Receiving the diagnosis of mesothelioma for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. As is the case with any cancer diagnosis, key decisions about treatment options, therapy, patient care, and compensation must be made. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the only recognized cause of mesothelioma. Because most exposures happened decades before diagnosis, seeking legal guidance on your compensation rights is critical.
First of all, what is asbestos?
Asbestos is a collective word that refers to a collection of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that have been widely used in commercial applications. Asbestos is made up of silicate chains linked together by magnesium, iron, calcium, aluminum, sodium, or trace metals to create long, thin, detachable fibrils. These fibrils are parallel, and a single asbestos fiber viewed under a microscope may represent many fibrils that have not separated.
What are the dangers of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos has been classified as a recognized carcinogen in humans. While all forms of asbestos are hazardous, the amphibole kind appears to be more effective at creating mesothelioma than the serpentine variety, both of which cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. When numerous activities damage asbestos-containing items, microscopic fibers are released into the air. When inhaled, these fibers become stuck and aggregate in the lungs, producing inflammation, scarring, and other adverse health effects, including cancer development.
How does asbestos exposure occur?
Asbestos exposure occurs when tiny asbestos fibers become airborne. The hazardous mineral dust can linger in the air for hours, posing a risk to anyone nearby who inhales or consumes it. In a perfect environment with few disruptions, asbestos fibers may settle in 48 to 72 hours.
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. The latency period for mesothelioma is typically 30-40 years, with longer periods observed in areas with lower levels of asbestos exposure. Various studies have revealed a strong correlation between asbestos fiber exposure and mesothelioma development.
What are forms of claims available for asbestos exposure?
Below are the forms of claims you can take if you are exposed to asbestos and if you want to learn more, navigate to this site.
Claims for Personal Injury
If you do some research, you will find out that individuals exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with a linked ailment can file personal injury claims. Claimants sue the asbestos company that caused their exposure. Patients who are too unwell to file a claim may be able to have one filed on their behalf by a mesothelioma lawyer.
The term “asbestos company” refers to the business that is liable for unintentional exposure. This may include corporations that supply raw asbestos, makers of asbestos products, or careless employers. Asbestos sufferers may sue employers if they were aware of workplace asbestos exposure but failed to tell employees or provide protective equipment.
Claims for Wrongful Death
A family member makes a wrongful death claim after a loved one dies from an asbestos-related sickness. In order to obtain monetary compensation, a claim is made against an asbestos-related company through a discussion.
Conclusion
The asbestos claims procedure is not always straightforward, from navigating the court system to acquiring medical evidence. Several compensation systems are available, each with its own set of laws, which can make determining your next moves complicated. Expert asbestos lawyers excel at assisting you during this trying time.