Asbestos exposure has been linked to serious lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers become airborne when the material is handled during mining or processing.  Exposure to these fibers has been directly linked to asbestosis and mesothelioma, two very serious medical conditions.  Any exposure could have been prevented with the proper safety gear.

Companies have been aware of the dangers posed by asbestos exposure, and the illnesses caused by it, since the 1940s and 1950s.  Many of these companies never informed their workers of the potential hazards.  Further, in many cases they did not provide adequate protective gear to limit the exposure of their workers to asbestos.

Exposure Risk To Non-Workers

The exposure to asbestos particles was not only limited the workers themselves.  The families of workers exposed to asbestos fibers were also at great risk for the illnesses associated with inhaling these fibers.  Oftentimes workers carried asbestos fibers and dust home on their clothing.  The fibers then became airborne at the worker’s home as they were dusted off his clothes or while his clothes were being washed.

Who Is Responsible?

Symptoms of exposure to asbestos may not appear for up to 50 years.  There is liability associated with a worker’s exposure, but the big question can be finding who is responsible.  Insuring a victim's rights are protected after so many years may be difficult.   Illnesses due to asbestos exposure are serious, potentially life threatening, and financially devastating.  Asbestosis and mesothelioma are commonly recognized as being the result asbestos exposure, most commonly from a work environment.

Asbestos Exposure Related Illnesses

Asbestosis is a direct result of asbestos exposure and is characterized by shortness of breath during exertion, coughing, tightness in the chest, and chest pain.  Asbestosis is not a cancer, but it also has no cure.

Mesothelioma is a rare and stubborn form of cancer found in the abdomen or chest cavity.   This cancer is caused by inhaled asbestos fibers wrapping around the chromosomes in mesothelium cells. This causes the DNA in the cells to mutate and become cancerous.   The mesothelium is a protective barrier around the lungs and in the chest, in the abdomen, and surrounding other organs in the body such as the heart.  

If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should consult with your physician to determine the medical care you need.  Due to the seriousness of these illnesses, you should also speak to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP to learn what your rights are.

For a FREE consultation, fill out our FREE case review form at right or call toll-free (866)222-2606.  Our lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP take cases on a contingency basis only.