Claims For Asbestos Related Disease
Claims for asbestos related disease are often complex and costly. Unlike most tort lawsuits, these cases have multiple plaintiffs who have different medical conditions and injuries.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos illness may qualify for compensation from responsible companies, asbestos trust funds as well as insurance companies and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Symptoms
When people breathe in asbestos-containing particles over long periods of time, they could develop a variety of illnesses. Some are cancerous, for instance mesothelioma and others are non-cancerous but still cause breathing problems. Early detection and treatment are essential to overcoming any asbestos-related disease. Anyone who has had to work with asbestos or shared the same home with someone who had asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor regarding any breathing problems. The doctor will do an exhaustive exam and ask about work history. The doctor will also conduct a test called Spirometry which determines the quantity of air you breathe and exhale.
Lung disease is the most common illness caused by asbestos exposure. The signs of asbestos exposure are chest pain, difficulty breathing coughing, the appearance of bluish-colored skin. The symptoms typically start slowly, but they can get worse with time. They may result in respiratory failure. Asbestos inhalation can cause scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs, which decreases the lung's ability to absorb oxygen. This is known as progressive exertional dyspnea. The fibrosis can be diagnosed through chest x-rays and lung function tests.
The accumulation of fluids in the abdomen, chest or around the lungs is another sign. These fluids, referred to as pleural plaques, are triggered by asbestos. Plaques are an indication of asbestos exposure but are not always the cause of mesothelioma. They can be observed on the CT scan, chest x-ray or even a MRI. They can make breathing difficult.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Its symptoms include pain in the chest, belly or rib cage and breathing difficulties, cough and fatigue. The aggressive nature of this cancer as well as the fact that it is often diagnosed late could cause a high death rate.
The benign asbestos conditions are less severe and have a shorter survival rate. They include pleural plaques as well as widespread fibrosis within the pleura. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs, chest cavity and other organs. The calcifications of the pleura may appear unclear on an x-ray scan of the chest, however they aren't cancerous. They do not cause symptoms. The fibrosis could not cause any symptoms, but can cause a decrease in lung capacity on lung function testing. Pleural effusions may be a sign of cancer or a benign condition, but they are more likely to be related to mesothelioma than other cancers.
Diagnosis
Inhaling asbestos fibers causes lung scarring, also known as asbestosis, or interstitial fibrosis. This can lead to progressive shortness of breath, and in some cases, even death. It can also cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs, referred to as an pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be an indication that you have malignant mesothelioma. The latent period of these diseases is long, so it can take years to get diagnosed.
Doctors may have difficulty diagnosing asbestosis due to symptoms that are similar to those of other illnesses. It is important that you give a complete medical and occupational history that includes all asbestos exposure sources. This will allow the doctor identify the exact time that asbestos exposure occurred. This information will also help determine whether the illness is caused by mesothelioma or a different disease such as lung cancer, pleural effusion, or benign plaques in the pleura.
A physician can utilize a special stethoscope to listen to the lungs. If there is a lot scarring on the lung, it will make a sound that cracks when a person breathes. A doctor may order a CT scan or chest x-ray to look for evidence that asbestos exposure has occurred and to assess the severity of lung damage. A CT scan can be more detailed and detect changes in the lungs, however, it is not a requirement for anesthesia or radiation.
If someone has been diagnosed with asbestosis, the doctor may prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Doctors can offer advice and support for living a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking. This is because smokers are more at risk of developing lung cancer.
A doctor may also recommend the procedure known as thoracentesis in order to collect samples of fluid from the lungs to be tested in a laboratory. A doctor injects a small amount of local anesthesia and then insert a needle into the chest between the ribs as well as the lungs with ultrasound guidance. The fluid is then taken out to be examined. Treatment focuses mainly on slowing down the progression of fibrosis, and improving breathing. Doctors can prescribe steroids to treat this condition. For some patients, this is all that is needed to treat the condition.
Exposure
Asbestos, a toxic and dangerous substance is used in the manufacture of a variety of products. Workers who were involved in the production of asbestos-related products were exposed to harmful dust and fibers every day. The exposure led to a variety of asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Exposure to asbestos is mainly related to working directly with the material, but can also happen when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or destroyed. These types of exposures be related to repair and construction work cleaning or washing clothes contaminated with asbestos fibers, and even renovation and maintenance work in homes.
The likelihood of developing asbestos-related disease depends on a variety of factors that include the duration and intensity of exposure as well as smoking habits. Certain people experience symptoms of disease only after years of exposure, whereas others develop them more quickly. Even exposure for a short time can result in serious issues like mesothelioma development and pleural effusions, among other ailments.
Inhaling asbestos particles can cause the airflow in the lungs to be restricted due to scarring and thickening. This can result in chest pain, coughing, and breathing problems. In some cases the scarring can develop into a form of mesothelioma which is very difficult to treat and may be fatal. This condition may also lead to Pleural effusions. These are the accumulations of fluid in the linings of the lung.
These conditions are serious but they are not always fatal. If the root cause of the disease is identified early enough there are treatments which can help improve the odds of recovery and prolong the life of the patient. It is essential for anyone who believes they may have been affected by the asbestos to speak to their doctor and have them tested.
Asbestos claims are accepted for up to three years following diagnosis. We have a wealth 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 underlying its development. In many cases, we are able to offer a No Win No Fee agreement, meaning that you won't need to pay any upfront fees and only pay when your claim is successful.
Compensation
People who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness might be eligible for compensation. Compensation from lawsuits insurance and benefits may aid in paying medical bills and other expenses that come with the serious illness. Mesothelioma lawyers can help patients determine their eligibility for various kinds of claims. Eligibility requirements often depend on the laws of the state and type of claim. Mesothelioma attorneys will review the diagnosis of the victim, asbestos exposure and other information in order to determine the best compensation method.
Compensation for asbestos-related diseases can be provided in the form of lump sums, regular payments, or tax-free benefits. The amount of compensation offered is based on a person's symptoms, and how they affect their daily routine. Additionally, those suffering from specific conditions like mesothelioma or lung cancer or bilateral diffuse pleural thickening could be entitled to common law compensation from their former employers.
Asbestos victims can bring a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful deaths against the companies responsible for their exposure to asbestos. A lawsuit can result in a verdict from an unbiased jury or a settlement. The longer a case is argued and the more difficult it becomes to obtain compensation.
Another method of receiving compensation is to submit an application to an asbestos trust fund. These trust funds were established by courts to compensate asbestos victims and their families. There are over 65 trusts accepting claims at present.
Lastly, Mountain View asbestos lawyer who served in the United States military and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition may be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA claims can be used to pay for treatment costs as well in other expenses.
A top mesothelioma lawyer will examine the medical records of a patient and asbestos exposure history to determine the best method to seek compensation. They can also help with the paperwork, deadlines, and filing a claim. The time it takes to receive compensation varies based on the nature and severity of the illness. Compensation from a lawsuit or settlement may take more than a year, whereas VA and workers' compensation claims typically arrive within eight weeks.