Posts Tagged ‘lawyer’

Mesothelioma and the Industries Affected By It

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the lining of various organs and body areas like the heart, abdomen and lungs. It is sometimes called “asbestos cancer” due to asbestos exposure being the overwhelming cause of Mesothelioma in the United States. There is no known cure for Mesothelioma.

Due to asbestos being a mineral that was used in thousands of products, from floor tiles to household appliances, for many years, several industries have been affected by it. Workers in industries (like ship building, construction and others) that used these products may have been exposed to asbestos. When disturbed, asbestos releases tiny fibers that, when inhaled, travel deep into the lungs and cause scarring (asbestosis). Besides causing Mesothelioma, exposure to these asbestos fibers can also cause colon cancer, lung cancer and larynx cancer.

The Ship Building Industry and Mesothelioma

During WWII was the peak of asbestos use in the ship building industry, since the demand for ships was at an all-time high. Commonly used to insulate engines, pipes, gaskets and boilers to prevent heat gain or loss, asbestos was lightweight and therefore quite useful in ships.

The Construction Industry and Mesothelioma

Commonly used as insulation (both general and around piping and boilers) or to increase the tensile strength of concrete pillars and slabs, asbestos was used in building construction up until the mid-1970s. Workers were exposed to airborne, easily-inhaled asbestos particles from the Great Depression until the 1970s since asbestos was commonly applied in spray form. But even today, asbestos is still commonly used as a strengthening additive in cement as well as in slating, tile and roofing.

The General Industry and Mesothelioma

Auto repair shops, especially ones that specialize in brake in clutch repair, are the most common example of general industry asbestos exposure. This is due to asbestos being used for decades in break drums, clutches and break pads. So when brakes and clutches are being repaired, there is a risk for Mesothelioma.

If you are a Mesothelioma victim, or if you’re the loved one of a Mesothelioma victim, you may want to consider seeking legal help to get the compensation you deserve for your suffering. To find out more about industries affected by Mesothelioma, call 1-888-370-0121.

Mesothelioma and Victim’s Rights

Friday, April 24th, 2009

Mesothelioma victim’s rights are something everyone affected by Mesothelioma, whether you’re a victim of it or have a loved one who is, should be aware of. A rare form of cancer that is typically associated with asbestos exposure, Mesothelioma currently does not have a cure. Once a person is diagnosed with it, the expected survival rate is between 8 months and 24 months, with a person possibly being able to survive for up to five years should it be diagnosed very early.

Victims of Mesothelioma must deal with not only pain and suffering, but economic hardship. All too often, people are diagnosed with it after they have retired, so they may not have insurance to cover treatment — and the medical expenses can be staggering. In order to obtain enough money to pay for medical expenses and make sure that their loved ones are taken care of, victims may want to turn to the court system and seek legal help.

When choosing a Mesothelioma lawyer to handle your case, there are several considerations to be made. One, you want to find out who exactly will be handling your case. Sometimes the lawyer you speak to and wind up hiring will just refer it to someone else at another law firm.

Another consideration to make involves looking at the Mesothelioma lawyer’s history. How successful has he or she been in getting clients the compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering? A proven track record of success should give you an idea of how qualified and good a lawyer is. You absolutely want a lawyer on your side who has worked on cases similar to yours.

Lastly, because many states have laws that restrict an injured person’s right to compensation, consider the location in which you will sue. For example, Texas is a state that is known for being fair to Mesothelioma victims, and the state’s courts actually lead the nation in providing speedy trial settings for victims of mesothelioma.

If you’re a Mesothelioma victim or have a friend or loved one who is, don’t hesitate to seek legal help to get the compensation you deserve. To find out more about Mesothelioma victim’s rights, call 1-888-370-0121 to speak to a resource person.