Jumat, 18 Februari 2011
The Deadly Consequences of Asbestos Exposure
But while many of us know that inhaling asbestos fibers can be dangerous to our health, what we often don’t know is just how far-reaching the impact of asbestos can be. The material, it turns out, can cause a variety of diseases, some of them catastrophic. This includes mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer of the protective lining covering many of the body’s organs.
While mesothelioma lawyers have won many sizable verdicts and settlements for victims of asbestos exposure, not all of their work has been on behalf of mesothelioma victims. Other types of cancer as well as severe, potentially deadly non-cancerous conditions have been triggered by inhaling asbestos, and those victims have needed assistance and financial compensation.
Here is a look at various—and all too common — asbestos-related diseases:
• Mesothelioma. Almost always the result of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma can take decades to develop, but once detected, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Indeed, most patients succumb to mesothelioma within a year of diagnosis. And unlike mesothelioma lawyers, who have seen success in the courtroom, mesothelioma researchers still struggle to understand—and fight—the deadly disease. There is currently no known cure, and even the most sophisticated treatments typically add just months to a mesothelioma patient’s life.
• Lung cancer. While other factors, such as smoking, can also trigger lung cancer, asbestos exposure is a primary cause of the deadly disease. Epidemiological studies of asbestos worker deaths have shown a particularly high lung cancer rate—higher than that seen in populations not exposed to asbestos. While the British government reports that there is one asbestos-related lung cancer death for every mesothelioma death, many experts say there are far more cases of lung cancer due to asbestos exposure. Smoking, when combined with asbestos exposure, can put an individual at even greater risk of contracting lung cancer.
• Other cancers. Evidence has shown that asbestos can trigger cancer of the larynx as well, and it can even cause cancer of the colon, rectum and ovaries.
• Asbestosis. A severe respiratory disease, asbestosis is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers and dust, and can cause great damage to the victim’s lungs. Over time, that damage—which includes scarring of the lung—can make it difficult for the lung to get oxygen into the blood. As a result, victims experience severe shortness of breath. They often suffer heart disease, too, because the heart has to work harder to overcome the lung’s inefficiency. Like mesothelioma, asbestosis has no known cure, and victims are often required to use supplemental oxygen, greatly limiting their quality of life.
• Pleural thickening. In some individuals, the lining of the lung—known as the pleura—can harden in response to asbestos exposure. This can happen in one or both lungs, and, like asbestosis, it can severely restrict breathing. In extreme but not uncommon cases, the condition can be life threatening.
• Pleural plaques. While they often do not cause symptoms, these small areas of thickening, or scarring, of the lung are often a precursor to other asbestos-related diseases. They can be quite painful, too, once when the plaques harden.
• Asbestos warts. These callus-like growths are caused when asbestos fibers lodge in an individual’s skin. Like pleural plaques, they are a worrisome sign that someone has been exposed to asbestos and may be at risk of developing more serious diseases. Though themselves benign, asbestos warts can be a troubling signal of the devastation that may lie ahead.
*This article was brought to you by the mesothelioma lawyers at Cooney & Conway. For more than half a century, we have been advocates for those injured because of the wrongful actions of others. We have litigated and resolved some of the nation’s most significant asbestos lawsuits, bringing justice—and financial compensation—to victims of asbestos exposure and the lung cancer, mesothelioma and other deadly diseases it can cause.
(*lawyer marketing)
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Written by vision · Filed Under Featured, Mesothelioma News
Framingham firefighter lost to mesothelioma cancer
Urban’s passing comes on the heels of the loss of 58-year-old retired firefighter Michael Marshall to lung cancer last month. Lung cancer is yet another disease commonly cause by asbestos exposure, along with asbestosis.
Urban’s family has been unable to conclusively pinpoint the cause of the mesothelioma. His wife speculated that exposure to asbestos could have taken place in his childhood home, at a fire station, while firefighting or from using carpentry materials, as Urban was a self-employed carpenter before joining the Fire Department.
Asbestos is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulated mineral fiber has been commonly used in construction materials, as insulation and as a fire retardant. When asbestos is disturbed or burns, it realeases toxic fibers that become airborne and are easily inhaled. These fibers lodge in the lungs for decades causing damage. Urban had pleural mesothelioma, which specifically affects the lining of the lungs, leaving no doubt that he’d likely inhaled asbestos for a prolonged period of time.
The local Hollis Street and Saxonville fire stations both have had asbestos, and several years ago, an area in Station 2 was closed off and bolted before the contamination was cleaned up, making exposure at his station a real possibility.
“Mike was family, and we lost a member of our family, and we’ll deal with that the way any family does,” said Station 2 captain at the Saxonville firehouse Paul Barlow
Mesothelioma Diagnosis the Mesothelioma Victims Center Has The Most Comprehensive Free Service For US Navy Veterans & All US Citizens
Who Can Get Mesothelioma:
One third of all U.S. mesothelioma victims served in the U.S. Navy between 1930 & 1980.
U.S. Navy Veterans or ship yard workers who worked in the following shipyards should be tested for asbestosis: California : U.S. Naval Shipyard at Mare Island, U.S. Naval Shipyard at San Francisco, and the U.S. Naval Shipyard at San Francisco Bay. The San Francisco Naval Shipyard was also known as Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and Treasure Island Naval Station Hunters Point Annex, & Long Beach California. Washington State had the Todd Shipyards & the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA. On the East Coast there is Norfolk & Portsmouth Naval Shipyards.
Mesothelioma cancer is a result of asbestos exposure. Individuals who worked in mines, oil refineries, shipyards, power plants, carpenters, plumbers, boiler room technicians construction demolition, auto brake repair professionals, HVAC technicians, and others who were exposed to asbestos can get mesothelioma.
A worker exposed to asbestos on the job, can bring it home, on their work clothing, and expose their families. It is not uncommon for a wife, or a child to get mesothelioma from a parent, who was exposed to asbestos on the job.
Because just Diagnosed mesothelioma cancer victims and their families need assistance, help, advice, support, and a resource, the Mesothelioma Victims Center is providing the most comprehensive US service for mesothelioma victims at no charge--because its the right thing to do. Anyone wishing more information can call the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466
Automotive workers vulnerable to lung cancer
The smokers, both active and passive, including the group most at risk of contracting lung cancer. Other groups are also prone to experience automotive workers who are often located in the garage. Why is that?
In addition to frequent inhaling exhaust emissions of motor vehicles, automotive workers are also faced with other materials that are not less dangerous in relation to cancer. Material in question is used as a layer of asbestos brake and clutch.
When the mechanical cleaning the drum and motor vehicle clutch home, dust and debris that asbestos fibers would be flying then inhaled. Asbestos dust can accumulate so that in the long term may increase the risk of cancer in the respiratory tract.
The risk could be even greater considering that most workshops do not have good air circulation. Recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows, 66 percent shop in the United States have asbestos-contaminated air above the safe limit because they have no ventilation.
The use of asbestos by the automotive industry actually has been warned by the EPA since the 1970s, but the material is still in use today because the votes do something different. Of them more resistant to heat and more stable than other materials such as rubber and plastic.
Quoted from Seedol, Sunday (23 / 1), type of lung cancer that is often plagued automotive worker is Malignant mesothelioma. This type of cancer attacks the thin layer that surrounds vital organs including the lungs and most are triggered by asbestos.
As with other types of lung cancer, early symptoms Malignant mesothelioma is often not detected. Before the already severe, automotive workers or anyone that intersect with asbestos dust should be checked out if it starts to cough or have other respiratory complaints.
Jumat, 14 Januari 2011
Mesothelioma Settlement
Mesothelioma settlements are voluntary agreements made between the plaintiff and the defendant without a trial. Monetary compensation is rendered most often to cover medical expenses, lost wages from the disability, and court costs. In many cases, settlements for pain and suffering, including the prediction of disease onset, is included. Settlement compensation is unique to the situation, and can range from thousands to millions of dollars. With enough evidence and intelligent negotiation, victims can convince the companies liable to compensate them fairly.
Mesothelioma lawyers handle around 2500 Mesothelioma cases annually in the U.S. The first step in the settlement process is filing a complaint. The American Bar Association recommends that there be two precedents for filing an asbestos claim, to protect those more seriously affected. The ABA believes in a clear standard for injury, and that the statue of limitations for a Mesothelioma settlement claim should not begin until after the person develops physical illness.
A Mesothelioma lawyer will launch a thorough investigation into the plaintiff's health and employment history to help confirm that an incident of exposure at the workplace described is the cause of the alleged illness. In genuine cases of asbestos exposure, imaging of a person's lungs after exposure will reveal pre-cancerous alteration to tissue that will most likely manifest itself as Mesothelioma many years later.
Despite the high risk of disease from long term or short term exposure, America unwisely continues its use and extraction of asbestos. Asbestos is still coveted by the government because of its resistance to heat, chemical damage, electrical damage, and absorption factor.
by: daniel woodrich
Mesothelioma Settlement
Mesothelioma settlements are voluntary agreements made between the plaintiff and the defendant without a trial. Monetary compensation is rendered most often to cover medical expenses, lost wages from the disability, and court costs. In many cases, settlements for pain and suffering, including the prediction of disease onset, is included. Settlement compensation is unique to the situation, and can range from thousands to millions of dollars. With enough evidence and intelligent negotiation, victims can convince the companies liable to compensate them fairly.
Mesothelioma lawyers handle around 2500 Mesothelioma cases annually in the U.S. The first step in the settlement process is filing a complaint. The American Bar Association recommends that there be two precedents for filing an asbestos claim, to protect those more seriously affected. The ABA believes in a clear standard for injury, and that the statue of limitations for a Mesothelioma settlement claim should not begin until after the person develops physical illness.
A Mesothelioma lawyer will launch a thorough investigation into the plaintiff's health and employment history to help confirm that an incident of exposure at the workplace described is the cause of the alleged illness. In genuine cases of asbestos exposure, imaging of a person's lungs after exposure will reveal pre-cancerous alteration to tissue that will most likely manifest itself as Mesothelioma many years later.
Despite the high risk of disease from long term or short term exposure, America unwisely continues its use and extraction of asbestos. Asbestos is still coveted by the government because of its resistance to heat, chemical damage, electrical damage, and absorption factor.
by: daniel woodrich
Kamis, 13 Januari 2011
Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawyer
n the last three or four years, there has been a tremendous increase in Mesothelioma cases across United States. Because of this, there is not much of a surprise that more and more lawyers have started specializing in asbestos and Mesothelioma related lawsuits. These lawyers often help Mesothelioma victims that are looking to get compensation from their company which are responsible for asbestos exposure. By filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit, you can get plenty of money in the form of compensation. But this will only happen when you manage to find a right kind of asbestos lawyer.
Asbestos Lawyers
Asbestos lawyers are specialists who will give you support in every stage of your Mesothelioma lawsuit. Before hiring any asbestos lawyer, it is advisable that you check their record well in advance. Stay away from lawyers whose success rate is less than 80%. The internet is the best place to find an asbestos lawyer because in a matter of seconds you can get details of all the top asbestos lawyers in your area.
When selecting an asbestos lawyer for your Mesothelioma case, you need to be patient. Do not expect answers to all your queries initially. Your lawyer will need some time to review your specific case. Mesothelioma cases are all about preparation and if it is not done well, it can have a negative impact on your case.
Deadline
In Mesothelioma cases, you need to keep a keen eye on deadlines. If you miss any of your court hearings, it can give the defense plenty of benefits. It is the responsibility of your Mesothelioma lawyer to be present in every court hearing even if you cannot be there because of your busy schedule or medical issues.
Strengths and Weaknesses of your Mesothelioma Case
To attain success in your Mesothelioma case, it is of paramount importance that you are aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you do not have enough evidence, it is advisable that you focus on safety regulations associated with asbestos exposure. After reviewing all your documents and case details, your Mesothelioma lawyer will decide on a method through which your case can be represented more effectively.
If the defense is interested in an out of court settlement, it is a clear sign that your case is strong and you can demand maximum compensation. Before going for an out of court settlement, make sure that you have a chat with your Mesothelioma lawyer. Your lawyer can tell you well in advance whether an out of court settlement is a good move. Deciding on a compensation amount can be tricky so it is quite important that you have your case analyzed properly and only ask for an amount that is applicable rather than demanding so much that you will be shot down.
Mesothelioma Life Expectancy in Retired Employees
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which affects approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States each year. Retired employees who have worked at known asbestos sites such as powerhouses, oil refineries, power plants, shipyards, and construction sites should seek immediate diagnosis to determine if they have developed this deadly disease. Mesothelioma life expectancy in retired employees varies and depends on numerous factors.
Life Expectancy of Mesothelioma Cancer Patients
A patient’s prognosis is affected by numerous factors which include early detection of the cancer, the age of the victim, the types of treatment received, how aggressively it is treated, and a patient’s diet can also contribute to an extended life-span. Mesothelioma however can be extremely difficult to detect due to the similarity of symptoms to other more common conditions such as influenza. Doctors may overlook mesothelioma as a diagnosis which can delay receiving appropriate treatment. Due to the severe latency period of mesothelioma symptoms which is about 14-50, mesothelioma treatment will need to be aggressive. However the life expectancy for most mesothelioma sufferers is within 6 to twelve months from receiving prognosis.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer
If any of the symptoms listed below is detected, mesothelioma diagnosis is recommended to receive appropriate treatment:
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Excessive fatigue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal swelling
- Pain in chest area
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent dry cough
- Acute pain in the abdominal region
Mesothelioma Attorneys Can Help You with Your Case
If you have mesothelioma cancer you will need to get a hold of an experience mesothelioma trial lawyer immediately. When the lawyer is seen, you will have to submit previous employment information, all medical information related to being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma cancer. This information will help to speed things along during your mesothelioma trial.
Improving Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Mesothelioma research and doctors are doing their best to improve the life expectancy of mesothelioma suffers. When an older person develops mesothelioma cancer, treatment is difficult due to other health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and other lung ailments which can significantly affect a patient’s life expectancy. While there is still no cure for mesothelioma, mesothelioma life expectancy in retired employees can be increased if patients undergo various aggressive treatments.
taken from :mesoblog.org
Walter Reed Medical Center Reuse Plan states “sizeable” asbestos contamination | Mesothelioma News
The recently released Final Reuse Plot for Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. describes in fantastic detail what will happen to the 62 acres under redevelopment. But, there is still a fantastic deal of concern surrounding the amount of contamination that will have to be dealt with in buildings slated for demolition and renovation.
The Army assumes the presence of lead-based paint in any building constructed before 1978, has found petroleum and PCBs in soil samples and has identified asbestos in seven buildings. Asbestos is a toxic fiber used commonly in construction prior to the 1980’s and is known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the body’s major cavities and organs.
The area around the historically-designated central heating plant is particularly contaminated. Known as Building 15, the plot lists it as an “attractive retail destination.” Additionally, two 400,000-gallon underground storage tanks used to hold heating oil have to be removed. The cost of this clean-up is expected to be “significant.”
Asbestos abatement on its own is an expensive undertaking, as it is a long, legally regulated process. But, if asbestos removal is not handled property, both workers and the surrounding community could be exposed to carcinogenic fibers that can cause pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, which affect the lining of the lungs and abdomen respectively.
The full scope of contamination at Walter Reed has yet to be conclusively determined, and the Army is showing small interest in dealing with any problems. It is, but, keen to go on with the land transfer.