Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer that develops in the lining of internal organs and is caused by exposure to asbestos, usually medium and long-term exposure in the workplace.
Asbestos is a combination of silicate minerals, which became popular in the manufacturing and construction in the late 19th century because of its strength, heat resistance and affordability naturally. Unfortunately, it also causes a host of serious and fatal health problems, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.
The first death was documented in 1906. However, asbestos has continued to be used in various materials manufacturing and construction until the 1970s, the US government and the asbestos industry has long been criticized for ignored the dangers continuing to expose employees to the risk of exposure to asbestos. Court documents show the 1970 asbestos industry was aware of the risks since the Great Depression.
In fact, mainly because of legal challenges, asbestos is not officially banned in the United States. However, its use in consumer products has declined significantly mainly because of the threat of prosecution. Historically, asbestos-containing products include drywall and joint compound, floor tiles, roofing materials, industrial and marine gaskets, brake pads, thermal insulation of pipes and ducts and other HVAC air conditioning and heating equipment.
Types of Mesothelioma include:
- Pleural Mesothelioma: Accounts for about 75 percent of diagnoses. Develops in the lining of the lungs, which is known as the pleura.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Accounts for up to 20 percent of cases. Develops in the lining of the abdomen.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: Develops in the lining of the heart and accounts for only about 1 percent of cases.
- Testicular Mesothelioma: Also rare, accounting for about 1 percent of all cases.
Mesothelioma Litigation in Chicago
Because half a lifetime often passes between exposure to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is usually very complex cases. Short survival time opted for a law firm experienced a critical task as soon as possible after diagnosis.Abels & Annes in, we work with mesothelioma victims and surviving family members to call to account those responsible, and to help ensure the financial security of the family.
Where and when the exposure occurred, and to identify those responsible, it is often the first challenge. In many cases, large companies responsible for exposing employees have already been forced into bankruptcy by mesothelioma trial. In some cases, a trust fund may be available to pay for the damage. In other cases, a company may have been sold and resold at a large company still in business under a different name.
And in still other cases, it is the government that is responsible. US military veterans – especially those who served in the Navy shipyards or on board the ship, are at particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma. Hollywood Actor Steve McQueen died at the age of 50 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. He believed he would have been exposed to asbestos at work on board ships as Marine at the end of the Second World War.
In fact, the government estimates that some 100,000 people in the United States have died as a result of exposure to asbestos in the shipbuilding industry.
Nationwide, about 3,000 people will be diagnosed with mesothelioma each year and about the same number die from this preventable form of cancer. Illinois is one of a dozen states reporting higher mortality rate than the average of 14-17 patients per 1 million yearly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you are dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis, there is no time to lose. Please contact the personal injury lawyers and wrongful death lawyers Abels & Annes, PC today for a free consultation
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