Claims For Asbestos Related Disease
Asbestos-related diseases can be complex and expensive. These claims differ from other tort lawsuits because they involve multiple plaintiffs who have medical conditions and injuries that are distinct.
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
Inhaling asbestos fibers for a prolonged period may develop various diseases. Some are cancerous, for instance mesothelioma. Others are not cancerous but can cause breathing issues. The key to handling any asbestos related disease is early detection and treatment. Anyone who has worked with asbestos or shared the same home with someone who was exposed should consult their doctor about breathing problems. The doctor will conduct an entire exam and ask for your work history. The doctor will also conduct the test known as Spirometry, which examines the amount of air you can inhale and exhale.
The most frequent disease that is linked to asbestos exposure is lung disease. The symptoms of asbestos exposure include chest pain, breathing difficulties coughing, an eerie blue color of the skin. Symptoms usually begin slowly, get worse over time and could eventually result in respiratory failure. Asbestos inhalation can cause scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs, which decreases the ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen. This is called progressive exertional dyspnea. The fibrosis can be diagnosed by chest x-rays or lung function tests.
Another symptom is the accumulation of fluid around the lungs or within the abdomen or chest. These fluids are known as plaques of the pleura and are the result of asbestos exposure. Plaques could be an indication that you've been exposed to asbestos, but they are not always a sign that you've been exposed to asbestos. They do not necessarily into mesothelioma. They are often seen on a CT scan or chest x-ray and can make it difficult to breath.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and the chest wall. Symptoms can include chest pain and rib cage pain, breathing difficulties, fatigue and cough. The aggressive nature of this cancer as well as the fact that it is often diagnosed late could cause a high death rate.
The benign asbestos diseases are less serious and have a shorter survival rate. They may include pleural plaques and widespread fibrosis of the Pleura, and a pleural effusion. The pleura is the membrane that covers the lungs and chest cavity. The pleural calcifications may appear blurred on an x-ray of the chest, however they are not cancerous. They don't cause symptoms. The fibrosis may not be apparent but it will reduce lung capacity when tests for lung function are carried out. Pleural effusions could be caused by benign or cancer-related conditions but they are more likely to be due to mesothelioma.
Diagnosis
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scarring of the lungs called asbestosis or interstitial fibrisis. This can lead to progressive shortness of breath, and in some cases, even death. It can also cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs, which is known as an pleural effusion. Pleural effusions could be an indication of mesothelioma malignancy. The latent period of these diseases is lengthy, which means it can take years to be diagnosed.
Doctors may struggle to diagnose asbestosis due to symptoms that are similar to symptoms of other diseases. It is crucial to provide complete medical and occupational histories, including all asbestos exposure sources. This will help the doctor pinpoint when asbestos exposure occurred. This will aid in determining whether the illness is caused by mesothelioma or a different disease like lung cancer, pleural effusion or benign plaques in the pleura.
A physician can utilize a special stethoscope to listen to the lungs. If there is significant scarring in the lung, it could make a sound that cracks when a person breathes. A doctor may also recommend an x-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for signs of asbestos exposure and to determine how serious the lung damage is. A CT scan is more thorough and can reveal changes to the lungs, but does not require anesthesia or radiation.
If a patient is diagnosed with asbestosis the doctor can prescribe medication to ease the symptoms and prevent complications. Doctors can also provide support and advice for an active lifestyle, including avoiding smoking. This is because smokers are at higher risk of developing lung cancer.
A doctor can also request a procedure called thoracentesis to collect samples of the lung fluid for lab testing. A doctor injects a small amount of local anesthesia and insert needles into the chest between the ribs as well as the lungs by using ultrasound guidance. The fluid is then taken out for analysis. Treatment focuses on slowing down the progress of the fibrosis and improving breathing. The doctor may prescribe steroids to treat the condition. For some patients, this is all that is required to improve the condition.
Exposure
Asbestos is a hazard and toxic material used in the production of a number of different products. People who worked on the production of asbestos-related products were exposed harmful dust and fibers on a regular basis. These exposures led to asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma or lung cancer. The exposure to asbestos can occur when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. These include construction and repairs and washing or cleaning clothes that contains asbestos fibers, and home maintenance and remodeling.
The risk of developing diseases caused by asbestos is dependent on various factors, including the duration and intensity exposure, as well smoking habits. Some people experience symptoms after a long period of exposure while others do so much sooner. Even exposure to a short period of time can cause serious health issues, such as the development of mesothelioma and pleural effusions, among other ailments.
Inhaling asbestos particles causes the lungs to thicken and scarred, restricting air flow. This can result in coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. In some cases the scarring could develop into a form of mesothelioma, which is extremely difficult to treat and may be fatal. The condition could also cause Pleural effusions, which are a result of the accumulation of fluid in the lining of the lungs.
These diseases are serious, but not always fatal. If the root cause is detected early enough, treatments may improve the chances of recovery. However, it is vital that those who believe they have been affected by asbestos speak to their doctor to be examined for asbestos.
Asbestos claims can be made up to three years after diagnosis, and we have vast experience in assisting clients in making these claims. The amount of compensation offered will depend on the nature and circumstances of the disease. In many cases, we are able to provide you with a No Win No Fee Agreement, which means you will not be required to pay upfront costs and only pay only if your claim is successful.
Compensation
Patients who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease might be eligible to receive compensation. Compensation from lawsuits and insurance can be used to pay for medical bills and other expenses related to an illness that is serious. Mesothelioma attorneys can help patients determine if they are eligible for different types claims. Eligibility requirements are often determined by state laws and claim type. Mesothelioma lawyers will analyze the victim's diagnosis, asbestos exposure and other information to determine the most effective compensation strategy.
Compensation for asbestos-related illnesses can be provided in the form of a lump sum or regular payments. It can also be tax-free benefits. The amount of compensation is dependent on the severity of the illness, and how they affect their daily lives. People with specific conditions like mesothelioma, or lung cancer, could be entitled to compensation under the common law from their former employers.
Asbestos sufferers can sue for personal injury or wrongful death against companies that are responsible for their exposure to asbestos. A lawsuit could result in a verdict from an unbiased jury or an agreement. The more time a case is litigated, the more difficult it is to obtain compensation.
Another way to receive compensation is to make a claim to an asbestos trust fund. These funds were created by the courts to pay compensation to asbestos-related victims and their families. More than 65 trusts are currently accepting claims.
Veterans who served in the United States Military and were diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease could be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA claims are able to cover costs for treatment and other expenses.
A top mesothelioma attorney will examine a client's medical records and asbestos exposure background to determine the most effective method of pursuing compensation. Rochester asbestos attorneys will also help with the forms and deadlines to file an claim. The length of time it takes for compensation to be paid is depending on the nature of the claim and the severity of the illness. The compensation from a settlement or lawsuit could take more than one year. However, VA and workers' compensation benefits are typically received within 8 weeks.