Published on:

Asbestos Lawsuits

By

Mesothelioma, an infrequent yet fatal cancer, solely arises due to exposure to asbestos, a material widely utilized in various industries before 1980. If an individual is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it implies direct or indirect exposure to asbestos at some point in their life.

Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma have the right to pursue an asbestos lawsuit seeking financial compensation. Each year, numerous asbestos lawsuits are filed nationwide. Our team of national product liability lawyers actively handles asbestos cases for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma (or their surviving family members). Contact us today at 800-322-3010.

Asbestos: A Historical Overview

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in specific geological regions globally. Comprised of numerous pliable yet durable fibers, asbestos boasts unique characteristics that made it highly practical across various applications. Its exceptional resistance to heat, lack of conductivity in heat and electricity, and corrosion resistance rendered it a sought-after material.

This mineral’s commercial use in the U.S. began in the late 19th century and surged during the industrial expansion of World War II. Its peak usage was in the 1960s, prevalent in thousands of products and virtually every industrial setting nationwide.

Areas of Asbestos Exposure

Before 1975, asbestos was pervasive across various applications. It was a key component in numerous construction materials like roof and floor tiles, shingles, and insulation for boilers and steam pipes. It was also commonly found in friction parts like brake pads.

Asbestos insulation was extensively used in high-temperature scenarios due to its resilience against heat and non-conductivity. Products frequently containing asbestos encompassed a wide range of items, predominantly in insulation and high-heat applications. Asbestos products included:

  • Roofing and siding shingles
  • Patching compounds used on walls and ceilings
  • Gaskets used on boilers and furnaces
  • Heat-resistant fabrics
  • Asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets used around wood-burning stoves or furnaces
  • Automobile clutches and brakes
  • Insulating materials around hot water and steam pipes
  • Attic and wall insulation
  • Flooring and ceiling tiles

Asbestos Exposure Risks

When asbestos fibers break apart, they release tiny dust particles that easily become airborne. These particles, highly toxic upon inhalation, can cause severe damage inside the body. While asbestos was extremely useful in various industrial applications, its indestructible nature posed significant harm to human health.

Upon inhalation, asbestos fibers swiftly accumulate in the tissue surrounding the lungs and other internal body areas. These accumulated fibers persistently remain, gradually leading to internal damage and cancer. Asbestos is widely recognized as one of the most carcinogenic materials globally and has been entirely banned in most developed nations.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an exceedingly rare and distinctive cancer type solely caused by exposure to asbestos particles. Cancerous tumors from mesothelioma develop in the lining surrounding specific tissues and organs within the body, primarily the lungs. There exist various types of mesothelioma based on the location of cancer formation.

Pleural mesothelioma occurs around the lungs and constitutes over 80% of all cases, making it the most prevalent subtype. Peritoneal mesothelioma originates in the tissue around the abdominal cavity, accounting for just under 10% of cases.

Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer, with only 3,000 cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. Unfortunately, it is highly aggressive and widely regarded as one of the deadliest cancer types. The overall 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma is a mere 12%.

Asbestos: The Singular Cause of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma stands out in the cancer landscape as it is essentially a “man-made” cancer. Its single cause is exposure to asbestos. Therefore, if diagnosed with mesothelioma, there must have been exposure to asbestos at some point in life, even if it’s not remembered.

Inhaled asbestos particles accumulate in tissues surrounding the lungs or other organs, remaining intact without breakdown. With time, these accumulations of asbestos fibers embed deeply into the tissue lining the lungs or abdomen, causing irritation and damage.

This leads to persistent inflammation, eventually resulting in scarring. The sites of scarring from asbestos fibers in the tissue are where mesothelioma cancer tumors develop.

The development of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure takes an extensive amount of time, known as the “latency period.” This period can range anywhere from 15 to 40 years before asbestos exposure leads to mesothelioma.

Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Asbestos product liability lawsuits emerged in the 1970s, gradually evolving into a full-fledged legal field by the 1980s. Companies involved in manufacturing or distributing asbestos products, or even those producing equipment in which asbestos was used, can be held accountable for injuries resulting from exposure to these products. Several major asbestos companies have declared bankruptcy due to asbestos liabilities. However, numerous existing companies can still be held responsible for asbestos-related injuries, even if the products were sold many years ago. Additionally, an asbestos compensation trust fund exists to provide compensation to victims if the defendants have filed for bankruptcy or ceased operations.

Who Can File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma have the grounds for filing an asbestos lawsuit. Furthermore, surviving family members of someone who passed away from mesothelioma can initiate a wrongful death lawsuit. As mesothelioma solely results from asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma diagnosis automatically establishes the basis for an asbestos lawsuit.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it indicates past exposure to asbestos. Tracing the diagnosis back to the exposure and identifying the specific products causing the exposure are pivotal aspects in many mesothelioma cases.

Contact Us About Your Mesothelioma Lawsuit

If you (or a family member) have received a mesothelioma diagnosis and seek compensation, reach out to our national asbestos lawyers today for a complimentary consultation at 800-553-8082.