Claims For Asbestos Related Disease
Claims for asbestos related disease can be complex and costly. These claims are distinct from most tort litigation because they involve multiple plaintiffs who have medical issues and injuries that differ.
People suffering from mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related diseases, could be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds, 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 number of diseases. Some of these diseases are cancerous like mesothelioma, while others aren't cancerous but still cause breathing issues. Early detection and treatment are essential to overcoming any asbestos-related disease. Anyone who has worked with asbestos or lived in a home with someone who had asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about breathing issues. The doctor will conduct an extensive exam and inquire about your work history. They will also do the test known as spirometry which measures the amount of air you can breathe into and out.
Lung disease is the most frequent disease caused by asbestos exposure. The symptoms of asbestos exposure include chest pain, breathing difficulties, coughing, and an eerie blue color of the skin. The symptoms usually start gradually, but can become more severe with time. They can result in respiratory failure. Inhaling asbestos causes scarring in the lungs (fibrosis) which reduces the capacity of the lungs to take in oxygen. This is known as progressive exertional dyspnea. Chest xrays or lung function tests can help diagnose fibrosis.
The accumulation of fluids in the abdomen, chest or around the lungs is a different symptom. These fluids are known as pleural plaques and are the result of asbestos exposure. Plaques can be a sign that you have been exposed to asbestos, however they don't always lead to mesothelioma. They can be seen on a CT scan or chest x-ray and can make it difficult to breath.
Malignant mesothelioma, a type of cancer, that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Symptoms include chest pain, belly or rib cage and breathing problems, cough and fatigue. Those with this cancer have an increased risk of dying due to the mesothelioma's aggressive nature and the fact that it is usually diagnosed late in the development.
The benign asbestos diseases are less severe and have a lower survival rate. They may be characterized by plaques in the pleura, widespread fibrosis of the pleura and a Pleural effusion. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity, the lungs and various organs. The calcifications of the pleura may appear unclear on an x-ray scan of the chest, but they aren't cancerous. They don't cause symptoms. The fibrosis may not cause any symptoms, but will cause decreased lung capacity when undergoing lung function testing. Pleural effusions may be an indication of cancer or an uninvolved condition, but are more likely to be due to mesothelioma over other cancers.
Diagnosis
Inhaling asbestos fibers leads to lung scarring, also known as asbestosis or interstitial fibrisis. This can lead to a gradual shortening in breath, and in some instances, can be fatal. It could also cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs, which is known as the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be an indication that you have mesothelioma that is malignant. The duration of the latent diseases is long, so it may take years to diagnose.
Since symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, diagnosing them can be difficult for doctors. It is essential to give a complete medical and occupational history, including all asbestos exposure sources. This will enable the doctor to pinpoint when asbestos exposure took place. Lawrence asbestos attorneys will also help determine if the illness is due to mesothelioma or a different disease like lung cancer, pleural effusion, or benign pleural plaques.
A doctor can monitor the lungs with a Stethoscope. If there's a lot of scarring in the lungs, it can make dry crackling sounds whenever a person breathes. A doctor may order a CT scan or chest x-ray to check for evidence that asbestos exposure has occurred and to determine the extent of lung damage. A CT scan is more precise and can detect changes in the lungs, but does not require anesthesia or radiation.
If someone is diagnosed with asbestosis, the doctor can prescribe medication to ease the symptoms and avoid complications. Doctors can offer guidance and assistance for an active lifestyle, such as stopping smoking. Smokers are at higher risk of developing lung cancer.
A doctor can also order a procedure called thoracentesis to collect samples of fluid in the lungs for lab testing. A doctor injects local anesthesia into the chest and then insert needles between the ribs. This is done with ultrasound guidance. The fluid is then removed to be analyzed. The treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the fibrosis, and improving breathing. The doctor may prescribe steroids to treat the condition. This is enough to improve the condition in some patients.
Exposure
Asbestos, a poisonous and hazardous substance is used in the production of many different products. People who worked in the production of asbestos-related products were exposed to harmful dust and fibers on a daily bases. These exposure caused a number of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as asbestosis. Exposure to asbestos is mainly caused by direct contact with the substance, however it can also occur when materials containing asbestos are damaged or destroyed. These exposures can include construction and repair work as well as washing or cleaning clothes that contain asbestos fibers or even renovation and maintenance work in homes.
The chance of developing asbestos-related diseases depends on a variety of factors, including duration and intensity of exposure and smoking habits. Certain people experience symptoms of disease after years of exposure, while others develop them much faster. Even exposure to asbestos that is short-term can cause serious problems such as mesothelioma or Pleural effusions.
Inhaling asbestos particles can cause the lung to become thicker and scarred which can restrict air flow. This can lead to chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. In some instances the scarring can progress into a deadly form of mesothelioma. This condition can also cause the development of pleural effusions. These are the accumulations of fluid in the linings of lung.
Although all of these conditions are very serious, they are not always fatal. If the cause of the condition is detected early enough, treatments can improve the chances of recovery. But, it is crucial that those who believe that they have been affected by asbestos talk with their doctor and get checked for asbestos.
Asbestos claims are accepted for up to three years after diagnosis. We have a wealth of experience in helping clients with these claims. The amount of compensation available will depend on the kind of disease and the circumstances underlying the development of the disease. In many cases, we can provide you with an No Win No Fee Agreement, which means you will not have to pay for any upfront costs and will only be charged when the claim is successful.
Compensation
People who have been identified as suffering from an asbestos-related illness could be eligible for compensation. The compensation from lawsuits and insurance can be used to pay for medical bills and other expenses relating to a serious illness. Mesothelioma attorneys can help victims determine whether they are eligible for different types claims. Eligibility requirements often depend on the state's laws and the nature of the claim. Mesothelioma lawyers will review a victim's mesothelioma diagnosis as well as asbestos exposure history and other details to determine the most appropriate method to compensate.
Compensation for an asbestos related disease can come in the form of a lump-sum payment, regular payments or tax-free benefits. The amount of compensation offered is based on a person's symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. In addition, people who suffer from specific ailments such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or bilateral diffuse pleural thickening might be qualified for common law compensation from their former employers.
Asbestos victims can sue for personal injury or wrongful deaths against companies that are responsible for their exposure to asbestos. A lawsuit could result in a verdict by an unbiased jury or a settlement. The longer a case is argued and the more difficult it will be to receive compensation.
Another method of receiving compensation is to make an application to an asbestos trust fund. These funds were created by courts to compensate asbestos-related victims and their families. More than 65 trusts are accepting claims.
Finally, veterans who served in the United States military and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness may be eligible for compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA claims can cover treatment costs as well other expenses.
A top mesothelioma attorney will examine the medical records of a patient and asbestos exposure background to determine the most effective method for seeking compensation. They can also help with the paperwork, deadlines, and filing an claim. The time required to receive compensation varies based on the nature and severity of the illness. The compensation from a settlement or lawsuit can take up to a year. However, VA and workers' compensation benefits are typically received within 8 weeks.