workers, renovation crews, mechanics, insulators, asbestos mine workers and millers, boiler workers, and asbestos manufacturing employees. Due to the serious nature of this disease, anyone employed in these professions, as well as others who have worked with asbestos, should seek medical attention immediately if they display the above listed symptoms.

Living With Mesothelioma

Although mesothelioma is classified as an aggressive cancer, some patients have lived many years with this disease. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques are all important for maintaining a high quality of life. While mesothelioma cannot be cured, the proper treatment and a positive outlook can help ensure the happiness and comfort of most patients.

If you've been diagnosed with Mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, contact Nashville personal injury lawyers John Griffith and Jeff Roberts.

Article Source: What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma And Risk Factors

Mesothelioma And Risk Factors by Jamoel Myers

Most cases of mesothelioma patients have been recorded with some kind of association with asbestos although there are also some cases that have no links to suggest exposures of the patients to asbestos particles. With these cases, reasons like intrapleural throium dioxide, inhaling erionite and irradiation are suspected.

Asbestos is used in manufacturing a huge number of items including, textiles, roofing material, cement, brake linings, flooring items, insulation and others. In the manufacturing process of these products, small particles of asbestos are airborne which can be inhaled by those in the sorrounding areas. Compared to any other substances that we inhale accidentally, asbestos is fatal and can have life threatening affects like mesothelioma. It is not only mesothelioma ailment but also other diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and larynx and kidney cancers are in the list of asbestos related diseases.

Moreover, when an individual is a heavy smoker, it may further enhance the chance of acquiring mesothelioma. In earlier times, some cigarette brands have used asbestos substances producing their filters and smokers were found to have been afflicted with mesothelioma through the cigarette filters. However this practice is no longer in effect and thus it is not related with such incidents. Other than this, a virus called simian has been found to have some association with mesothelioma cancers.

In the early days, many cases of mesothelioma have been recorded in USA among workers assigned in asbestos related factories. The workers who worked in shipyards have been found to have mesothelioma at a significant level as early as'40s. However today, the US government has imposed laws to ensure working places free from asbestos and the place is within the safety levels. The British government too has enacted laws to protect workers in asbestos related manufacturing places.

Nevertheless, there are still countries without laws to protect workers in such places and many mesothelioma cases have been reported annually on account of negligence of the concerned entities of this dreadful subject.

Jamoel Myers is a professional writer and he writes mostly about mesothelioma settlement as a serious issue of the 21. century. He's also interested in asbestos and lung cancer.

Article Source: Mesothelioma And Risk Factors

Clinical Trials For Mesothelioma: Who Are Involved, Stages, And Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Reports

Clinical Trials For Mesothelioma: Who Are Involved, Stages, and Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Reports by S.Callaghan

What is a clinical trial?

A Clinical Trial is a research study done on humans following a very strict protocol. The goal of a clinical trial is to develop new drugs and treatments for all types of diseases, most especially fatal ones such as Mesothelioma.

Before any medicine is considered effective and safe for the general public to take, it has to undergo a thorough process in a clinical trial.

Who are involved in Mesothelioma clinical trials?

The people involved in these biomedical studies are the researcher, who make up the very detailed plan of how the procedure shall be done, the volunteer who will be the subject of the trial, and the review board who usually consists of scientists, oncologists, other physicians, and nurses.

The review board is indirectly involved with the procedures, but it monitors the trial and gives an annual formal review. The volunteers who participate are in most cases, patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma and other types of malignant cancer. Most mesothelioma patients resort to clinical trials as their last hope for a cure.

What are the stages a clinical trial undergoes?

To avoid confusing the term 'stages' with the gravity or extent of the disease, we shall use the term 'phases'.

Generally, a clinical trial has three phases, although a fourth phase is now being considered for the purpose of post-marketing studies. The fourth phase basically checks on the effectiveness of the FDA-approved drug which had already gone through all three phases.

The first phase determines the drug's correct dosage and focuses primarily on safety, rather than the drug's efficacy. The test is done on a small group of 20-80 persons for the first phase.

The second phase verifies if the new drug has a definite effect against a particular disease. This is also where the ideal dosage of the drug is evaluated and the results of the first phase is confirmed. The test is conducted on a larger group of people around 100-300 individuals.

The third phase compares the new drug against the existing standard treatment for a particular disease or illness. The new drug is combined with other drugs to determine side effects, and different doses are tested for the same purpose and to check the efficacy of the drug. This last phase is conducted on a large scale where up to 3,000 people are participants.

Do all Mesothelioma patients have to undergo these clinical trials?

Mesothelioma patients are in no way obliged to participate in biomedical studies and researches. Oncologists may recommend these, especially when patients are considering new types of treatment, but the decision is up to the patient and the patient's family.

Trial reports on Mesothelioma cases raise hope for Mesothelioma patients. The report summarizes the results of the research procedure and is normally published in medical journals for evaluation, and to serve as the basis of continued experimentation by other health professionals.

There are different types of Mesothelioma, would a single successful clinical trial be enough for all types of this disease?

There were Mesothelioma Clinical Trial reports conducted for different types and extent of Mesothelioma. A few examples are the following:

For progressive malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (developed in the lining of the lungs), Phase III Vorinostat trial was conducted where physicians use a chemotherapy drug called Vorinostat to kill cancerous cells and stop the cell's division by blocking enzymes that are needed for the cancerous cells to multiply.

For advanced malignant Mesothelioma, Phase II Pemetrexed Disodium with Gemcitabine is a trial conducted to examine the effects of chemotherapy drugs such as Gemcitabine and Pemetrexed Disodium on recurrent malignant Mesothelioma.

For patients with unresectable malignant Mesothelioma, Phase II AZD2171 clinical trial was conducted so doctors can investigate the use of such chemotherapy drugs for inhibiting enzymes and block the flow of blood into the tumor. The trial was dedicated to help patients suffering from advanced, sarcotamous, epithelial, and recurrent malignant Mesothelioma.

Know more about the facts behind Mesothelioma Cancer, Cause, and Treatments.

Article Source: Clinical Trials For Mesothelioma: Who Are Involved, Stages, and Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Reports

Five Common Symptoms Of Mesothelioma

Five Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma by Devin Taylor

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects people who have been exposed to asbestos. The time period between the asbestos exposure and the onset of mesothelioma is typically very long. Some people do not develop any mesothelioma symptoms until 40 years or more after the asbestos exposure. This makes it very difficult to diagnose both mesothelioma and asbestosis (another condition caused by asbestos exposure).

Another factor that makes the mesothelioma diagnosis difficult is the variety of mesothelioma types. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of internal organs. Thus, it can affect the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart and testicles as well as spread to the surrounding tissues. Depending on the exact location of the mesothelioma cancer, the symptoms might vary. The following is a list of five common mesothelioma symptoms.

1. Pain in the Chest and/or Abdomen
Mesothelioma cancer can produce pain in various body parts. The pain becomes stronger as the cancer advances. Pleural mesothelioma (cancer in the lining of the lungs) often causes pain in the chest. In addition, the patient might have difficulty breathing. The shortness of breath might increase as the cancer advances and causes pleural effusion (retention of fluid in the lining of the lungs). Persistent abdominal pain might be a sign of peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining of the stomach).

2. Coughing
Many patients with pleural mesothelioma experience a persistent, dry cough. As the cancer spreads, they might cough up blood. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss
While most people welcome weight loss as a positive event, large and unexplained weight loss might be a sign of trouble. Such sudden weight loss might be a sign that the body is under extreme pressure produced by cancerous cells and is using internal fatty tissue reserves as a source of energy to fight the disease.

4. Persistent Fatigue
Fatigue is typically a normal bodily response to physical and psychological exhaustion. However, if you feel fatigued all the time for no apparent reason, this might be a sign of cancer. You should see your physician if you feel fatigued even as you wake up after eight or nine hours of sleep.

5. Night Sweats and/or Fever
As mesothelioma spreads, it produces a growing number of cancerous cells, which begin to interfere with basic physiological functions. As a result, internal tissues might begin to swell, and various body cavities might become filled with fluid. The body responds to these occurrences by producing night sweats, which are often accompanied by a low-grade fever. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor for a thorough medical evaluation.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your physician will most likely recommend aggressive therapies to slow the spread of cancer and kill off the cancerous cells. Sadly, even with the most advanced cancer therapies, the mesothelioma life expectancy remains less than one year. However, new treatments are being developed, offering mesothelioma patients hope of remission and a longer, more satisfying life.

Consult a medical professional to learn more about mesothelioma cancer, including symptoms such as pleural effusion as well as mesothelioma life expectancy.

Article Source: Five Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Finding The Best Mesothelioma Treatment Locations In The Southern Us

Finding the Best Mesothelioma Treatment Locations in the Southern US by Andre Savoie

Mesothelioma is a unique and rare form of cancer, which makes it particularly important to seek treatment from a specialist familiar with this particular disease. If you, or someone you love, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, also referred to as asbestos cancer, the following overview will help you decide where to look for treatment.

Where to Look

There are major cancer research facilities located throughout the United States where you or your loved ones can find the best in diagnostics and treatment options. The foremost centers found in the southern and southeastern parts of the United States are listed below, and a complete list is available on the National Cancer Institute’s website.

Texas: There are three mesothelioma treatment centers in the state of Texas, two of which can be found in Houston and one in San Antonio.
In Tennessee, the two mesothelioma treatment centers are the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Center in Nashville.
Georgia has a single treatment center located in Atlanta.
In Florida, mesothelioma treatment can be found at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.
The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is found in Birmingham, Alabama.
Why Is a Mesothelioma Specialist Important?

It is important to seek treatment for mesothelioma for yourself or someone close to you at a major mesothelioma treatment center for two reasons: the most accurate diagnosis and access to the latest treatment options.

Precise Diagnosis. As mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, general practitioners and other medical professionals may not have encountered it previously and are more likely to misdiagnose the disease as something else with similar symptoms. Treatment conducted earlier is more likely to be effective, which means it is important that mesothelioma is diagnosed accurately as soon as possible.
Up-to-date Mesothelioma Treatments. Research is largely conducted at the major cancer centers, so patients who are treated at these centers have better access to clinical trials and receive treatment from doctors who stay current with the latest treatments and research.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to seek medical treatment and diagnosis in a timely manner. It is also important to seek out legal advice from a qualified mesothelioma attorney with experience dealing in asbestos cases, and the Louisiana asbestos attorneys at Landry and Swarr are ready to help.

Article Source: Finding the Best Mesothelioma Treatment Locations in the Southern US

Mesothelioma Lawsuits In Baltimore

Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Baltimore by K James

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer form that occurs because of asbestos exposure. It has an impact on the lining of the lungs and abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is a fatal disease with an average survival time of just one year after diagnosis. Your survival rate can increase if it is diagnosed early. Mesothelioma lawsuits in Baltimore give you an opportunity to file a case against a party that is responsible for your situation.

If you win your Mesothelioma lawsuit, you can easily recover the cost of treatment and get compensation for lost earnings. Mesothelioma lawsuit can be quite useful for your family members who will suffer financially due to the high medical bills and loss of income.

Legal Help

Before getting any legal help, it is quite important that you collect as many details regarding your case as you can. As the majority of Mesothelioma cases are linked with asbestos exposure, make sure you have an idea of the location where you have been exposed to asbestos.

Because Mesothelioma symptoms may not appear for up to thirty years after exposure, you may face some issues in determining the exact location of exposure. For example, if you were exposed during work, it is quite vital that you recall all the events that took place at your workplace. The kind of work you were performing will give you an overview of the likely point of asbestos exposure. If you were exposed to asbestos at home, you will need to evaluate everything in more detail to pinpoint the mode of exposure.

Successful Mesothelioma Lawsuit

For a successful Mesothelioma lawsuit, it is of paramount importance that you provide your lawyer accurate and comprehensive details. With so many Mesothelioma lawyers operating in Baltimore, you will not face any problem in finding the right lawyer. Only hire a lawyer who has comprehensive knowledge of Baltimore law.

When you are aware of the reason behind your asbestos exposure, you can file lawsuit against a party that caused the exposure. In order to defend you properly, your Mesothelioma lawyer will need every detail on time or your Mesothelioma case may suffer. Every state has a statute of limitations defining a time frame in which you can file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. In Baltimore, the statute of limitations is set on the basis of your diagnosis time rather than when you were exposed to asbestos.

Convenience

When you file Mesothelioma lawsuits in Baltimore, one thing that you are going to find is that these cases are convenient and easy to handle so you are not going to face any problem with regard to claims. If both parties agree, you have the option of an out of court settlement.

You will need to sign various documents in order to file a claim for Mesothelioma. By signing documents, you give your lawyer the opportunity to gather medical details that are going to play a significant part in the outcome of your case.

During the court proceedings, you need to be well prepared as the opposition lawyer is going to ask you various questions related to your disease. Any mistake can have a negative impact on your case. If you are unsure about anything, it is advisable that you interact with your mesothelioma lawyer before answering something. The kind of evidence you present in court 1will decide the outcome of your case. Often, it is recommended that you provide court with video evidence. Whatever evidence you present, make sure that you do not hide anything from your lawyer. If your lawyer misses any point at the time of court proceeding, it can have a negative impact on your Mesothelioma case.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Baltimore

Article Source: Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Baltimore

Asbestos, Mesothelioma, The Law, And You

Asbestos, Mesothelioma, the Law, and You by Ed Garrison

Workers on new construction today have little reason to worry about asbestos. Asbestos-based building materials were phased out several years ago and are no longer commercially available to contractors and the general public.

But only a few decades ago, asbestos was well regarded in the construction industry because of its outstanding fire retardant qualities and its properties as an insulator of both temperature and electrical current. Moreover, it is derived from abundant, inexpensive minerals such as chrysotile and is easy to produce. Thus, hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of buildings still standing today, asbestos can be found in tiles, in insulation, and in flooring and ceiling materials.

What's the problem with asbestos? Quite simply, asbestos consists of exceedingly fine fibers that easily become airborne, especially when asbestos-containing materials are cut or broken. Once they are inhaled, they settle in the lungs, where they will remain for the person's life, since the human body has no means of eliminating asbestos. And unfortunately, asbestos is a carcinogen. In layman's terms, this means it causes cancer.

Brief exposure to asbestos normally does not cause cancer, but prolonged exposure, especially to high concentrations, increases cancer risk dramatically over time. Thus, a person who as handled asbestos is unlikely to develop skin cancer on the hands, but someone who has inhaled the fibers is at risk for lung cancer. Smoking increases the lung cancer risk significantly.

Often, asbestos fibers will work their way through lung tissue and into the chest cavity, where it can become lodged in the protective linings there known as the mesothelium. The resulting cancer is known as mesothelioma.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and have suffered health problems, you can sue the persons/companies responsible. The likelihood of winning your case, like any other lawsuit, depends on many factors. In general, however, it will be crucial for you to be able to prove that your health issues resulted directly from the asbestos exposure. Thus, a person who has been smoking three packs of cigarettes per day, was briefly exposed to asbestos, and developed lung cancer will usually have a harder time of it than a nonsmoker who was exposed to asbestos for decades and developed mesothelioma. After all, lung cancer is fairly common among heavy smokers, whereas mesothelioma is a rather rare cancer in people who were not exposed to asbestos.

If you think that you experienced significant exposure to asbestos; and if you have contracted a related disease such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis (a scarring of lung tissue caused by the body's reaction to asbestos, which in time can seriously impair the functioning of the lungs), you may wish to sue the persons or companies responsible for your exposure, even if it took place many years ago.

But be forewarned: because of the significant financial risk to the defendant in such cases, it's highly unlikely that the person(s) or corporation(s) you are suing will spare no expense in hiring a competent defense attorney. While you can theoretically file a mesothelioma lawsuit yourself without a lawyer, this is probably not a good idea, since an "amateur" is no match for the legal "big guns."

Therefore, if you're contemplating such a lawsuit, you would be wise to consult a competent attorney who preferably has extensive experience with asbestos lawsuits. Such an attorney will be able to advise you as to the merits of your case. If he or she believes that your case has a good chance of succeeding, you may be able to sue on a contingency basis. This means that the attorney will not bill you by the hour "up front," but rather will share in the proceeds if you win. This eliminates your risk of paying big legal bills for an unsuccessful suit, but promises a much bigger payout to your lawyer if you prevail, which also creates an incentive for your lawyer to fight for as big a settlement as possible. If you don't have a lawyer, you can consult your local bar association, and they will refer one to you.

For more information on how to sue someone and suing for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma visit HowToSue.org.

Article Source: Asbestos, Mesothelioma, the Law, and You

What Is Mesothelioma?

What Is Mesothelioma? by Gabe Switzer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective membrane covering the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. This rare cancer is frequently caused by exposure to asbestos or other lung irritants. A highly aggressive disease, mesothelioma is frequently resistant to most common cancer treatments. There is no cure for this serious illness, but many researchers are focused on this field. Inducing remission has been successful in some patients, and there are treatment options to relieve pain, extend life expectancy, and improve a patient's quality of life.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

The primary symptoms of early stage mesothelioma are chest pain, coughing, and fatigue. Although caused by asbestos, symptoms of this cancer may not appear until up to fifty years after exposure to the irritant. In general, mesothelioma does not appear until at least twenty years following initial exposure. Due to the fact that the early symptoms are mild and can be caused by many other diseases, combined with the late appearance after exposure, mesothelioma often goes undiagnosed until symptoms worsen and the cancer becomes more serious. Later symptoms can include anemia, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea or constipation, chest pain, bowel obstruction, and night sweats. The prognosis is much better when the disease is caught in early stages. As such, anyone that has been exposed to asbestos should see a doctor immediately if they experience persistent chest pain, coughing, or fatigue.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms overlap with symptoms of many other diseases. As a result, diagnosis can be difficult. Patients presenting symptoms of this serious cancer will undergo a complete physical, imaging tests, tissue biopsies, and lung functioning tests. Further tests, such as fluid biopsies, magnetic resonance images, and blood tests may also be ordered by an oncologist to get a complete picture of the disease.

Types of Mesothelioma

As noted above, the mesothelium covers the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. Any organs that are covered by this protective membrane can be affected during the course of mesothelioma. Three primary types of mesothelioma, that target three different regions, have been identified. Over 75% of all mesothelioma patients suffer from pleural mesothelioma, which is centered in the pleural lining of the lungs. These patients are likely to experience shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain, and muscle fatigue. Peritoneum mesothelioma is centered in the peritoneum, or membrane covering the organs of the abdomen. Peritoneum mesothelioma causes fever, diarrhea and constipation, weight loss, blood-clotting abnormalities, fluid accumulation, and bowel obstruction. The final and most rare type of mesothelioma affects the pericardium, or membrane surrounding the heart. Rare and aggressive, pericardial mesothelioma causes severe chest pain, heart palpitations, respiratory problems, chest pain, and coughing. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma are frequently not candidates for surgery as this form of the disease is not typically diagnosed until later stages.

Who Gets Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos. The irritants are breathed in, traveling to internal organs throughout the body. Depending on where the asbestos lands in their travels, the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs can be affected. Anyone who works with asbestos materials for a living is at an increased risk for this serious disease. Examples of professions dealing with this dangerous substance include: some military veterans, construction workers, renovation crews, mechanics, insulators, asbestos mine workers and millers, boiler workers, and asbestos manufacturing employees. Due to the serious nature of this disease, anyone employed in these professions, as well as others who have worked with asbestos, should seek medical attention immediately if they display the above listed symptoms.

Living With Mesothelioma

Although mesothelioma is classified as an aggressive cancer, some patients have lived many years with this disease. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques are all important for maintaining a high quality of life. While mesothelioma cannot be cured, the proper treatment and a positive outlook can help ensure the happiness and comfort of most patients.

If you've been diagnosed with Mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, contact Nashville personal injury lawyers John Griffith and Jeff Roberts.

Article Source: What Is Mesothelioma?