The Diseases Related to Asbestos Exposure
Although bans and limitations of asbestos use have been in place in the United States since 1972, the diseases caused by asbestos exposure are still affecting Americans today. In fact, thousands of Americans are diagnosed with asbestos related diseases every year due to the delayed effect of asbestos exposure. These diseases include mesothelioma, asbestosis, malignant lung cancer and other types of cancers.
Almost all health complications related to asbestos exposure result from employment at industrial occupations involving high heat operations such as power plants, steel mills, chemical plants, various manufacturing facilities, and shipyards. Asbestos fibers can stick to hair and clothes which makes it easily transferable to others. Even if you have never worked in an at-risk industry or occupation, a family member may have unintentionally brought asbestos fibers into the home, which could have exposed spouses and children to its harmful effects.
Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer and Asbestosis
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer typically developed many years after exposure to asbestos that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. The latency period may be 20 to 50 years from the time of first exposure until the disease is developed. Unlike other asbestos-related diseases, mesothelioma can develop with even minimal exposure to asbestos. There is no known cure for this disease, although the progression of the disease is frequently treated with chemotherapy.
Lung cancer can also be caused by exposure to asbestos. Although many doctors will readily attribute lung cancer to smoking, it has been shown that smoking, coupled with exposure to asbestos, multiplies the risk of contracting lung cancer.
Asbestosis is also developed after long term exposure. It is a scarring of the lungs which, over time, affects the ability to breathe. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of asbestosis. While asbestosis is a non-malignant disease, it can lead to serious shortness of breath that in some extreme cases is fatal.
Common work sites where asbestos exposure was prominent in Michigan include Great Lakes Steel, Dow Chemical in Midland, McLouth Steel, Detroit Edison power plants, the Ford Rouge steel plant and Consumer Power plants. If you or a family member has been afflicted with mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis, contact an experienced Michigan asbestos mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible.
Other Cancers
Prolonged exposure to asbestos materials can also take part in causing malignant lung cancer and other types of cancers, including throat, stomach and colon-rectal cancer.
Legal Remedies
In order to prove that a case of mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer or other cancer was caused by asbestos exposure, a Michigan mesothelioma attorney must be able to identify the products to which the victim was exposed. Only experienced asbestos attorneys can properly prepare and resolve an asbestos personal injury case. Due to the complex nature of these cases, it is important to contact a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer right away. It is easier for a lawyer to gather information before a patient becomes too sick or passes away. This first hand information is imperative to establishing a solid case. With the proper information, Michigan mesothelioma lawyers can fight to get you and your family the justice they deserve.
About Mr. Gene Zamler:
Mr. Gene Zamler is the founder of the law firm of Zamler, Mellen & Shiffman, P.C. At Zamler, Mellen & Shiffman, P.C., our Michigan mesothelioma lawyers know how to use the law to pursue compensation for people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Our Michigan personal injury lawyers have helped over 150,000 people and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients in personal injury cases.
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