Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is heat and fire-resistant. Unfortunately, when the fibers that makeup asbestos are released into the air and then inhaled by humans, they can cause a whole host of medical issues. As trial attorneys with vast experience litigating asbestos cases, we know that the physical consequences of asbestos inhalation can be dire.
What Are the Ways Asbestos Exposure Can Happen?
Asbestos exposure can occur during the distribution of asbestos-containing materials, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. When you are exposed to asbestos fibers, they can be inhaled, ingested, or lodged in the skin. You can be exposed to asbestos in the following ways:
- In the Workplace: If you are working with asbestos or working in the same space as others working with asbestos, you will have asbestos exposure. Construction, ship repair, and manufacturing units for asbestos-containing materials are some of the common settings for this type of exposure.
- At Home: You can be exposed to asbestos at home if you are renovating or demolishing a building or parts of it.
- Through Drinking Water: Asbestos fibers enter the water line through natural deposits, waste asbestos poles, cement pipes, or asbestos-containing filters.
If you develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, you can file a lawsuit against the people or organizations responsible for your condition. It is recommended that you consult experienced mesothelioma attorneys for legal guidance and representation.
What Level of Asbestos Exposure Can Lead to Mesothelioma?
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, as even a small amount of asbestos exposure can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. The more asbestos you are exposed to, the higher the risk of developing the illness. However, certain factors often determine the chances of developing mesothelioma.
- Fiber Type: Longer, thinner asbestos fibers are more likely to increase the risk of lung cancer than shorter, less thin fibers.
- Length of Exposure: People exposed to large quantities of asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the illness.
- Asbestos Type: While blue and brown asbestos are strongly associated with mesothelioma, exposure to white asbestos is also considered harmful.
Asbestos-exposure victims who have developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses can file mesothelioma lawsuits with the help of mesothelioma trial lawyers. Since the legal process can be complicated, it is better to contact a law firm specializing in mesothelioma settlements.
Common Health Conditions Caused by Asbestos Exposure
Asbestosis:
- This disease is characterized by light scarring and inflammation in the lungs. It can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and clubbed fingers. In severe cases, Asbestosis can prove fatal.
Pleural effusions:
- This is a build-up of fluid between the pleural layers of the lungs. On their own, they are quite painful, but unlikely to be life-threatening. Unfortunately, however, pleural effusions are a major symptom of mesothelioma or bronchogenic carcinomas.
Pleural plaques:
- These are calcified buildups on the pleura that can result from asbestos exposure. They are typically not life-threatening, but they can cause extreme pain.
Pleuritis:
- Here, asbestos fibers lodge in the lung, causing great inflammation in the pleura. This can cause intense pain in the chest or shoulder.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
- Asbestos exposure is said to increase one’s risk of obtaining COPD, which is characterized by severe lung inflammation and excess mucus.
Sadly, there are more severe and oft-fatal diseases that can also result from asbestos exposure. They include:
Mesothelioma:
- this is the quintessential asbestos-related cancer and is responsible for roughly 3,000 deaths per year in the United States alone.
Lung cancer:
- Asbestos is only responsible for a small portion of lung cancer cases. Nonetheless, it is one of the most highly-fatal consequences of asbestos exposure.
Ovarian cancer:
- As recently as 2009, researchers confirmed a link between asbestos exposure and ovarian cancer and adds another layer of danger for women who have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
Laryngeal cancer:
- There is a proven link between exposure to asbestos and this throat cancer.
Why Work with Our Asbestos Exposure Lawyers?
Asbestos exposure often leads to mesothelioma and other critical illnesses that can impact your quality of life. Most of these lifelong conditions require ongoing treatment and may affect your ability to work. This is why asbestos-exposure victims need to file a lawsuit for financial compensation. However, it can be difficult for most mesothelioma victims to handle the legal process while battling the illness. In such situations, it is better to hire asbestos-exposure attorneys who can guide you through the process and represent your case in court.
At Harrison Davis, we help our clients build strong claims that identify how they were exposed to asbestos and how it connects to their mesothelioma diagnosis. We have a proven track record of past successes in helping clients in similar situations. With extensive knowledge of legal options related to mesothelioma cases, our asbestos lawyers can help you take the right path and secure the compensation you deserve.
For additional information about asbestos lung damage, or to discuss your injury claim with an experienced Texas trial lawyer specializing in asbestos damage claims, please call us at 855-463-2755 (toll free). If you prefer, you can fill out our online intake form and we will contact you. The consultation is free; the advice priceless.
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