The Facts About Workers’ Compensation and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that commonly develops in the lungs after a person has been exposed to asbestos. While there are effective treatments to ease the symptoms, most mesothelioma diagnoses are dire. Sadly, this form of cancer is often not detected until years after exposure, leaving the victims feeling as though they have no way to seek compensation for their job-related exposure and illness.
Because mesothelioma develops after long-term exposure to asbestos, such as have long-term exposure often from employment, there is a way for victims of asbestos exposure to receive compensation.
The Facts About Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It was commonly used as a form of insulation for dozens of household, commercial, and industrial products. Because it was fire resistant and heat resistant, it was used for everything from tiles to roofing materials, and even used in boats. After thorough investigation, it was found that people who had developed mesothelioma all had one thing in common: daily exposures to asbestos materials.
It is estimated that doctors diagnose over 3,000 cases of mesothelioma each year in the United States. While the use of asbestos has dramatically declined, the cases of malignant mesothelioma are steady.
It takes long-term exposure of asbestos to develop this type of cancer. In fact, 70 to 80 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases are due to work-related asbestos exposure. It happens by
● The worker inhaling the asbestos material or debris;
● The fibers then lodge inside the mesothelial tissues of the lungs; and then
● The fibers then begin to damage those tissues, allowing tumors to grow
There are three types of mesothelioma diagnoses – though pleural malignant mesothelioma is the most common type diagnosed in the United States.
1. Pleural – This is on the lining of the lungs. If caught early, patients may have better results through various treatments, but studies are still on going to find the most effective.
2. Peritoneal – This develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity. This cancer sometimes responds to surgery and heated chemotherapy.
3. Pericardial – This affects the lining of the heart and is the most challenging type to treat.
Filing for Workers’ Compensation
If you were exposed to asbestos while on the job – whether five years ago or 20 years ago – you may still be entitled to compensation. The statute of limitations in these types of exposure cases begins from the moment you are discover the condition and are aware of its relationship to your employment (not the time you were exposed), so you must file your claim within a set time to qualify.
While this exposure could happen in a variety of occupations, some of the more common include
● Shipyard work
● Construction
● Roofing
● Industrial workers
● Chemical plant workers
● Auto mechanics
● Boiler workers
● Insulation companies and installers
Contact Petro Cohen, P.C. for More Information
If you have developed work-related mesothelioma, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Contact the attorneys at Petro Cohen, P.C. for a free consultation regarding your claim. Because time is limited, you must start your claim as soon as possible. Call us today at 888-675-7607 or fill out an online contact form.
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