Did Your Job Cause Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. This dangerous substance has been connected with an illness which is often fatal. Each year, many people go to court to fight for compensation for this illness.

Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma? Read on to learn more about the condition and your legal options.

Symptoms of this condition come on fast and strong, and they are often misdiagnosed or ignored. Sometimes, people do not know a loved one had mesothelioma until after their death.

The most common signs of mesothelioma include fatigue and low oxygen levels. Mesothelioma causes night sweats, fever, nausea, and weight loss. Irregular heart beat and chest pain may also develop.

Some symptoms may affect your throat more than other parts of your body. These symptoms include hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. Some people also develop pneumonia or the flu frequently.

The construction industry is the most common field where mesothelioma is found. Construction materials used to include asbestos until researchers understood the impact the substance could have on individuals who come into contact with it.

Although no new asbestos-containing materials are being produced, ones produced before the regulations were put in place still exist, and it is these older materials that present a risk for construction workers.

Other workers at risk for mesothelioma include plumbers, factory workers, blacksmiths, aircraft maintenance workers, chemical technicians, engineers, and roofers.

Some workers you might not expect to be at risk for mesothelioma include hairdressers, police officers, and sailors.

Remember that asbestos has previously been used throughout the United States, even though its use is now strictly regulated. Anybody who works in repair or maintenance could come into contact with asbestos.

Several types of mesothelioma develop from exposure to asbestos. Each version of mesothelioma affects different linings in the body.

For example, pleural mesothelioma commonly forms in the lungs of individuals who work around asbestos. This type of mesothelioma can significantly impact your ability to breathe. Often, people with this condition don’t get it diagnosed.

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen, leading to many symptoms associated with the stomach and loss of appetite. The condition can also spread through the internal organs, including the liver and spleen.

Finally, pericardia mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart. Much of the time, individuals who have this condition do not ever realize it. This condition is the least common form of mesothelioma, but it is incredibly serious.

No matter what kind of mesothelioma you are diagnosed with, the treatment can be expensive. You may struggle to pay medical costs, especially if you cannot work.

Unfortunately, the prognosis for any type of mesothelioma has not been positive throughout the years. The best news is that treatments are becoming more available to people with this condition. For instance, a form of chemotherapy has been highly effective for individuals living with peritoneal mesothelioma.

When paired together, surgery and radiation are often a ferocious team for attacking mesothelioma. This method can kill cancer cells that develop because of the condition.

If you are employed in a profession in which you have come into contact with asbestos, you should talk to your personal injury attorney. You may have a workers' compensation claim if the duties that put you in contact with asbestos were part of your job duties.

Your personal injury attorney will help you determine if your case is eligible for workers' compensation and other monetary rewards. Monetary damages may include compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and disability benefits.

Are you living with mesothelioma caused by your work? Call The Richard D. Hoffman Law Offices to learn more about your options. Set up a consultation with our team today to see if you have a valid workers' comp case.