Vermiculite and asbestos are two minerals used for similar purposes.  Both have been historically used as excellent insulators, since they have highly effective heat resistance properties.  They are also both wonderful fire retardants, which makes them useful in the construction and shipbuilding industries.

That could be where the similarities end, however, because vermiculite is generally considered to be harmless to humans who are mining or working with it, while asbestos exposure can lead to many life-threatening diseases.  These diseases include mesothelioma, which has no known cure and can kill someone with terrifying quickness once symptoms manifest themselves.

Vermiculite is mined all around the world, with particularly large concerns operating in China, Brazil, South Africa, the United States, and Zimbabwe.  Within the United States, the largest mines are in the Appalachian mountain range, especially around Virginia.  It resembles mica, another mineral sometimes used for insulation in electronic devices, and has a brownish, vaguely metallic and glassy hue.

Since vermiculite has some similar properties as asbestos, it is often associated with mesothelioma.  However, there does not appear to be any evidence linking the mineral with the brutal cancer, or with any other diseases typically associated with asbestos exposure.  The major causal association between vermiculite and mesothelioma, at least in this country, appears to have stemmed from the asbestos-tainted vermiculite mines of Libby, Montana.  The case of asbestos in Libby, Montana is a well-documented and devastating one which has affected the lives of many in the area.

Due to the fact that vermiculite is generally considered harmless, it’s still used for construction today.  However, vermiculite from the Libby mines is considered suspect, since much of the mineral mined there also contains traces of asbestos.  That isn’t considered harmless.  If you have been exposed to vermiculite from Libby, Montana, there’s a chance that you might have also been exposed to asbestos.  If that’s the case, it might be a good idea to contact a mesothelioma lawyer with a proven track record of success.

Mesothelioma treatment is a rapidly advancing field.  Improvements and promising steps forward are made on a regular basis, as modern science does its best to catch up with this ravaging cancer.  Despite what appears to be a constant, if gradual and experimental, march of progress, however, there unfortunately remains no cure for mesothelioma.

Of the three primary methods of treatment for most cancers—surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy—none has proven particularly effective.  One of the more effective treatments used by surgeons is a procedure known as a pneumonectomy, which involves intense chemotherapy combined with the removal of a lung.  Although this treatment does not typically result in a cure for the patient, it can extend that patient’s life.

Any extension of a mesothelioma victim’s life can be a pretty big deal, especially since the average life expectancy of someone diagnosed with this cancer is less than two years.  From the onset of symptoms, the disease moves very rapidly.

Mesothelioma, thankfully, is a very rare disease.  Only somewhere between seven and 40 in a 1,000,000 get it in the United States of America, which is a blessedly low rate.  However, this low rate of prevalence is yet another reason why it’s so difficult to treat effectively.  That’s because there is very little comparative data on mesothelioma out there.  There are projects that attempt to compile disease data, like the Cornell University Mesothelioma Program, which works to establish a national registry of all mesothelioma cases, but the sheer lack of victims results in a lack of studies, which, in turn, means fewer big steps forward.

No matter what happens, it might be a good idea to consult with a mesothelioma law firm about securing a mesothelioma settlement.  When looking for one, think about the amount of experience that law firm has when dealing with cases of that nature, along with the track record it’s amounted.  Gathering those two bits of information will help you make a more well-informed decision, because a mesothelioma lawsuit or settlement is not something that can easily be taken lightly.

Another mesothelioma lawsuit has recently been settled in the plaintiff’s favor.  According to a blog post published today (May 24) on Asbestos.com, a 59-year-old man in the Miami area has been awarded over $14 million because of asbestos exposure he was subjected to while working.  This asbestos exposure later caused the man to develop peritoneal mesothelioma.  (The “peritoneal” element of this particular mesothelioma indicates that this cancer had attacked the lining of his abdomen, not necessarily the pleural lining of his lungs.)

The judgment decided against the defendant, Union Carbide, who was found to be negligent for selling asbestos fibers to companies, such as construction equipment companies, who then used the fibers in the manufacturing of their products.  The man came into contact with these asbestos fiber-laden products in the 1970s, when he worked for his family’s construction company.

Though mesothelioma is an incredibly rare disease, it much more strongly affects those in an certain industries, especially the fields of shipbuilding and construction.  That’s because asbestos used to be a prized ingredient in many of the products used in those areas.  Asbestos uses in these disciplines was varied.  The mineral has excellent insulation and flame-retardant properties, and its light density set it apart from other similar additives.   Unfortunately, when inhaled, it also causes mesothelioma, a grievously lethal disease for which there is no cure.  In addition to workers in the aforementioned industries, the families of those laborers also were at higher risk of coming into contact with asbestos fibers, since they often got trapped in hair and clothing and taken home.

Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can remain relatively harmless in the lungs for anywhere from 10 to 50 years before triggering mesothelioma. Despite such a long latency period, however, once the disease is diagnosed, life it advances rapidly.  The life expectancy of a mesothelioma victim is often measured in months, and as previously mentioned, there is no cure for this devastating disease.

Asbestos exposure has been a widespread, well-documented, and sadly devastating concern in the isolated mining community of Libby, Montana.  The issue began in 1919, when a vermiculite mine, called the Zonolite Company, opened in the area.  The mine soon grew to become a primary employer in the area, with many of the area’s population employed in the mining of vermiculite, and, in 1963, the mine was purchased by W. R. Grace and Company.  Unfortunately, the vermiculite that was proving to be a boon to the people of Libby also appeared to contain asbestos fibers, which, unbeknownst to the local populace, was causing an abnormally high number of deaths from asbestos-related ailments, including mesothelioma.

Once the Seattle Post-Intelligencer ran a series of articles (called, collectively, “A Town Left to Die”) linking the unusual number of asbestos-related deaths in the area to the mine formerly run by W. R. Grace and Company, federal investigators stepped in to determine the veracity of some of the claims made.  Their investigation turned up a disheartening result: there was an alarmingly high level of asbestos fibers found in air samples taken from around the area.  The authorities subsequently linked this finding to the asbestos-related illnesses that plagued the town.

Once the connection was made, the wide-ranging nature of Libby’s asbestos problems was made clear.  Nearly 300 deaths in the town and its surrounding are suspected to be related to asbestos.  This figure, already shockingly high, is even more tragic when taken in context of the town’s population of under 3,000.  Subsequent criminal charges were brought against employees of W. R. Grace & Company, all of whom were found not guilty on all counts.

Nothing can undo the disaster that transpired in Libby, Montana, a good mesothelioma lawyer—or, more likely, a  team of them—could theoretically help intercede on their behalf.  Let’s hope that environmental disasters such as this one neither transpire nor go unpunished in the future.

Mesothelioma lawsuits have traditionally been high-stakes, but the outcome of a recent trial in California might be uncharted territory, as far as payout size is concerned.

According to an article found on the Surviving Mesothelioma site, jurors in a recent case involving a woman who allegedly contracted mesothelioma by washing her husband’s asbestos-tainted clothing ruled in her favor, awarding her $208.8 million in total damages.  Of that total, $8.8 million was compensatory, while $200 million was punitive.

The article states that Bobby Evans, a worker for the L.A. Department of Water and Power from 1974 to 1998, had to, among other things, had to cut asbestos cement pipes as part of his job’s duties.  These pipes, manufactured by CertainTeed Corporation, released asbestos fibers into the air when cut.  These fibers then settled into his clothing, which were then apparently released into the air when his wife, Rhoda, washed them.

Unfortunately, there is nothing new about this claim.  Many industries, but primarily the shipbuilding and construction ones, historically used asbestos as an insulator and a fire retardant.  It did both jobs well, and was a remarkably light material to boot, so it was highly prized.  Unfortunately, it also causes devastating lung diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other debilitating cancers.  It decimated workers in those very industries that used it most.

What’s more, the lightweight fibers did have a tendency to get stuck in clothing and hair, which could then be disturbed in workers’ households and inhaled by his family.  Hence the very real possibility that this is indeed what happened to Rhoda Evans.

Though $208.8 million seems like a staggering payday, there’s a good chance that the final amount will be lowered in an appeal.  What’s more, mesothelioma is an absolutely ravaging disease, one that, as of now, has no apparent cure.  Despite constant improvements in mesothelioma treatment, the life expectancy of a victim is often measured in months, not years.

According to a promising article posted by the fine folks over at AboutMesothelioma.net, an experimental drug used for treating cancer, known as NGR-hTNF, had positive results when used as a means of treating mesothelioma.

According to the study, 57 patients who had already received chemotherapy treatment and had experienced a relapse of the disease were given the drug.  NGR-hTNF combines an amino acid sequence known as a peptide with a protein that helps bolster the immune system’s response to tumor growth.  The drug seemed to be somewhat effective at temporarily stopping the advance of the cancer, which affects the pleural lining of the lung, in 26 of the patients.  The length of the effectiveness appeared to be five months, and the median length of survival for patients was 12 months.

This might seem like bleak and not-particularly-good news, but mesothelioma is such a ravaging and devastating disease that any bit of news like this is emphatically good news.  With a cancer like mesothelioma, where the prognosis is almost always death and where the lifespan of those diagnosed is often measured in months, not years, every step forward is a great leap in the right direction.

Mesothelioma Treatment

If you are diagnosed with this devastating disease, it might be a good idea to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer with a proven track record of success.  When picking such a lawyer or law firm, be sure to do your homework.  Taking their win/loss ratio into account is usually a good tactic.  Though previous case histories don’t guarantee a particular outcome, since each case is different, you might be able to look at it as an indicator of the competence of the lawyer in question.

Though a mesothelioma diagnosis is a terrible affliction, there are constantly advances in treatments, many of which can improve the quality of life of victims.  Who knows—one day, if we’re lucky, this disease might be easily curable.  We have hope.

Sad news out of Kalamazoo, Michigan: Mlive.com reports that four-term Kalamazoo County commissioner, 69-year-old Grady Biby, recently passed away from mesothelioma. Last July, Mr. Biby announced to his fellow commissioners that he’d be leaving to battle the mesothelioma, but he was never able to return to work.

According to the article, Biby attributed his mesothelioma to the years he was aboard Navy submarines — the submarines probably exposed him to asbestos, which is the overwhelming cause of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer also called “asbestos cancer.” It attacks the lining of various body organs, and though there are treatments for it, there is no cure. Mesothelioma symptoms can take years or even decades to appear in a person, which is why it’s common for people to not realize their job in the construction industry or ship building industry — two of several industries that worked with asbestos — is the reason for their illness.

Families of people who worked in industries affected by asbestos could also be at risk. Workers who unknowingly tracked home asbestos fibers on their clothing and shoes had no idea they’d be putting their loved ones in danger.

Medical bills can pile up for a mesothelioma victim, and the pain and suffering are tremendous. If someone suffered or is suffering from mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure or another person’s or company’s neglect, it’s important to seek the help of a qualified mesothelioma lawyer.

A good mesothelioma lawyer will be experienced in handling similar cases and settlements. And while a common belief is that a lawyer is too expensive to hire, it’s important to remember that mesothelioma lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning any money they receive must come from the mesothelioma settlement, or the verdict obtained in the case.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call 1-888-370-0121 to speak with a resource person.

Mesothelioma legal information is something anyone with mesothelioma should seek, as they may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering. A rare form of cancer, mesothelioma is sometimes called “asbestos cancer” because it is typically caused by asbestos exposure. In fact, more than 90% of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to asbestos exposure.

There is treatment available for mesothelioma, but unfortunately there is no cure. Victims may experience common symptoms of the cancer, like a lingering cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms can take between 10 and 50 years after asbestos exposure to show up. This may be why many people with mesothelioma don’t realize the connection between it and a job they may have had decades ago that exposed them to asbestos.

Those in search of mesothelioma legal information may be interested to learn more about mesothelioma settlements. These settlements typically account for pain, suffering, lost wages and long-term medical treatment costs of the victim. If a wrongful death occurred because of mesothelioma, then the settlement must account for the pain and suffering as well as the funeral expenses incurred by the victim’s survivors. Mesothelioma settlements range from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars.

Finding a Mesothelioma Lawyer

The best way to find out as must as possible in regards to mesothelioma legal information is by contacting a lawyer who has experience handling similar cases. Hiring a qualified, knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will ensure that you have someone on your side who will fight for the compensation you deserve. Many families worry that a lawyer will cost too much, but the reality is that most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so any money received by the lawyer would come from the settlement or verdict obtained in the case. If you have questions about mesothelioma, call 1-888-370-0121 to speak with a resource professional.

Finding a mesothelioma lawyer does not have to be difficult. There are many out there, but you want to make sure that the one you hire is experienced, knowledgeable and has a proven history of successfully handling mesothelioma lawsuits and settlements. One concern of many mesothelioma victims and their families is that a mesothelioma lawyer is too expensive to hire. This isn’t necessarily true, as many work on a contingency fee basis, meaning any money received by the lawyer must come from the settlement or verdict obtained in the case. Forty percent of the total amount recovered is the standard fee in mesothelioma cases. While some lawyers may charge less than this, keep in mind the saying “You get what you pay for.”

Mesothelioma is a very serious matter. And because it is caused by asbestos exposure, it is important for victims to seek legal help. Companies that made and sold asbestos products knew of its dangers as early as the 1890s, and even though knowledge existed that asbestos was a deadly poison, asbestos companies continued to place a higher value on its profits instead of on human life. For this reason, workers in many industries like the shipbuilding and automotive industries, for example, suffered asbestos exposure, which can lead to mesothelioma. There is no cure for mesothelioma.

What can make the process of finding a mesothelioma lawyer a bit easier is if you get a referral from a friend or family member. If this is not possible, you can ask the mesothelioma lawyer you’re considering for referrals and his or her history of handling cases and settlements.

When meeting with a mesothelioma lawyer, don’t be afraid to ask questions. For example, how long have they been handling similar cases? What were the outcomes of the other mesothelioma cases they have handled? Will they be handling your case, or will another lawyer in the firm be assigned your case?

Ultimately, you should be confident that the mesothelioma lawyer you hire has what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. He or she should be able to handle the case as quickly as possible so that you can focus on your health and your family. To speak with a resource person about mesothelioma, please call 1-888-370-0121.

An asbestos lawsuit filed by a Vidor, Texas couple is against over 100 corporate defendants, according to a news story in the Southeast Texas Record. The reason for the high number of defendants is because the plaintiff was a truck driver who regularly visited the premises of the defendants. Though the asbestos lawsuit doesn’t say which member of the couple is the plaintiff, the Record reports that medical records attached to the lawsuit show that Charles Dees was diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2007 and had occupational asbestos exposure from 1950-1980.

Some of the defendants in this asbestos lawsuit include Chevron, BP, AMF Incorporated and A.W. Chesterton. The couple, Charles Dees and Mary Guidroz, are suing for exemplary damages and allege that the companies “negligently used asbestos insulation on their premises,” and that the facilities were an unsafe place to work. They also allege that the companies did not test asbestos products.

It will be interesting to see how this asbestos lawsuit turns out. Asbestos exposure can be extremely harmful, and many workers have been exposed to it while on the job. People who worked in the construction, shipbuilding and automotive industries may have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that does not have a cure.

Mesothelioma attacks the lining of various body organs, and it can actually take decades for noticeable symptoms to appear. This is why all too often people do not realize that the cause of their illness is asbestos exposure.

Don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer for help if you or a loved one have mesothelioma, or if you were exposed to asbestos. If you have questions about mesothelioma or asbestos exposure, please call 1-888-370-0121 to speak with a resource professional.