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Washington Mesothelioma Lawyer

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Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms primarily due to exposure to asbestos. The survival rate for certain types of mesothelioma is only eight percent. With 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma being diagnosed each year, it is an ever-present problem in the United States. If you were exposed to asbestos and display symptoms of mesothelioma, it is advised that you call a lawyer familiar with such claims. A lawyer can discuss your rights with you. With hundreds of new cases being claimed each year, a mesothelioma personal injury attorney can use their expertise in the field and apply it to your case, especially if a former employer negligently exposed you to the asbestos inflicting your cancer.

Asbestos was a popular building material that was used in offices, schools, shipyards, railroads, and personal residences throughout the United States for decades. Asbestos was considered a perfect building material because of its resistance to fire and burning, its durability, flexibility, and its low conductivity to heat. Roofers, sawyers, power plant operators, factory workers, insulators, plumbers, and ship repair workers were put at a high-risk for exposure to asbestos. Asbestos insulation workers seem to have been put at the highest risk, as the statistics prove that over six percent of insulation workers developed mesothelioma as a result of their profession. Insulators are 300 times more likely to die from this type of cancer than people who were not exposed to asbestos.

Many asbestos workers eventually die as a result of their exposure to the mineral. Employers and asbestos manufacturers could have prevented these deaths if only they would have followed the proper safety procedures. Employers should have had employees wearing a gown, gloves, and a mask when dealing with asbestos materials. Employees should have also been given specific instructions on how to prevent the carrying of asbestos from the workplace to their home. When safety procedures are not followed and asbestos exposure harms workers and families alike, there is a case to be made for employer negligence, and a Washington lawyer will be well-versed in representing such a case.

Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, either through the mouth or the nose, the asbestos is embedded into the cavities of the lungs. If the asbestos fibers are swallowed, the asbestos becomes embedded in the abdomen. Our bodies are unable to break down and process asbestos, so once it enters our bodies, it stays there. The deadly nature of asbestos combined with its ability to stay embedded in fabrics worn by works results in not only workers being at risk, but also their families. If a family member handles asbestos-ridden clothing, he or she is placed at risk for developing mesothelioma due to second-hand exposure to asbestos. As with many toxins, second-hand exposure to asbestos can be just as deadly.

People who are diagnosed with mesothelioma only have a 20 percent chance of surviving the next five years after diagnosis. The survival rate for mesothelioma is extremely low, because usually this type of cancer is diagnosed in its more advanced stages. Mesothelioma often imitates other types of cancers, so a proper diagnosis is hard to make. Mesothelioma can develop in the chest (pleural mesothelioma), the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Many times, if a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will do an x-ray to see if there is fluid built-up in the specific area. This is a common sign of mesothelioma. Other signs of mesothelioma are an unusual thickening of the lungs, mineral deposits, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Only a licensed health care professional can diagnose mesothelioma.

Even though asbestos was banned, it can still be found in 700,000 buildings across the United States. As long as it remains captured in whatever building materials it was used in, it poses no threat. Once it is disturbed, however, it becomes very harmful. This puts construction workers in jeopardy when they replace old, worn-out asbestos materials or tear down buildings. It is very important to know what kind of materials you are dealing with. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney. An attorney can tell you how much monetary compensation may rightly be owed to you.