One of the deadliest forms of cancer is lung cancer, and asbestos exposure is one of the major causes of this type of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, those who develop asbestos-related disease may show no signs of illness for up to 40 years.
If doctors diagnosed you with lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, you may receive compensation from the companies responsible for your exposure. Our asbestos lung cancer lawyers are committed to helping you make things right. Let us reduce the monetary and emotional burdens accompanying your asbestos-related lung cancer by fighting for your right to fair and full compensation.
Asbestos Exposure and Lung Cancer Risk
Asbestos, which was once widely used across dozens of industries during the 20th century due to its barrier against fire, water, and electricity, is a known carcinogen. Workers didn’t know about asbestos dangers until the 1970s, when researchers suspected it of causing severe lung diseases and cancer. Tiny, sharp asbestos fibers become airborne whenever an asbestos-containing product is disturbed.
People can inhale the fibers without knowing it once in the air. These fibers often become embedded in healthy lung tissue, where they contribute to the mutation of cells, and over several years, this damage may eventually cause lung cancer. Treatments for asbestos-related lung cancer can be incredibly expensive, and you should always receive proper treatment. If you have asbestos-related lung disease and can provide evidence to link your diagnosis to asbestos exposure, you may pursue compensation by filing a claim or lawsuit against the asbestos manufacturer or another liable party.
Symptoms of Asbestos Lung Cancer
Asbestos-related lung cancer is an aggressive and deadly disease with symptoms similar to non-asbestos lung cancer. The health effects of asbestos-related diseases will often start mild and worsen over time.
Some symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Phlegm
- Sudden weight loss
- Facial swelling
- Difficult swallowing
- Wheezing
- Loss of appetite
If you experience any of the following symptoms for several weeks and your health does not improve, see a doctor and explain your history of asbestos exposure. To accurately diagnose asbestos fibers in your lung, your physician may order a lung biopsy, bronchoscopy, or other tests.
Industries That Put Workers at an Increased Risk for Asbestos-Related Cancers
Workers in some industries are at an increased risk of asbestos-related illnesses because of the levels of asbestos they encounter in their field. For example, using asbestos in a wide range of construction-related products places construction workers at risk for asbestos-related illnesses.
The following groups have an elevated risk of asbestos-related lung cancer:
- Shipyard workers
- Asbestos miners
- Electricians
- Demolition workers
- Roofers
- Firefighters
- Drywall removers
- Bricklayers
- Auto industry workers
- Insulators
- HVAC workers
- Asbestos plant workers
Individuals who come into contact with exposed industrial workers may be at risk of developing the disease through second-hand exposure. Smokers who are also asbestos workers are at an even greater risk of getting asbestos-related lung cancer.
If you work in any of these industries, monitor your health and schedule regular check-ups with your physician, who can detect early signs and symptoms and provide preventative treatments if necessary.
Do I Have a Case for Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos?
Many companies fully understood the risks associated with asbestos. Still, they failed to disclose this critical information, putting customers, clients, or employees at an increased risk of developing asbestos-related lung cancer and other life-threatening conditions.
You may have a case when employers fail to disclose this information, and you are confident you developed lung cancer due to asbestos exposure. An asbestos attorney will work on your behalf by investigating what happened, determining when you were exposed, and who knew about it.
An asbestos lung cancer attorney can also:
- Determine the viability of your case.
- Establish your exposure history and diagnosis by gathering the necessary evidence.
- File a claim against the responsible parties.
- Ensure you stay informed as legal action proceeds.
- Seek compensation for your asbestos-related lung cancer.
For asbestos-related lung cancer, an attorney can avoid the entire lawsuit process by filing a claim for compensation on your behalf with the company responsible. An attorney may also seek compensation from a company for the death of your loved one by filing a wrongful death claim.
Recovering Compensation Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Lung cancer caused by asbestos is expensive to treat, and that’s before you factor in time away from work and other expenses for additional care you may need. Medical bills can hit six figures in just the first few months because the most effective approach is often a multimodal treatment plan.
Additionally, it is often difficult to catch this disease early. Once it progresses from the earliest stages, the best option to fight it combines conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Through a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover compensation for the lung cancer you’ve developed through asbestos exposure.
After an asbestos-related lung cancer diagnosis, you may recover compensation for all losses, including:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
- Loss of quality of life
The compensation you receive will depend on:
- Years and extend of asbestos exposure
- Type of work you’ve performed
- The severity of your diagnosis
- The location where you file your case
- Number of companies responsible for your exposure
Immediately following a diagnosis of asbestos-related lung cancer, work with an experienced Chicago asbestos attorney to protect your legal rights. Numerous cases of companies failing to warn employees about asbestos hazards have already resolved in court, and our team understands what it takes to go after companies who try to escape accountability.
How We Can Help
Our asbestos lung cancer attorneys are prepared to tirelessly investigate the facts of your exposure to asbestos and your illness. Our priority is to ensure you recover adequate compensation by relentlessly pursuing the defendants responsible. Call us today or reach out online for your initial consultation today.
