Who Gets Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is mostly caused by asbestos. People are usually exposed at work, or by a family member who works around asbestos.

Mesothelioma is an uncommon and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the mesothelial cells lining the protective membranes covering various internal organs, most commonly the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and, less frequently, the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma), or testicles (testicular mesothelioma). 

Mesothelioma cancer is strongly associated with asbestos exposure, a class of naturally occurring minerals widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries for their heat-resistant and insulating properties.

Two Pathways to Exposure

In considering who might get mesothelioma, there are essentially two main categories of exposure:

Occupational Exposure. 

• People who worked in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, automotive repair, insulation manufacturing, and mining before the regulations on asbestos use were implemented are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. These individuals might have inhaled asbestos fibers while working with asbestos-containing materials.
• Military personnel, particularly those serving in the Navy and shipyards, are also at elevated risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in naval vessels and military buildings.

Second-hand (Environmental) Exposure.

• Family members who lived with asbestos-exposed workers may have been indirectly exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on the clothing, hair, or skin of the worker, putting them at risk.
• Occupants of older homes or buildings with asbestos-containing materials (e.g., asbestos insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, etc.) could be exposed to asbestos fibers if these materials deteriorate or are disturbed during renovations or repairs.
• In some cases, individuals living near asbestos mines or asbestos-related industrial facilities may have been exposed to asbestos through air or water pollution.

Reclamaciones de cáncer de mesotelioma

Mesothelioma cancer claims refer to legal actions taken by individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma who believe their illness was caused by exposure. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and many people who worked in industries where asbestos was often used have developed mesothelioma due to their vulnerability. Mesothelioma claims are typically pursued to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with the disease.

Here are some critical points regarding mesothelioma cancer claims:

1. Exposure History:

• To file a mesothelioma claim, individuals must demonstrate that they were exposed to asbestos and that this exposure was a significant factor in causing their illness. This exposure may have occurred in the workplace, second-handedly, or in other environments with asbestos contamination.

2. Types of Claims:

• Personal Injury Claims: These claims are submitted by individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma seeking compensation for damages, including medical bills, pain, and suffering.
• Wrongful Death Claims: When a person dies from mesothelioma, the family members who survived may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek reimbursement for their losses, including funeral expenses and the emotional impact of the loss.
• Asbestos Trust Funds: Many companies manufacturing asbestos-containing products have filed for bankruptcy due to many asbestos-related claims. As a result, they have set up asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. Claimants can file lawsuits against these trusts to receive compensation. This can be a quicker and easier alternative to pursuing a lawsuit.

3. Litigation: 

• Some mesothelioma claims result in lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers, suppliers, or employers. These cases can be negotiated out of court or proceed to trial based on the circumstances.
• Statutes of Limitations: Mesothelioma claims are subject to laws of limitations, which vary by jurisdiction. It’s important to consult an attorney to ensure a claim is filed within the applicable timeframe.

Mesothelioma Treatment

It’s important to seek treatment for this rare form of cancer at a reputable institution such as Johns Hopkins, a renowned medical organization known for its expertise in various fields, including cancer treatment. Johns Hopkins takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating mesothelioma. Here is a general overview of the process of mesothelioma treatment at Johns Hopkins:

1. Diagnosis and Staging: Accurate diagnosis and staging are crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. At Johns Hopkins, mesothelioma is diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests, biopsies, and pathological analysis to determine the extent of the disease.

2. Multidisciplinary Team: Johns Hopkins typically employs an interdisciplinary team of experts in oncology, surgery, radiation therapy, and other specialties to provide comprehensive care. These specialists collaborate to tailor a treatment plan to each patient’s individual needs.

3. Surgical Interventions: Depending on the stage and location of the mesothelioma, surgical options may be considered. These can include pleurectomy/decortication (removal of the pleura), extrapleural pneumonectomy (removal of the lung and pleura), or debulking surgery to remove as much tumor tissue as possible.

Legal Cases

A mesothelioma lawyer is a practitioner who specializes in handling legal cases related to asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cancer. These lawyers have expertise in asbestos litigation and can help individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or their surviving family members seek compensation for their injuries or losses. Here’s an overview of the role and responsibilities of a mesothelioma lawyer:

1. Legal Consultation: Mesothelioma lawyers offer initial consultations to individuals or families affected by mesothelioma. During this consultation, they assess the case details, including the history of asbestos exposure, the diagnosis, and the potential responsible parties.

2. Case Evaluation: After reviewing the case, a mesothelioma lawyer will determine if there is a viable legal claim. They consider factors such as the strength of the evidence linking asbestos exposure to the illness and the statute of limitations, which varies by jurisdiction.

3. Investigation: Mesothelioma lawyers work with investigators and experts to gather evidence supporting the claim. This may include identifying the sources of asbestos exposure, obtaining medical records, and assessing the financial impact of the illness.

Can Minor Occasional Second-hand Asbestos Exposure be Dangerous?

Minor, occasional second-hand asbestos exposure carries a lower risk than more significant and prolonged exposure, but it is not entirely without risk. While the health dangers associated with asbestos exposure are generally dose-dependent, meaning that higher levels and longer durations of exposure are associated with an increased risk of asbestos-related diseases, it’s essential to understand that even brief or infrequent contact with fibers can be dangerous.

Here are a few essential points to consider regarding minor, occasional second-hand asbestos exposure:

1. Cumulative Effect: Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, typically develop after long latency periods, often spanning several decades. Even minor exposures can contribute to the cumulative dose of asbestos fibers in the body over time, increasing the risk of disease development.

2. Fiber Persistence: Asbestos fibers are durable and can remain in the environment for extended periods of time. Once these fibers become airborne due to activities like renovations, repairs, or other disturbances, they pose a risk to individuals within the vicinity.

3. Individual Vulnerability: Individual susceptibility to asbestos-related diseases can vary. Some people may be more genetically predisposed to developing these diseases or have pre-existing respiratory conditions that increase their vulnerability to asbestos exposure.

Second-Hand And Even Third-Hand Exposure to Asbestos

Second-hand and third-hand exposure to asbestos refers to situations where individuals are exposed to asbestos fibers indirectly, either through contact with someone directly exposed to asbestos (second-hand exposure) or through contact with asbestos-contaminated materials or environments (third-hand exposure). Both forms of exposure carry certain risks, although they are generally considered to be of lower risk compared to direct occupational exposure. 

Second-hand Asbestos Exposure and Children

Second-hand asbestos exposure among children occurs when they are indirectly exposed to asbestos fibers through contact with a family member or caregiver directly exposed in their workplace or other settings. This type of contact can pose health risks to children, although the severity of those risks depends on several factors.

Consider the following important information about children and second-hand asbestos exposure:

1.  Children may be exposed to asbestos fibers if a parent, grandparent, or other family member works or works in an occupation with asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be transferred home on the exposed family member’s work clothing, shoes, skin, or hair.

2. Children are generally more vulnerable to the health impact of asbestos exposure than adults because their bodies are still developing. They may also have a longer life expectancy, increasing the potential for diseases to develop over time.

The Bottom Line

Limiting exposure to asbestos is key to reducing the risk of developing long-term complications, including mesothelioma. It is important to get an area tested before performing any renovations or demolition, especially if the structure was built prior to the 1980s. It is also important to wear safety gear throughout the process, including N95 masks and other PPE. 

While it is difficult to eliminate all exposure possibilities given the widespread use of asbestos throughout most of the twentieth century, more information is available today than ever before and it’s important to stay up to date on the topic. The W.A.R.D. database houses a wealth of facts about potential exposure risks.

If you or a family member has been harmed by asbestos exposure, the advice of an expert in the field can help tremendously in determining next steps. Give the dedicated team at AsbestosClaims.law a call today.

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