Claims For Asbestos Related Disease
Claims for asbestos related disease can be complex and costly. These claims are distinct from other tort lawsuits because they involve multiple plaintiffs who have medical issues and injuries that differ.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease may be eligible for compensation from liable companies, asbestos trust funds as well as insurance companies and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Symptoms
When people breathe in asbestos-containing particles over long periods of time, they may develop a variety of illnesses. Certain of these diseases are cancerous such as mesothelioma while others aren't cancerous but can cause breathing problems. Early detection and treatment are the key to dealing with any asbestos-related disease. Anyone who has had to work with asbestos or shared an apartment with someone who was exposed should speak with their doctor regarding any breathing problems. The doctor will do an exhaustive exam and ask about your work history. The doctor will also conduct a test called Spirometry which measures the quantity of air you inhale and exhale.
Lung disease is the most common illness caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and coughing, chest pain, and a bluish-colored appearance of the skin due to a the lack of oxygen. The symptoms usually start slowly, but get worse over time and could eventually lead to respiratory failure. Asbestos inhalation causes scarring of the lungs (fibrosis) that reduces the capacity of the lungs to take in oxygen. This is known as progressive exertional dyspnea. Chest xrays or lung function tests can detect fibrosis.
The buildup of fluid in the chest, abdomen or around the lungs is a different indication. These fluids, also known as pleural plaques, are triggered by asbestos. Plaques are an indication of asbestos exposure, but do not always lead to mesothelioma. They are often seen on an CT scan or a chest x-ray. They can also make breathing difficult.
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of the lungs as well as the chest wall. Symptoms include chest pain, belly or rib cage and breathing difficulties, cough and fatigue. The severity of this cancer as well as the fact that it is usually diagnosed late can lead to a high mortality rate.
The benign asbestos-related diseases are less serious and have a lower survival rate. They may be characterized by plaques in the pleura, widespread fibrosis of the lung and an effusion of the pleura. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity. The calcifications in the pleura can appear blurred on an x-ray of the chest, but they are not cancerous. They do not cause symptoms. The fibrosis could not cause any symptoms, but will cause decreased lung capacity when undergoing lung function tests. Pleural effusions can be caused by cancer or benign conditions but they are more likely to be due to mesothelioma.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibers can cause scarring of the lungs, also known as interstitial fibrous disease. It can cause a progressive shortness in breath and, in some instances, can be fatal. It can also lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs known as Pleural effusion. Pleural effusions may be an indication that you have malignant mesothelioma. It may take many years to recognize these illnesses because of their lengthy latency.
Because symptoms are similar to other illnesses, diagnosis can be difficult for doctors. It is crucial to give a complete medical and occupational history including all asbestos exposure sources. This will allow the doctor to pinpoint the time when asbestos exposure occurred. This information can also be used to determine if the illness is due to mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural fluid or benign plaques in the pleural cavity.
A physician can use a special stethoscope to listen to the lungs. If there's a lot of scarring in the lungs, it can make dry crackling sounds when the person breathes. A doctor may also recommend an x-ray chest scan or CT scan to check for evidence of asbestos exposure and to determine how serious the damage to the lungs is. A CT scan may be more precise and reveal changes in the lungs, however, it is not a requirement for anesthesia or radiation.
If someone is diagnosed with asbestosis the doctor can prescribe medications to reduce symptoms and avoid complications. Doctors can also offer assistance and advice on a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
A doctor may also recommend the procedure thoracentesis, also known as thoracentesis order to obtain samples of lungs' fluid for laboratory testing. A doctor injects local anesthesia into the chest, and then insert needles between the ribs. This procedure is performed using ultrasound guidance. The fluid is then withdrawn for analysis. The treatment focuses on slowing down the progression of fibrosis and improving breathing. The doctor can prescribe steroids to treat the condition. This can be enough to improve the condition of certain patients.
Exposure
Asbestos, a poisonous and hazardous substance is used in the manufacturing of many different products. Workers involved in the manufacture of asbestos-related products were exposed to harmful dust and fibers on a daily bases. The exposure led to a variety of asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Exposure to asbestos is mainly associated with working directly with the material, but is also possible when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged. These can include construction and repair work as well as washing or cleaning clothes that contain asbestos fibers or even home maintenance and remodeling projects.
The likelihood of developing asbestos-related disease depends on a myriad of factors, including duration and intensity of exposure as well as smoking habits. Certain people experience symptoms of disease after years of exposure, while others develop them quicker. Even exposure to asbestos for a short time can cause serious problems such as mesothelioma or the development of pleural effusions.
Inhaling asbestos particles can cause the lungs to become scarred and thickened and narrows air flow. This can cause coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. In some cases scarring may develop into a fatal mesothelioma type. The condition can also lead to pleural effusions, which are a result of the accumulation of fluid in the lining of the lungs.
While these conditions are all extremely serious, they are not always fatal. If the root cause of the disease is diagnosed early enough, there are treatments which can help improve the prognosis and prolong life. However, it is essential that those who believe that they have been affected by asbestos speak to their doctor about having checked for asbestos.
Asbestos claims are allowed up to three years following diagnosis. We have years of experience helping clients with these claims. The amount of compensation available will depend on the type of disease and the circumstances surrounding the development of the disease. In many cases, we can provide you with the No Win No Fee Agreement, which means you will not have to pay for any upfront costs and only pay only if your claim is successful.
Compensation
Anyone who has been diagnosed as suffering from an asbestos-related illness may be entitled to compensation. Insurance and lawsuits can help pay for medical bills and other expenses related to the serious illness. Mesothelioma lawyers can assist victims determine whether they qualify for various types of claims. The criteria for eligibility will vary based on the state's laws and the type of claim. Mesothelioma lawyers will analyze a victim's mesothelioma diagnosis, asbestos exposure history and other data to determine the most effective method of compensation.
Compensation for an asbestos related disease can come in the form of a lump sum payment or regular payments. Tax-free benefits. Compensation payments are dependent on the severity of a person's symptoms and their impact on daily life. Vancouver asbestos lawyers suffering from specific illnesses like mesothelioma, or lung cancer, may also be entitled to compensation under the common law from their former employer.
Asbestos sufferers can sue for personal injury or wrongful deaths against companies who are accountable for their asbestos exposure. A lawsuit can result in a verdict from a jury or a settlement. The longer a case is litigated, the more difficult it is to get compensation.
A claim can also be made to an asbestos trust. These funds were created by courts to compensate asbestos-related victims and their families. There are over 65 trusts that are currently accepting claims.
Additionally, veterans who have served in the United States military and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness could be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA claims can pay for treatment costs as other expenses.
A reputable mesothelioma lawyer will review the medical records of the client, including asbestos exposure history, to determine how best to seek compensation. They will also help with the forms and deadlines to file claims. The time required to receive compensation varies based on the severity and type of the condition. Compensation from a settlement or lawsuit may take more than a year, while VA and workers' compensation claims usually arrive within 8 weeks.