Claims For Asbestos Related Disease
Asbestos-related disease claims can be complicated and costly. These claims differ from other tort lawsuits because they involve multiple plaintiffs who have medical conditions and injuries that are distinct.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma and another asbestos-related illness could be eligible for compensation from liable companies, asbestos trust funds insurance companies, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Symptoms
When people breathe in asbestos fibers over long periods of time, they can develop a variety of illnesses. Some of these diseases are cancerous like mesothelioma, while others aren't cancerous but still cause breathing issues. Early detection and treatment are the keys to treating any asbestos-related disease. Anyone who has inhaled asbestos or stayed with someone who has the disease, should consult with their doctor if they experience breathing problems. The doctor will do an extensive exam and inquire about work history. The doctor may also perform a test called Spirometry which determines the quantity of air you inhale and exhale.
Lung disease is the most common illness caused by asbestos exposure. The symptoms include breathing difficulties and coughing, chest pain, and a bluish-colored appearance of the skin due to lack of oxygen. The symptoms usually begin slowly, but can worsen with 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. The fibrosis is diagnosed through chest x-rays and lung function tests.
The buildup of fluid in the chest, abdomen or around the lungs is another symptom. These fluids are known as pleural plaques and are the result of asbestos exposure. Plaques are a sign of asbestos exposure, but do not always lead to mesothelioma. They can be seen on an CT scan or a chest x-ray, and can make breathing difficult.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung's lining and chest wall. The symptoms include chest pain and rib cage discomfort, breathing problems and fatigue as well as cough. The aggressive nature of the cancer and the fact that it is usually diagnosed late can lead to a high mortality rate.
The benign asbestos conditions are less severe and have a lower survival rate. They may be characterized by pleural plaques, widespread fibrosis of the pleura and a pleural effusion. The pleura surrounds the lungs, chest cavity and various organs. Plaques in the pleura can appear like a cloud on an x-ray of the chest however they are not cancerous and do not usually cause symptoms. The fibrosis can be asymptomatic but it will reduce lung capacity when tests of lung function are performed. Pleural effusions can be an indication of cancer or a benign condition, but they are more likely to be related to mesothelioma over other cancers.
Diagnosis
Inhaling asbestos fibers leads to scarring of the lungs called asbestosis or interstitial fibrisis. It can cause a progressive shortness in breath, and in some cases, may be fatal. Apple Valley asbestos lawsuits could also cause an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, referred to as the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions may be an indication that you are suffering from mesothelioma maligna. The latent period of these illnesses is long, and it may take years to get diagnosed.
Since symptoms are similar to many other diseases, determining the cause is often a challenge for doctors. It is crucial to give a complete medical and occupational history that includes all asbestos exposure sources. This will enable the doctor to pinpoint the time and place where asbestos exposure occurred. This information will aid in determining whether the condition is caused by mesothelioma, or another illness, such as lung cancer, pleural effusion or benign plaques forming in the pleural cavity.
A doctor can monitor the lungs with a Stethoscope. If there is significant scarring in the lung, it could make a sound that cracks when a person breathes. A doctor may recommend a CT scan or chest x-ray to look for signs that asbestos exposure has occurred and to assess the severity of lung damage. A CT scan is more precise and can reveal changes to the lungs but does not require anesthesia or radiation.
If the patient is diagnosed with asbestosis the doctor can prescribe medication to ease the symptoms and avoid complications. Doctors can provide guidance and assistance for a healthy life style for example, cutting down on smoking. Smokers have a higher 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 can inject local anesthesia into the chest and then insert a needle between the ribs. This is done using ultrasound guidance. The fluid is then removed for analysis. Treatment focuses on slowing down the progression of the fibrosis and improving breathing. The doctor may prescribe steroids to treat the condition. In some patients, this may be all that is needed to treat the condition.
Exposure
Asbestos, a poisonous and hazardous substance is used in the manufacture of a variety of products. People who worked on the production of asbestos-related products were exposed harmful dust and fibers on an everyday basis. The exposure led to a variety of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as asbestosis. The exposure to asbestos is usually associated with working directly with the material, however it is also possible when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged. These can include construction and repair work as well as washing or cleaning clothes that are contaminated by asbestos fibers or even home maintenance and remodeling projects.
The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases depends on a myriad of factors such as the duration and intensity of exposure as well as smoking habits. Some people experience symptoms after years of exposure whereas others do much earlier. Even short-term exposure to asbestos can cause serious health issues like mesothelioma and Pleural effusions.
Inhaling asbestos particles can cause airflow in the lungs to be restricted by scarring and swelling. This can cause coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. In some cases, scarring can develop into a deadly form of mesothelioma. This condition may also lead to Pleural effusions. These are a form of accumulation of fluid in the linings of the lungs.
Although all of these conditions are extremely serious, they are not always fatal. If the underlying condition is discovered in time, treatment can improve the chances of recovery. It is crucial for anyone who suspects they may be affected by asbestos contact their doctor and get checked for asbestos.
Asbestos claims are possible up to three years after diagnosis and we have a wealth of experience in helping clients making these claims. The amount of compensation offered will depend on the kind of disease and the circumstances surrounding the development of the disease. In many cases, we are able to offer a No Win No Fee agreement, which means you don't have to pay any upfront fees and only pay if your claim is successful.
Compensation
Those who have been diagnosed as suffering from an asbestos-related illness may be entitled to compensation. Insurance and lawsuits can help pay for medical bills and other expenses relating to the serious illness. Mesothelioma lawyers can help patients determine their eligibility 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 best compensation strategy.
Compensation for an asbestos related disease can come in the form of a lump-sum payment, regular payments or tax-free benefits. Compensation payments are dependent on the severity of a person's symptoms and their impact on daily life. In addition, individuals suffering from certain conditions like mesothelioma, lung cancer or bilateral diffuse pleural thickening may be qualified for common law compensation from their former employers.
Asbestos victims and their families may make a personal injury or wrongful death suit against companies accountable for their negligence in exposing them to asbestos. A lawsuit may result in a verdict by a jury or a settlement. The more time a case is litigated and the more difficult it will be to obtain compensation.
A claim may be submitted to an asbestos trust. These funds were created by the courts to compensate asbestos-related victims and their families. There are over 65 trusts that are currently accepting claims.
Finally, veterans who served in the United States military and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness may be qualified for compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA claims could be used to pay for treatment costs as well in other expenses.
A top mesothelioma lawyer will review the medical records of the client and asbestos exposure background to determine the most effective method to seek compensation. They will also help with the documentation and deadlines for filing an claim. The time it takes to receive a payment varies on the nature and severity of the illness. The compensation from a settlement or lawsuit could take more than one year. However, VA and workers' compensation benefits are typically received within 8 weeks.