Asbestos was used in many industrial and building materials throughout the twentieth century, even though the dangers of asbestos exposure had been studied and documented in the 1930s. Corporations continue to be liable for irresponsible practices that threatened their employee’s lives, and the lives of others in the immediate area that have been involved with wrongful death cases.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the lining of internal organs – typically, the lungs. It can take 20 – 50 years before the symptoms appear, so you must take action as soon as you receive this diagnosis. It is important to begin medical treatment and seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately. Even if you don’t know where you were exposed to asbestos, your attorney can conduct an investigation to help you get some answers.
What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Symptoms include:
- Dry Cough or Wheezing
- Shortness of Breath (dyspnea)
- Respiratory Complications or Difficulty Breathing
- Pain in the Chest or Abdomen
- Fever
- Pleural Effusions
- Chest Pain
- Weight Loss
- Respiratory Complications
Central California Asbestos Case
A federal court judge recently awarded $1.8 million in damages to victims of asbestos exposure in Merced. Executives from an organization called Firm Build, which was hired to provide construction job training for high school students, were found guilty of neglecting to follow regulations regarding the proper handling and disposal of asbestos. The majority of victims were high school students at the time, but some school staff members were also unknowingly exposed. The money is intended to fund continual medical monitoring throughout the rest of their lives.
Sacramento Seniors at Risk
Because asbestos was used so commonly in certain occupations through the 1970s, resulting in diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma are now seen among those in elder care. Seniors who worked as a miner, electrician, factory worker, shipyard worker, construction worker, or auto mechanic are among the most at risk.
An estimated 3,000 mesothelioma cases arise each year in the United States, most as a result of occupational exposure. If you or someone you love may have been exposed to asbestos, don’t hesitate to contact a skilled personal injury attorney.