Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that most often occurs in the lungs. The most common cause of this disease is the inhalation of asbestos. This material was once widely used in the construction and manufacturing industries. It has been used to fireproof, insulate, and strengthen products. Repeated and sustained exposures to this material can increase the risk that a person will develop mesothelioma. In many cases this type of cancer does not occur until years or even decades after exposure to asbestos. Signs of this disease include fatigue, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, abdominal pain, and chest pain (i). According to the National Cancer Institute, people who work in brake lining, construction, gaskets, insulation, milling, mining, and ship building may face an increased risk of asbestos exposure (i).
Mesothelioma is a serious health concern for people around the world and in the United States. According to the World Health Organization, about 125 million people are exposed to asbestos in the workplace each year worldwide. Additionally, more than 100,000 people die each year from diseases caused by this type of exposure (ii). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has also found that every year 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States. And, in 2005 alone, 2,704 people died from this type of cancer (iii). People who have suffered injuries due to asbestos exposure should talk to a personal injury lawyer because they may have a valid lawsuit, workers’ compensation claim, or another legal claim.
A report from the Rand Institute for Civil Justice states, “Asbestos litigation is the longest-running mass tort litigation in the United States.” After reviewing studies on the topic, the Institute found that 730,000 people who have been exposed to this dangerous material have filed legal claims against 8,400 businesses. Additionally, up to $70 billion have been spent by defendants and insurance companies on this type of litigation (iv).
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira stated, “The use of asbestos has dropped in recent years due to increased education about its dangers. Unfortunately, this product is still used in some industries. Another thing people suffering mesothelioma should realize is that their exposure to the carcinogen was probably years or even decades ago but that should not prevent them from talking to a lawyer. In many cases, the statute of limitations for an asbestos lawsuit is based upon when the cancer is discovered and not when the exposure occurs.”
The Mesothelioma infographic provides general information about the disease as well as statistics. d’Oliveira & Associates has been providing legal advice to RI and MA residents for over 25 years. The lawyers at the firm exclusively handle injury and disability cases. They also work with experienced attorneys across the nation who can file a mesothelioma lawsuit and there are no legal fees until a settlement or award is obtained. Contact us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free legal consultation.
Sources:
- (i) National Cancer Institute.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos - (ii) World Health Organization.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs343/en/ - (iii) Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5815a3.htm - (iv) Rand Institute for Civil Justice.
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG162.html
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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