Over the past twenty years or so, more and more mesothelioma-related lawsuits have been filed by former industrial employees. These claims have brought widespread scrutiny on industrial companies who exposed their workers to asbestos over the last century and have prompted restrictions and bans on the use of asbestos products. Several class action lawsuits and multi-district litigation (MDL) are currently pending. The claimants consist of living and dead factory workers who developed mesothelioma and allege that their former employers exposed them to asbestos and failed to warn them or protect them from the dangers of working with such a dangerous material.
An Overview of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that originates in the mesothelium – the protective lining covering the body’s internal organs. The most common site of mesothelioma occurs in the outer lining of the lungs as well as the internal lining of the chest cavity. Here are a few key points about mesothelioma with regard to many of today’s pending civil lawsuits:
- Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops from the cells lining the chest or abdominal cavities.
- Mesothelioma is diagnosed by a biopsy.
- When mesothelioma is found in the chest, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope.
- When mesothelioma is found in the abdomen, the doctor may look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope.
- The prognosis for patients with mesothelioma varies greatly and depends mainly on how early the condition is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated.
- Studies have proven that exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma – Direct Links to Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring set of silicates that were widely mined from the earth and then reformed, primarily for commercial insulation purposes. Many buildings and navy ships developed between 1900 and 1950 relied heavily on asbestos for a durable, inexpensive electrical and structural insulation material. However, it was later discovered that the fibrous material can break down as it ages. Broken down asbestos creates dust particles that are released into the air where workers can breathe it in.
As mesothelioma diagnoses grew and more deaths were reported over the years, the condition’s direct link to asbestos exposure led to the longest, most expensive mass tort in US history. Asbestos exposure has been medically proven to cause mesothelioma. Organizations operating in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s that may have exposed workers to these health risks include:
- Aerospace manufacturing facilities
- Auto repair shops
- Chemical manufacturing facilities
- Coal fired power plants
- Construction work sites
- Manufacturing/industrial plants
- Mines
- Oil refineries
- Plumbers
- Shipyards
- Smelters
- US Navy
- Welders
Primary Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Most patients who develop mesothelioma experience trouble breathing and/or notable shortness of breath. They also may experience chest pain or a crushing sensation. If the cancer progresses undiagnosed and untreated, a patient may experience:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Night sweats
- Changing of voice (from tumor growth)
- Impaired diaphragm function
Any individual who begins experiencing difficulty or abnormalities with their breathing and worked in any of the industries listed above between the 1950s and 1980s should see a doctor immediately to be screened for mesothelioma or other lung diseases. A doctor may perform scans to see inside the chest cavity and may also perform a biopsy. In the event of diagnosis, a doctor can order an appropriate treatment plan to combat the symptoms and remove any cancerous tumors if necessary.
Those diagnosed with mesothelioma by a doctor are strongly encouraged to speak with a personal injury attorney experienced in mesothelioma claims.
References:
