Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissue covering  lungs, stomach, heart and other internal organs. The most common location for mesothelioma is in the lungs.

Tragically, one of the most common causes of mesothelioma is asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral used for many years in building materials and that is still found in many materials and buildings. The risk is when this material is inhaled.

Asbestos has been used since the early 20th century in building materials, because it is both durable and heat resistant. However, since the mid 20th century, it has been linked to the development of many types of cancer. Persons who develop these asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma may have mesothelioma claims that can help cover the costs of these diseases.

Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos was consistently used in building materials even after it was discovered to be dangerous to human health. Today there are many restrictions on the use of asbestos, but it is not entirely outlawed, and old buildings and materials still contain the substance.

Asbestos is primarily dangerous when released into the air, because people can breathe in the fibers. Because asbestos can be safe to be around when it is contained and not airborne, it still is present in many older buildings and materials. As such, many people are still exposed to asbestos on a regular basis.

In fact, many people suffer asbestos exposure because of their lines of work. Construction workers, cleaners, and builders are among those who are most likely to be exposed to asbestos. If a material containing asbestos is disturbed, broken apart, or wears down, asbestos fibers can be released and can pose a threat to those around it.

People who work or live in old buildings, or people who work in renovation can also often be exposed to asbestos. However, with a latency period of decades, many might not realize the cause of their diagnosis.

Asbestos Mesothelioma Claims

The U.S. has laws that require employers to provide a safe working environment for employees, so in some cases, when a person was exposed to asbestos due to their employment and develops mesothelioma or other health conditions from that exposure, the employer can be held liable for their employees’ injuries.

In some mesothelioma claims, employees argue that their employers knew that there was dangerous asbestos in a work environment but did not sufficiently warn employees of the risk, or did not take action to protect them from exposure. In other cases, employees have taken employers to court for requiring them to be exposed to asbestos as a part of their normal duties, making avoiding exposure unavoidable if the employee wanted to keep their job.

People who make mesothelioma claims can sometimes receive compensation for physical, emotional, or financial injury caused by their asbestos exposure. This compensation can help people handle medical bills, or lost income due to injury and illness that caused them to be unable to work. It can also provide compensation for physical injury and the emotional trauma that serious illness like mesothelioma can cause.