Claims For Asbestos Related Disease
Asbestos-related disease claims can be complex and costly. Unlike most tort lawsuits, these cases involve multiple plaintiffs with dissimilar injuries and medical criteria.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma and another asbestos-related disease may be eligible for compensation from responsible companies, asbestos trust funds as well as insurance companies and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Signs and symptoms
People who inhale asbestos fibers for a prolonged period may develop various diseases. Some of these diseases are cancerous like mesothelioma, while others are not cancerous but can still cause breathing issues. The key to handling any asbestos related disease is early detection and treatment. Anyone who has worked with asbestos or lived in the same home with someone who did should talk to their doctor about breathing problems. The doctor will conduct a complete exam and ask about your work history. Corona asbestos lawyers may also perform the test known as Spirometry, which examines the quantity of air you inhale and exhale.
The most common disease associated with asbestos exposure is lung disease. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and coughing, chest pain, and a bluish-colored appearance of the skin due to the lack of oxygen. The symptoms typically start slowly, but can worsen over time. They can cause respiratory failure. Inhaling asbestos can cause scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs, which decreases the ability of the lung to absorb oxygen. This is known as progressive exertional dyspnea. Chest xrays or lung function tests can help diagnose fibrosis.
Another symptom is fluid buildup around the lungs or in the chest or abdomen. These fluids are called plaques of the pleura and are the result of asbestos exposure. Plaques are an indication of asbestos exposure, but they are not always the cause of mesothelioma. They can be seen on a CT scan or a chest x-ray. They can also make it difficult to breath.
Malignant mesothelioma, a type of cancer, that affects the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. The symptoms include chest pain, rib cage or belly pain, breathing difficulties, fatigue and cough. The aggressive nature of this cancer and the fact that it is often diagnosed late could lead to a high mortality rate.
Asbestos-related benign diseases aren't as serious and do not generally have a long life-span. They may be characterized by plaques in the pleura and widespread fibrosis of lung and an effusion of the pleura. The pleura covers the lungs, chest cavity and various organs. Plaques in the pleura can appear dark on chest x-rays but they aren't cancerous and rarely cause symptoms. The fibrosis may not be apparent however it can reduce lung capacity when tests of lung function are performed. Pleural effusions could be a sign of cancer or a benign condition but are more likely to be due to mesothelioma rather than other cancers.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibers can cause scarring to the lungs, which is known as interstitial fibrous disease. This can lead to a progressive shortness of breath, and in some cases is fatal. This can also lead to a fluid accumulation in the lungs, which is known as the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions may be an indication that you are suffering from mesothelioma that is malignant. The latent period of these diseases is lengthy, which means it can take years to get diagnosed.
Because symptoms are similar to other illnesses, diagnosis can be difficult for doctors. It is important that you provide a complete medical as well as occupational history, including all asbestos exposure sources. This will allow the doctor identify the exact time that asbestos exposure occurred. This information will also help determine if the illness is caused by mesothelioma or a different disease such as lung cancer, pleural effusion or benign plaques forming in the pleural cavity.
A physician can utilize a special stethoscope to listen to the lungs. When there is an abundance of scarring within the lungs, it will produce dry crackling sounds when someone breathes. A doctor may order an CT scan or chest x-ray to check for evidence that asbestos exposure has occurred and to assess the extent of lung damage. A CT scan can be more detailed and detect changes in the lungs, however, it doesn't require radiation or anesthesia.
If someone has been diagnosed with asbestosis the doctor can prescribe medication to ease symptoms and prevent complications. Doctors can also offer support and guidance for living a healthy way of life, such as not smoking. Smokers are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer.
A doctor can also request the procedure thoracentesis, also known as thoracentesis order to obtain samples of lungs' fluid to be tested in a laboratory. A doctor can inject local anesthesia into the chest and then insert a needle between the ribs. This procedure is performed using ultrasound guidance. The fluid is then withdrawn for analysis. Treatment focuses on slowing down the progress of the fibrosis and improving breathing. Doctors can prescribe steroids to treat the condition. This is enough to improve the condition of some patients.
Exposure
Asbestos is a hazard and toxic substance that is used in the manufacture of many different products. People who worked on the production of asbestos-related products were exposed to harmful dust and fibers on an everyday basis. These exposures led to asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma or lung cancer. The exposure to asbestos is usually caused by direct contact with the material, however it can also occur when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged. These include construction and repairs and washing or cleaning clothes that contains asbestos fibers, and home maintenance and renovation.
The risk of developing diseases caused by asbestos is dependent on various factors, including the duration and intensity exposure and smoking habits. Some people only develop symptoms after years of exposure, while others develop symptoms so much sooner. Even exposure for a short time can result in serious issues like mesothelioma development and pleural effusions, among other diseases.
Inhaling asbestos particles causes the lung to become thicker and scarred and narrows air flow. This can cause chest pain, coughing, and breathing problems. In some instances the scarring can develop into mesothelioma which is very difficult to treat and could be fatal. This condition can also lead to pleural effusions. These are the accumulations of fluid in the linings of the lung.
Although these conditions are all extremely serious, they are not always fatal. If the root cause of the disease is detected in a timely manner there are treatments available which can help improve the chances of survival and prolong the duration of life. It is crucial for anyone who believes they may have been affected by the asbestos to speak to their doctor and be checked for asbestos.
Asbestos claims are accepted for up to three years following diagnosis. We have years of experience in helping clients with these claims. The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the type of disease and the circumstances that led to its development. In many cases, we can offer the No Win No Fee Agreement, which means that you will not have to pay any upfront costs and you will only be liable when the claim is successful.
Compensation
Anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness might be qualified for compensation. Compensation from lawsuits or insurance can aid in paying medical bills and other expenses associated with the serious illness. Mesothelioma attorneys can help victims determine if they are eligible for various types of claims. The criteria for eligibility are usually determined by state laws and the type of claim. Mesothelioma lawyers will analyze the patient's diagnosis, asbestos exposure, and other information in order to determine the most effective compensation strategy.
Compensation for asbestos-related illnesses can be offered in the form of lump sums or regular payments. It can also be tax-free benefits. The amount of compensation offered is based on a person's symptoms, and how they affect their daily lives. In addition, individuals suffering from specific conditions like mesothelioma, lung cancer or bilateral diffuse pleural thickening may be qualified for common law compensation from their former employers.
Asbestos victims may file a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful deaths against the companies responsible for their exposure to asbestos. A lawsuit could result in a jury verdict or an agreement. The longer a lawsuit is litigated, then the more difficult it is to get compensation.
An appeal can also be made to an asbestos trust. These funds were set up by the courts to pay compensation to asbestos victims and their families. Over 65 trusts are currently accepting claims.
Veterans who served in the United States Military and were diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease could be eligible to receive compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA claims are able to cover costs for treatment and other expenses.
A top mesothelioma lawyer can review the medical records of the client and asbestos exposure history to determine the best way to pursue compensation. They can also help with the paperwork, deadlines and filing claims. The time required to receive a payment varies on the severity and type of the illness. Compensation from a lawsuit or settlement may take more than a year, while VA and workers' compensation claims usually arrive within 8 weeks.
Corona asbestos lawyers