What is Asbestosis?

Asbestos occurs naturally in some geological settings. It’s a group of six minerals which have a variety of crystal shapes. The name asbestos comes from a Greek word meaning inextinguishable, which is an appropriate name for it, since it is has heat and chemical resistance, fibrous strength, and flexibility.

Brief History of Asbestos Use
The ancient Greeks and Romans used asbestos in clothing, and it was noted even back then that the slaves who wove those fabrics developed lung problems.

During the 19th century, it became popular with building companies because of its many useful properties. Asbestos fibers were combined with cement, woven into fabrics, and used in electrical insulation. It was used in brakes and gaskets.

The first commercial asbestos mine was started in 1879 near Quebec, in the Appalachian foothills there. Use of asbestos expanded until the mid-20th century, and by then it was used in bricks, pipes, fire retardants, ceiling insulation, drywall, flooring, roofing, lawn furniture, and even in some cigarette filters. During WW II, ships were built with asbestos in the pipe wrappings, boilers, and engine parts. Millions of homes were built with asbestos being part of them, and thousands of schools and other public buildings.

Parallel with this expansion of asbestos use was the gradual discovery that it seemed to cause breathing problems and a lot of early deaths. In 1924 in England, the first case of Asbestosis was diagnosed.

Asbestosis is chronic inflammation of the lungs. When a person has been exposed to asbestos for many years, as in an asbestos mine, shipbuilding yard during WW II, or construction site in the first part of the 20th century, asbestos fibers lodge in the lungs. As time passes, they penetrate more deeply into the lungs until they reach the tiny air sacs where oxygen is transferred from the air breathed in to the blood circulating in the lungs.

The presence of these tiny fibers triggers the lung’s protective mechanism. The body has special cells whose job is to ingest foreign bodies, but the asbestos fibers resist and prevail. The cells die off and eventually a fibrous mass builds up. It impedes the intake of oxygen from the air, and the elimination of carbon dioxide from the blood. As more such fibrous areas build up, lung capacity reduces.

There is no cure. People can use an oxygen tank to help with the shortness of breath. Built-up fluid in the lungs can be drained. Mesothelioma may also develop, which is cancer of the lungs’ lining. Breathing problems may become so severe that the brain is deprived of oxygen, and fails to send heartbeat messages. This leads to heart failure.

Asbestosis and mesothelioma are viewed as occupational diseases. If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos at any time in your life, the first step would be to get a chest X-ray.

You might also want to consult an asbestosis attorney to learn more about your legal rights. Each state has a statute of limitations, a time limit within which you must file your asbestosis case. They do not start running from the time of your asbestos exposure, but from the time you first discovered that you had a health condition caused by asbestos. There have been many lawsuits over asbestosis and mesothelioma which have won compensation for the plaintiffs.

Mesothelioma Types And Mesothelioma Lawyer

According to my experiences, there are many information about mesothelioma you should know, the word mesothelioma becomes very interested these days.

The first issue with mesothelioma that will solve many misunderstandings with that disease is the types of that disease. The types of that cancer can be divided into main three types according to the place the affected part in the body, they can be divided into pleural, pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma. That was the first issue but not everything about mesothelioma, there are other issues still unknown with that disease.

The second issue with mesothelioma is the diagnosis, this is also an important issue with that disease. The diagnosis can be achieved using some medical processes such as using Gamma and/or X-ray radiations that can give a clear picture of how the case is. That was another important issue with that cancer. Please, continue reading for more information on that cancer.

The third important issue with that cancer is the treatment options, how we can treat that cancer. The treatments can be one of the following ways, the surgery way, the chemotherapy "by using certain chemical drugs" and the radiotherapy way. Now you have known good information about mesothelioma, if you still need more information about that cancer, just continue reading.

The fourth issue with that uncommon cancer is how to make a successful litigation, it would be one of the most important issues with that cancer. Mesothelioma litigation can be a very successful and can give the patient a suitable compensation from the factory that lets that patient to deal with Asbestos "the main cause of that cancer". I think that you have got great information about that cancer, but wait, there are more tips on that cancer you can get from me.

The fifth issue with that cancer is how to find a lawyer to get your compensation from the manufacturing company, it is the last tip on that cancer I will talk about. To find a good lawyer you can visit this site Mesothelioma Lawyer to search for the nearest attorney for your area. That was another information on mesothelioma, and for this article, it was the last information on that disease. Now, I think you have got some important information on that disease , if you need some extra detailed information on that cancer,

How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

Mesothelioma and Law

It's a disastrous diagnosis - mesothelioma contracted from occupational exposure. It is well known that the symptoms of mesothelioma can appear years, even decades, after occupational exposure, and its effects can be life-changing at best, life-threatening at worst. As soon as you have found competent medical care for your mesothelioma, you should consider filing a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced attorney. But what does mesothelioma litigation entail? This article will answer some frequently asked questions about filing your mesothelioma lawsuit.

What does "occupational exposure" mean?

"Occupational exposure" means that you were exposed to the agent that caused your mesothelioma - usually the toxic mineral asbestos in its insulation and fireproofing forms - in the usual course of business. Occupational exposure is when you are exposed to asbestos fibers and dust while on the job.

What does it mean to file a asbestos exposure litigation?

Litigation is a long and often confusing process. When you contact a lawyer about a potential mesothelioma claim, you will typically present your medical records and diagnosis for his assessment before he can tell you if you have a chance in court. If the lawyer determines that your case is sound and will probably recover some monetary compensation and damages, he will take on your case, usually with a retainer or fee agreement. Your attorney will file for a complaint and summons. Usually mesothelioma cases are settled prior to an actual court, but if the case hasn't been settled, two a team of lawyers will begin building each side of their case. Since mesothelioma is a disease, an Independent Medical Examiner (IME) will probably be involved in your case.

An IME conducts an unbiased medical investigation into your mesothelioma and examines your medical records. The other side will probably request your medical records, as well, in order to determine if you had a pre-existing condition or other medical problems that may relieve them of responsibility for your occupational mesothelioma. Be prepared to sign waivers releasing this medical information to the requesting parties. Your attorney will advise you which documents to sign and which releases to give.

To prepare for mesothelioma litigation, a lawyer will do lots of investigative work by looking at medical records, garnering testimony from experts on mesothelioma as well as accessing employment history.

If your case goes to trial, expect your lawyer to consult with other experts such as trial preparation specialists, who conduct mock trials and coordinate convincing exhibits, multimedia experts who can help present the evidence at trial in the most convincing manner, and witnesses who can bolster your own testimony in your mesothelioma trial. Usually, part of the process of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit will consist of a mandatory settlement conference (MSC). MSC's occur because many states are trying to avoid the costly price of going to trial.

This could warrant compensation with a monetary sum. If a jury finds in your favor, you may be eligible for damages above and beyond just your medical treatment; pain and suffering, loss of employment, and other damages may apply.

Do Patients Win Mesothelioma Law Suits?

It can be scary to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, but the most important thing for an indivdual to remember that putting up a fight for the compensation you deserve. Often, employers knew of the health dangers of asbestos but did not warn their workers or enable them to work in safe conditions. This negligence, both willful and accidental, means that employers bear some responsibility for the health damages of asbestos exposure incurred during occupational work. Patients can and do win mesothelioma lawsuits, and many multi-million dollar payouts have been recorded for the victims of mesothelioma and their families. If you have mesothelioma, it is vital to contact an experienced and competent mesothelioma lawyer in order to recover your rightful compensation.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits and Mesothelioma Cancer

mesothelioma litigation is usually brought forth after a victim's exposure to asbestos years earlier, but these lawsuits are often coupled with mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuits. A mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit occur when a plantiff or claimant, such as a victim or family member of a mesothelioma cancer victim, brings forth legal action in a civil court.

Why File A Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

The death of a loved one as a result of any disease is always terrible for the family of the victim, however that pain can be made even more difficult to bear when the disease and death come as a result of the negligence or action of a third party. Luckily, family and friends of a victim can find comfort with an experienced and knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer who can offer assitance as well as ease suffering. Victims of mesothelioma cancer, which is incurable, have often been exposed to asbestos fibers that are breathed in and attach to the lung. This exposure usually occurs at a place of employment.

Because of the fact that mesothelioma is so serious a form of lung cancer, the ultimately outcome of the disease if often the death of the patient. Families of mesothelioma victims therefore should consider speaking with a qualified mesothelioma lawyer about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit, even in the case that the mesothelioma victim has not yet succumbed to this serious lung disease.

What Are Expectations and Potential Outcomes Concerning Those Filing A Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Beginning in the twentieth century, there is a long history of mesothelioma litigation, with a lengthy precedence of the negligence and responsibility for those companies that manufactured asbestos or placed their employees in direct contact with it. Therefore, the family of any individual who has died as a result of mesothelioma cause by exposure to asbestos can expect some compensation in a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit. To fully comprehend the details of a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit, it is advisable to seek council in a lawyer with experience in these types of lawsuits. A mesothelioma wrongful death lawyer can answer questions and deliver details of expected compensation to those suffering.

Cancer mesothelioma - What is it ?

Cancer Mesothelioma - What is It?

The cancer Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos used in house building materials. It does not take much exposure to cause mesothelioma. The cancer can take up to 30 years to occur which makes diagnosis difficult. There is no link between smoking and mesothelioma. Non smokers contract it as much as smokers.

Lung cancer mesothelioma is a disease where a particular type of cell(the mesothelium) divides without control. This division of cells can lead to mesothelioma. If the cells continue to divide and multiply, they may begin to spread to other parts of the body. If it becomes malignant, it will spread all over the body. Fortunately, the cancer mesothelioma can be benign as well as malignant.

Some cancer mesothelioma symptoms are:

1. Pain in the chest. 2. Breathing Difficulty. 3. Fatigue. 4. Strong Cough or wheezing. 5. Coughing Blood. 6. Anemia.

Cancer mesothelioma is fatal, and unfortunately all treatments used for other types of aggressive cancers have proved ineffective. The survival period for mesothelioma, once diagnosis is made is usually about a year.

Mesothelioma would have been easier to prevent if companies had not been negligent. Many lawsuits have resulted regarding mesothelioma.

Countries that have enacted laws against the use of asbestos have lower rates of mesothelioma. For example, Sweden has seen a decline in rates of mesothelioma because it banned the use of asbestos years ago. Other countries such as Japan have been slow to outlaw asbestos and so deaths from the cancer mesothelioma continue to rise.