Asbestos Injuries
Asbestos is a harmful material that was widely used in construction until it was regulated in the early 1980s. Exposure to asbestos has been shown to cause a number of health problems, including the aggressive and fatal lung disease mesothelioma. When inhaled, asbestos fibers attach themselves to the throat and are breathed into the lungs, heart and abdomen. Malignant, pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma are all forms of mesothelioma which can result from asbestos inhalation.
Many construction companies and other employers continued to use asbestos material long after its restriction because it was a cheap building and insulation material. Chalik & Chalik Law Offices aims to hold these companies accountable for the harm asbestos caused to many innocent employees. Because the manifestation of asbestos damage can take many years to develop, diseases like mesothelioma may be difficult to trace and even harder to prove fault. If you or someone you know is suffering from health problems due to asbestos exposure, let Chalik & Chalik uncover the truth. We will find out who is responsible and hold them financially responsible for your injuries.
Exposure to asbestos typically occurs in the workplace, and the disease has an extended latency period – symptoms can take between 20-40 years to appear. Because of the long latency period of the disease, patients often cannot remember when or where the asbestos exposure occurred. The Law Offices of Chalik & Chalik can help identify at-risk workplaces, known asbestos sites, and companies or manufacturers known for asbestos usage.
Although the cancer is aggressive, the onset of mesothelioma symptoms is usually very slow, and may not appear until 20-40 years after exposure to asbestos. Each year, 2,500 to 4,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases. The following occupations present the highest risk for workers exposed to asbestos fibers:
- Construction workers handling or installing insulation.
- Miners
- Auto Mechanics
- Roofers
- Factory Workers
- Electricians
- Ship builders
- Railroad workers
- Gas mask manufacturers
Mesothelioma symptoms are often non-specific, and may be signs of other less serious medical conditions. There is currently no known cure for mesothelioma. As the disease progresses, the cancerous cells harden the pleura (the thin, Saran Wrap-type membrane that lines and encases the lung) and spread. As time passes, breathing, sleeping and eating become more difficult. It becomes increasingly more challenging for the victim to engage in normal activities and enjoy life.
A number of treatments are available to help contain the
spread of the disease and reduce the pain associated with
it. Chemotherapy, radiation and radical surgery to remove
the lung and/or pleura are among the options that will be
explored by the treating physician. Still, this disease was
preventable, and many Americans have unnecessarily and
tragically contracted asbestos-related diseases.
Stand up for your rights in the workplace. If you or a loved
one has suffered from asbestos injuries or developed
mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact the Asbestos and Mesothelioma
lawyers of Chalik & Chalik Law Offices for your
complimentary legal consultation.
