Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuits
Asbestos exposure was no innocent mistake. Manufacturers knew the risks—they just didn’t care, recklessly allowing workers to inhale the hazardous fibers and inadvertently bring them home on their clothing and, in turn, exposing their families as well.
Now, decades later, the victims of this negligence are being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
If you were exposed to asbestos and have developed lung cancer or an asbestos-related disease as a result, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that has been used extensively in many industries because of its resistance to heat and electrical and chemical damage. It can be found in insulation, flooring, shingles, cement, pipes, and many other products.
Asbestos fibers are extremely small and can easily become airborne. When these fibers are inhaled, they can lodge themselves in the lungs and cause serious health problems. Asbestos exposure has been linked to several diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening.
The dangers of asbestos have been known for some time, but manufacturers have been slow to respond. As a result, thousands of workers have been needlessly exposed to the harmful fibers.
Thankfully, the use of asbestos has declined in recent years, but it can still be found in some older buildings and homes.
The Three Types of Asbestos
Three main types of asbestos were used in construction: chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite.
- Chrysotile is the most prevalent form of asbestos, comprising approximately 95% of all asbestos utilized in the U.S. Known as white asbestos, it remains hazardous, yet its fibers are generally less brittle than other types.
- Amosite is brown asbestos and was once the second most common type of asbestos in the U.S. It is made up of fibers that are more brittle than chrysotile asbestos and can break into shorter fibers when disturbed.
- Crocidolite, commonly known as blue asbestos, was once the most prevalent form of asbestos in the United States. Composed of fibers more brittle than those of chrysotile asbestos, crocidolite can easily break into shorter fragments when disturbed. Crocidolite asbestos is the most dangerous type of asbestos because its fibers are thin and sharp and can easily become airborne. Inhaling these fibers can lead to a number of health problems, including cancer and respiratory illness.
What Does Asbestos Look Like?
Asbestos Insulation
Asbestos insulation is typically found in older homes and buildings. The insulation is usually installed in attics, crawlspaces, and around pipes. It can be identified by its gray or white color.
Asbestos Sheeting
Asbestos sheeting was commonly used in ceiling tiles and wall panels. The sheeting can be identified by its light brown or blue color.
Asbestos Fireproofing
Asbestos fireproofing was used to protect structural steel from fire. The material can be identified by its orange or red color.
How Asbestos Exposure Causes Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.
There are several types of mesothelioma, all of which are caused by exposure to asbestos. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Other types of mesothelioma include:
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: This type affects the lining of the abdomen.
- Pericardial mesothelioma: This type affects the lining of the heart.
- Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: This is a rare and aggressive type of mesothelioma.
Pleural thickening is a condition that occurs when the lining of the lungs becomes thicker and harder, making it difficult to breathe and potentially leading to mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, it is important to speak to a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your chances of making a recovery.
What Should I Do if I Think I Was Exposed To Asbestos?
Document as much as possible. Keep a record of when and where you were exposed to asbestos. Your asbestos exposure history will be important if you decide to file a lawsuit.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, you should speak to an asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer at NGK Law Firm as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
How Do I File an Asbestos-Related Cancer Lawsuit?
Lawsuits are usually filed against companies that have manufactured or supplied asbestos-containing products. In some cases, lawsuits can also be filed against the companies that installed the products, as well.
Our St. Louis mesothelioma lawyers can investigate your case and determine who is responsible for your exposure. We can then file a lawsuit on your behalf and work toward a resolution that works for you.
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, contact the St. Louis asbestos lawyers at NGK Law Firm today.
How Much Can I Recover in an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit?
The amount of money you can recover in an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you have lost wages as a result of your condition
- The cost of medical treatment
- Whether you require long-term care
- The effect your condition has had on your quality of life
Missouri does not cap the amount of compensation that you can recover from a personal injury claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Cases?
The statute of limitations for asbestos lung cancer cases in Missouri is five years from the date of diagnosis.
Five years can seem like a lot of time. However, it is important to speak with an asbestos lawyer as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed. Investigating and building a case can take time, so it is best to start the process sooner rather than later.
Have You Been Injured?
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