The rise of automobile and shipyard work in Illinois over the past decades has brought with it the use of asbestos, considered the main cause of mesothelioma. Treatments for mesothelioma have improved over the years; however, it remains a largely incurable disease with an estimated 3,000 new cases every year, according to the American Lung Association.
If you or a loved one is suffering or has died because of this disease, a qualified Plainfield mesothelioma lawyer can help you pursue legal action against those responsible, such as an employer or housing developer. Our attorneys at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP are here to help you seek justice for your suffering. Reach out for a free case evaluation today.
Primary Cause of Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is considered by most to be the biggest cause of mesothelioma, but what is asbestos? It’s a mineral found naturally in the environment that has heat resistance and immense strength. For decades, asbestos has been used to make siding, insulation, flooring, brakes, shingles, and so much more.
While the material itself and the products made from it are not dangerous on their own; however, during the mining process or when asbestos products are demolished and broken up, the asbestos dust that accumulates in the air can settle in the lungs or stomach, leading to an aggressive and deadly cancer called mesothelioma.
Unfortunately, symptoms of mesothelioma are not instantaneous, as it can take 20 to 60 years for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure. Also, most people who are exposed to asbestos never develop the cancer; however, there are factors to consider that may increase the risk of mesothelioma.
Risk Factors of Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma, like other cancers, sets in when the DNA in our cells is damaged, usually by exposure to dangerous chemicals such as asbestos. According to the American Cancer Society, eight out of ten people with mesothelioma have had asbestos exposure, and while there are treatments available, many die of this aggressive cancer.
As each Plainfield mesothelioma lawyer on our team has handled these cases, we’ve learned more about this aggressive form of cancer. One of those details is that there are several risk factors of asbestos exposure that contribute to the development of mesothelioma, such as the following areas of employment:
- Asbestos miners
- Pipefitters
- Demolition workers
- Home remodelers
- Insulators
- Shipyard workers
- Electricians
- Brakes mechanics
- Plumbers
- Some military personnel
If you work in any of these occupations, you are at greater risk of exposure to asbestos fibers and should follow all recommended safety protocols. Additionally, if you live with someone who works with asbestos products or if you have a family history of mesothelioma, you may be at greater risk of developing it.
What To Do If You Develop Mesothelioma
If you believe you were exposed to asbestos and you begin to show signs and symptoms of mesothelioma, such as chest pains, painful coughing, shortness of breath, abdominal pain or swelling, or unexplained weight loss, you should seek medical attention immediately. Getting care from an experienced doctor is essential to receiving a correct diagnosis so that you can move forward with a lawsuit.
Depending on the nature of your exposure, there can be several legal avenues you could pursue, which a Plainfield mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine. For example, if you worked in construction for many years handling shingles or insulation, then you might consider a workers’ compensation claim. Or, if you lost a loved one to mesothelioma, your lawyer could file a wrongful death lawsuit against those responsible for the exposure that caused your loved one’s death.
These cases can be complex and difficult to prove as most of the time symptoms and illness don’t show until decades after exposure, which is why you should reach out to our office, for a free consultation. We have the experience handling cases just like yours and will be happy to file and fight on your behalf so you don’t have to worry while you deal with your illness or sick loved one.