Consulting a mesothelioma attorney may be one of the most important actions a person diagnosed with the asbestos-related disease can take. Mesothelioma is a cancer that can result from occupational exposure to asbestos, a group of six minerals that are mined from the earth and whose fibers when airborne can be ingested or inhaled.

Some of these fibers are expelled from the body, but many internally embed themselves and can bring on several potential health scenarios which are either severely debilitating or life-threatening. A mesothelioma attorney may be able to help recover compensation for the resulting medical expenses and lost income.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, abdominal cavity and sometimes testes. On average, the time between exposure to the fibers and diagnosis of the disease is 30 years, but some people have experienced symptoms after as little as 10. This is known as its latency period.

It is also not uncommon for the disease to remain asymptomatic until so far advanced that the goal of attaining remission is difficult. In this situation, extraordinary and expensive medical interventions may be necessary—if chosen—to lengthen the life of the patient. This is where hiring a mesothelioma attorney with a proven track record is helpful. Taking legal action with the help of a mesothelioma attorney can help cover the costs of treatment and other related expenses.

Other Possible Health Outcomes and Considerations

Securing the assistance of an experienced mesothelioma attorney may also be advisable in situations where a patient has a history of using tobacco products and has had occupational exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can lead to the development of lung cancer, even in persons who don’t smoke.

Close to 250,000 Americans face a new diagnosis of lung cancer each year. Lung cancer is a health threat that has been identified as a top killer in this country and abroad.

While it is commonly known that there is a scientific relationship between smoking and lung cancer, it is less commonly realized that the lung scarring that comes from inhaled fibers set the body up for this more generalized diagnosis as well.

Historically, defense attorneys that represent asbestos-product manufacturing companies employ the strategy of blaming tobacco use and tobacco companies for lung cancer in situations where the patient has a history of smoking. This is a defense that draws upon the commonly accepted and known causal relationship between tobacco use and this type of cancer. It takes the extensive experience of a mesothelioma attorney to be able to counter this tactic.

Finally, there is another health outcome that exists between these two cancers and can be a precursor to either one—asbestosis. Asbestosis symptoms are due to fiber-based scarring and usually present themselves as a severe tightness in the chest with shortness of breath.

The scarring leads to reduced elasticity in the lungs making it difficult to expand and capture needed oxygen. The ability to fully oxygenate the blood is compromised in this situation and can be a catalyst to numerous other health situations.

Have you or a loved one been exposed through their occupation to asbestos? You may be entitled to compensation. Fill out the form on this page to request a free legal consultation.