Victims who have been diagnosed with cancer following asbestos exposure may qualify to file a mesothelioma lawsuit and pursue compensatory damages for their injuries and suffering. Recent asbestos cancer lawsuits have resulted in settlement agreements totaling millions of dollars in damages for the victims.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlements

In a recent ruling in a California negligence lawsuit regarding asbestos exposure and testicular cancer, a jury awarded a victim and his wife $25 million in compensatory damages.

Plaintiffs Houshang and Soraya S. of California filed their mesothelioma lawsuit against Fluor Enterprises Inc. and the National Iranian Oil Company following Houshang’s diagnosis of testicular cancer. According to Houshang, he was employed at several oil refineries between 1959 and 1979. His lawsuit provided evidence showing that Fluor’s refineries violated their own safety standards and may have put countless employees at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Due to the negligence of his employer, the jury awarded Houshang $14 million for pain and suffering, and awarded $11 million to his wife for loss of consortium. Additionally, the jury found the defendant companies to be at fault for all of Houshang’s injuries.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. While most victims who suffer from asbestos-related mesothelioma develop the condition in their lungs, some victims, like Houshang, may develop testicular mesothelioma. Testicular mesothelioma is an even rarer type of cancer, and may cause patients to experience intense pain and suffering, as well as depression, emotional distress, and relationship stress.

There are a number of forms of mesothelioma. Most mesothelioma victims are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a kind of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, from breathing in asbestos. Other forms of the disease include peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdominal cavity, and pericardial mesothelioma affecting the lining around the heart.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that is used in several common products. It is known for being strong and heat resistant. Asbestos fibers may be found in flooring tiles, insulation materials, and vehicle brakes.

Due to the hazardous side effects associated with exposure to the material, asbestos use is regulated by OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Today most new buildings are prohibited from using asbestos products in their construction; however, older buildings may still contain these materials, and property owners are often not required to remove them, as long as they can be left in place undisturbed. Schools, public buildings, and homes may all contain asbestos materials.

Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and irritation in the lungs. Over time, this inflammation may cause a build-up of scar tissue to form, and cancer may develop. Asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma usually take a decade or more to develop before victims experience any symptoms. This delay is diagnosis makes it harder to treat.

If you have worked in an industry where you were exposed to asbestos insulation, construction materials, or other asbestos-containing products, and have developed mesothelioma as a result of this exposure, you may be eligible to hire an attorney and file a mesothelioma lawsuit. Victims who pursue compensation for workplace asbestos exposure and cancer may be able to claim thousands or millions of dollars in damages for their injuries.