Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis for yourself or a loved one can be terrifying. As with any cancer diagnosis, important decisions must be taken regarding treatment options, therapy, patient care, and compensation. Asbestos fiber inhalation is the only recognized cause of mesothelioma. Because most exposures occurred decades before diagnosis, seeking legal advice on your compensation claims is vital.
First of all, what is asbestos?
Asbestos is a catch-all term for a group of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that have found widespread use in commercial applications. Asbestos is composed of silicate chains joined together by magnesium, iron, calcium, aluminum, sodium, or trace metals to form long, thin, detachable fibrils. These fibrils are parallel, and a single asbestos fiber may represent numerous fibrils that have not separated when viewed under a microscope.
What are the dangers of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos has been marked as a known human carcinogen. While both types of asbestos are dangerous, the amphibole variant looks to be more successful at causing mesothelioma than the serpentine variety, which both cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. Microscopic fibers are discharged into the air when a variety of activities damage asbestos-containing products. When these fibers are breathed, they become lodged and accumulate in the lungs, causing inflammation, scarring, and other adverse health effects, including cancer development. Check this page to learn more.
How does asbestos exposure occur?
When microscopic asbestos fibers get airborne, they cause asbestos exposure. The toxic mineral dust can stay in the air for hours, endangering anyone who inhales or consumes it. Asbestos fibers can settle in 48 to 72 hours in an ideal environment with few interruptions.
On average, how long does it take from initial exposure to cancer onset?
The average time interval between exposure and cancer development (latency period) is between 20 and 30 years for lung cancer. Mesothelioma has a latency duration of 30-40 years, with longer periods recorded in locations with lower levels of asbestos exposure. Several studies have found a substantial link between asbestos fiber exposure and the development of mesothelioma.
What are forms of claims available for asbestos exposure?
The following are the types of claims you can make if you have been exposed to asbestos.
Claims for Personal Injury
Individuals exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with a related disease can file personal injury claims. Claimants sue the asbestos corporation that exposed them to asbestos. Patients who cannot file a claim due to their illness may be able to have one made on their behalf by a company that offers law services.
The word “asbestos company” refers to a corporation at risk of unintended exposure to asbestos. This could include companies who supply raw asbestos, manufacturers of asbestos products, or negligent employers. Asbestos victims may sue their employers if they were aware of asbestos exposure in the workplace but neglected to notify employees or provide protective equipment.
Claims for Wrongful Death
After a loved one departs due to an asbestos-related illness, a family member files a wrongful death claim. A claim is published against an asbestos-related company to seek monetary compensation.
Conclusion
From navigating the legal system to obtaining medical evidence, the asbestos claims procedure is not always straightforward. Several compensation schemes are accessible, each with its unique set of laws, which can make deciding your next steps difficult. Asbestos lawyers excel at assisting you through this difficult time.