ASBESTOS/MESOTHELIOMA Lawyers

What is ASBESTOS? ASBESTOS is a naturally occurring mineral which has been used all over the world in a huge range of applications since its first discovery. The chief physical properties of ASBESTOS are its durability and resistance to heat and combustion. Much like rebar in a concrete structure, ASBESTOS fibers provide durability to otherwise unstable materials.

Why is ASBESTOS so dangerous? ASBESTOS is an extremely fibrous mineral and mining, milling, processing, or use of ASBESTOS and its products create many small fibers. Because of their thin shape and small size, the ASBESTOS fibers easily pass through the body's natural defenses designed to trap debree within the respiratory systems before reaching the lungs. Once inside the lungs, the ASBESTOS fibers lodge into the sensitive tissue of the lungs where they can cause scarring, MESOTHELIOMA, and lung cancer. Extensive scarring can lead to ASBESTOSis.

MESOTHELIOMA is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ. Mesothelial cells are cells that form a protective lining over the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. The most common type of MESOTHELIOMA is pleural MESOTHELIOMA. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not rub and chafe against the chest walls.

Most people are reluctant to take legal action. However, MESOTHELIOMA presents a nearly 100% certainty that someone or a company is at fault. If the person's work history can be traced, the likelihood is that a very large settlement awaits the victim. Your attorney can explain the details, but most claims settle out of court very quickly, unlike many other types of cases.

ASBESTOS/MESOTHELIOMA Resources:

Safety Tips at OSHA

EPA

WebMD

MESOTHELIOMA Support Groups