Exposure to asbestos is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in United States history. As early as 1918, asbestos has been linked to various kinds of lung anomalies, including the deadly mesothelioma. Often, symptoms manifest long after lung tissue has been compromised which makes treatment problematic in patients who have had a lung disorder for years without knowing it. Fortunately, asbestos lawsuits often result in settlements in favor of plaintiffs who have been injured by employers with knowledge of the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a combination of naturally-occurring chemicals found in the form of fibers. The fibers were used in the first half of the 20th century to insulate buildings against cold and heat as well as protect buildings from fire damage. Loose fibers and fiber dust, when breathed into the lungs, can cause severe defects in lung tissue and cells which leads to various forms of lung cancer. Industries most commonly affected by asbestos lung cancer include shipbuilding, auto manufacturing, construction, heating and cooling.
Asbestos is linked to a wide range of severe health problems in those who experienced long-term exposure. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, do not ready exhale from the body and remain in the lungs for an extended period of time. Lung cancer patients and those suffering from mesothelioma experienced symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, swelling of the neck or face, difficulty swallowing and anemia. In addition to lung disorders, asbestos has been known to cause cancers in the throat, gall bladder, kidneys, colon and esophagus.
Asbestos litigation has been widespread since the 1970’s. Many companies with a history of asbestos-related injuries have set aside litigation expenses in preparation for lawsuits on behalf of injured employees. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos at any point in their life should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. If tests reveal lung cancer or mesothelioma, an attorney can help determine whether the employee has a claim against his employee. Even if many decades have passed since the exposure, it is never too late to seek damages from companies having knowingly exposed their workers to the dangers of carcinogenic asbestos.