Workplace safety has always been a matter of global interest. However, asbestos exposure is one such alarming issue that won’t just come to an end. Primarily because asbestos is a slow-killing carcinogen. 

Any severe condition like Mesothelioma (a deadly form of cancer) takes years to develop. Besides, it’s not always terminal. Non-benign conditions like pleural plaques and asbestosis are also common. What really matters is the lack of awareness. 

This article traces the history of asbestos becoming a malignant mineral, related health risks, and ways to claim compensation following a mishap. Read on!

Asbestos – A Tale of Trade-off and Willful Neglect

The dangers of asbestos exposure were known as early as the 1930s. Back then, it was a booming industry, and the truth was hidden to help its expansion. Thanks to 20th-century researcher Dr. Irving Selikoff and legendary labor leader Tony Mazzochi, facts came to light.

Since then, there have been several workplace safety regulations, import-export restrictions, and anti-asbestos campaigns to raise public awareness. For instance, EPA’s 2022 decision to ban “ongoing uses of asbestos” was a welcome move to keep American workers safe.

Yet, asbestos exposure continues to be one of the biggest threats in the workplace, with people underestimating research and recommendations. But they aren’t to be blamed alone. Almost every building dating back to 1980 and earlier will have asbestos or some form of it in the structures, contributing to the risk.

According to the WHO, thousands around the globe die every year from asbestos exposure. In the US alone, high-risk occupations like construction, automotive repairs, electrical work, and shipbuilding expose American workers to asbestos daily. The stats on asbestos exposure and related illnesses paint a rather grim picture.

• Every year, the US witnesses more than 3000 new cases of Mesothelioma.
• The median survival rate for Mesothelioma patients is no more than a year. 
• Almost 30% of Mesothelioma cases involve US war veterans due to prolonged asbestos exposure in the military.

Asbestos Exposure – How Sick Can You Get?

Prolonged asbestos exposure leads to a condition called Mesothelioma. It affects the inner lining of the chest, lungs, and abdomen. Mesothelioma is among the most potent and aggressive cancer forms where microscopic particles get lodged within delicate tissues. In turn, it triggers an inflammatory response to mutate healthy cells into becoming cancerous.

Sadly, there’s no permanent cure for Mesothelioma to date. Even worse, the prognosis is inaccurate, and the treatment is highly symptomatic. Common signs of Mesothelioma include chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath, similar to those of asthma and COPD. Lifestyle improvement and diet can help and buy some time for the patient.

Other respiratory conditions that arise from breathing asbestos fiber are asbestosis and pleural plaques that thicken close to the lungs. If left untreated, it can turn into lung cancer. That’s why doctors recommend ex-asbestos industry workers over 50 to undergo regular cancer screening.

For smokers at work, asbestos adds to the carcinogenicity of tobacco. Generally, any smoker runs the risk of developing life-threatening conditions like COPD or lung cancer. However, workers who smoke and are equally exposed to asbestos are fifty times more vulnerable. 

Besides lungs, asbestos exposure can also cause cancer in the throat, stomach, ovaries, colon, and rectum. The diagnosis, however, is always tricky for obvious reasons.

• The symptoms of Mesothelioma take more than a decade to manifest (aka latency). In some cases, it can take up to fifty years before the patient starts complaining.
• Besides non-specific symptoms, Mesothelioma cells can mimic other types of cancer cells when viewed under a microscope. 
• Lab test staining patterns can also be confusing, as they match the features of a tumor. The correct diagnosis of Mesothelioma is only possible through biopsy.
• In most cases, the damage is done by the time a patient starts complaining about persistent chest pain or cough.

Claiming Compensation With Asbestos Lawsuits

Mesothelioma, by all means, is a severe condition with average expenses easily going up to $12,000 per month. Multiple surgeries, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment all add up. 

Individuals diagnosed with Mesothelioma or family members of a deceased are entitled to claim compensation by filing asbestos lawsuits. Remember, asbestos lawsuits not only seek compensation for the medical expenses but also for the pain and suffering caused. Of course, to make things work, you’ll need a reliable and experienced lawyer who can prove the liability in court.

TorHoerman Law suggests gathering solid evidence before you move the court by filing either a personal injury or a wrongful death lawsuit. Here are some essential points to consider.

• A personal injury lawsuit should always be filed against an organization for exposure to a carcinogenic compound. The average timeframe for a plaintiff in this type of lawsuit is between two and three years, counted from the time the person is diagnosed with Mesothelioma.
  
• Wrongful death lawsuits are to be filed by the estate of a deceased mesothelioma patient. The seek is financial compensation for paying medical bills, general financial support, and funeral expenses.
  
• Another viable option is a product liability lawsuit that alleges any asbestos-containing product causing personal injury or death. The charges can be framed either on grounds of negligence or breach of warranty.

Losing a loved one to Mesothelioma arising due to third-party involvement can be devastating. In many cases where workplace workplace negligence was the reason, hefty compensation was granted to grieving families. So, if you’ve solid evidence in hand, filing an asbestos lawsuit does make sense.