Washington DC Mesothelioma Lawyer Discusses Mesothelioma Risks
Those who have worked or lived in an environment containing asbestos for a long period of time may be at risk for developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that cover the abdomen and lung area and is often associated with patients who had prolonged exposure to asbestos-related material. The questions and answers below can hopefully help you decide if you are at-risk for asbestos exposure or mesothelioma. A Washington DC mesothelioma lawyer can provide more information and legal guidance.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos, we highly recommend seeing a doctor or specialist as soon as possible. Most symptoms are present during the later stages of mesothelioma cancer. An early diagnosis can improve a prognosis, life-expectancy, and survival rate. The common symptoms and signs associated with mesothelioma can include the following:
- Dry coughs
- Respiratory complications
- Night sweats and/or fever
- Frequent fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in abdomen or chest area
- Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)
- Muscle weakness
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral found in the natural environment that has a fluffy, cotton-like consistency. The fibers are flexible and light yet very resistant to warmth, electrical currents, and corrosion. Asbestos was often used in insulation, certain types of cloth, paper, and plastic objects. Asbestos was highly useful for companies that sold such products. However, the asbestos fibers themselves are very toxic when inhaled, even in small quantities. The reason for this is that they collect in the lungs, which then causes severe or fatal respiratory illnesses and diseases.
Which jobs have the most exposure to asbestos?
Prior to the 1980’s, many construction products contained asbestos. Demolition crews, home renovators and roofing or flooring workers were most at-risk. A complete list of jobs that have the most exposure to asbestos include:
- Firefighting
- Construction workers
- Industrial workers
- Shipyard workers
- Mining workers
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Boiler workers
- Insulators
- Hospital staff
Can homes contain asbestos material?
Although exposure to asbestos happens most often for those who have worked in the above-listed field, asbestos can be found in many homes built prior to 1980. Asbestos can be found in ceiling tiles, old floor tiles, shingles on the roof, insulation, siding, around boilers, surrounding pipes, fireplaces, and sheetrock. It is possible newer homes also contain small amounts of asbestos material.
When does asbestos in the home become a hazard?
When asbestos becomes airborne, that is when it can be most harmful. If areas of the home are damaged that contain asbestos, fibers can be released into the air. For example, when insulation deteriorates around furnaces, boilers or pipes, it can accumulate asbestos dust. When ceilings containing asbestos are drilled into or patched, it can let out asbestos fibers.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
When seeing your doctor for a mesothelioma evaluation, he or she will likely perform imaging scans (chest x-ray, PET scan, MRI or CT scan), blood testing and/or a biopsy. If cancer is suspected, a doctor will take a sample of tissue to determine if mesothelioma cells are present. These tests can help your doctor narrow down a possible diagnosis if you are experiencing symptoms.
If there are no symptoms, is mesothelioma testing necessary?
If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos at any point in your life for a long duration of time, it is best to get a checkup with your doctor. Even if you are not feeling symptoms now, it does not hurt to rule it out with your doctor. As mentioned above, in some cases symptoms do not show up right away. Do not wait until you have any of the symptoms described to receive mesothelioma testing.
Contact a Washington DC mesothelioma lawyer clients recommend for more detailed information.
Am I eligible for compensation?
If you have been exposed to asbestos, consider contacting a Washington DC mesothelioma lawyer from Brown Kiely for a no-cost case evaluation. We protect the rights of injured people in our community. Our legal team makes every effort to get our clients the maximum possible compensation from those responsible for their injury. A Washington DC mesothelioma lawyer from our firm may be able to negotiate a settlement on your behalf. A settlement can make it possible to get the medical treatment you need for your asbestos-related illness.
Brown Kiely opened our doors in 1998. Since then we have handled thousands of cases that may be very similar to yours. It is key that you work with a legal team that is knowledgeable and experienced in the area of asbestos diseases. Litigation against asbestos manufacturers, or companies that exposed their employees to asbestos, can be complicated. Allow a mesothelioma lawyer in Washington DC to navigate the legal system on your behalf. A Washington DC mesothelioma lawyer from our firm can protect your best interests and fight for your rights.
What kinds of illnesses can they cause?
- Lung tissue diseases
- Pleuritis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Chronic difficulty breathing
- Lung cancer
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Occupational cancer
Are you eligible for compensation?
With a mesothelioma lawyer from Brown Kiely on your side, you can feel confident that your best interests will be protected. We can evaluate your claim and determine if you are eligible for compensation for asbestos exposure, illness, or discomfort. We believe companies and landlords can be careless about what materials are present in the environment in which people are exposed to asbestos. Through the years, regulation of these minerals has increased, however, at the end of the day, those who profit from asbestos may be lazy and too lenient in their maintenance of asbestos exposure.
Airborne asbestos fibers are not visible. This can make it difficult if not impossible to know if and when you were exposed to them. A Washington DC mesothelioma lawyer from Brown Kiely can investigate the circumstances of your case to determine if you were harmed and if so, who is responsible for paying your medical bills and other damages. We believe good health comes first, not profits.
Reach out to us today to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer Washington DC families recommend from Brown Kiely to receive your first consultation free. Call us so we can schedule your appointment as soon as possible with a knowledgeable Washington DC mesothelioma lawyer.