Asbestos is a dangerous and potentially deadly substance that was once widely used in a range of items, from ceiling and wall tiles to insulation and auto brakes. In the past, most people outside of the industry were totally unaware of the dangers relating to asbestos. However, over recent years the dangers and deadly effects of asbestos have become all too apparent, with more and more cases of the most deadly of these effects - mesothelioma - coming to light every day.
Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that can start in the cavities of the lungs, the heart, or the abdomen. This cancer is the direct result of exposure to disturbed asbestos, where the fibers become airborne. These airborne asbestos fibers can then be easily ingested or breathed in by those in the vicinity that are not wearing adequate protection. Once the asbestos fibers have lodged themselves within various parts of the body, they cannot be destroyed by the cells of the immune system, which are known as macrophages. Instead, the asbestos fibers lead to scar tissue within the body, and this is what can lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos related injuries.
People that have contracted mesothelioma through asbestos exposure do not realize that anything is wrong for years. The typical latency period for this cancer is around twenty to forty years, which means that those affected may not find out for three or four decades following the exposure. Further delays can be experienced because of the symptoms of mesothelioma, which are very non-specific in nature - this means that they could easily be attributed to other more common ailments. This often leads to a delay in diagnosis, causing further delays when it comes to treatment of any sort.
There is currently no known cure for mesothelioma, although clinical trials and tests are continually being conducted. Over the past few years, many breakthroughs have been made in short term treatments and diagnostic procedures, which gives fresh hope to sufferers of this cancer. However, until a cure has been found, many people will continue to lose their lives due to the irresponsibility of various companies and manufacturers in decades gone by.
Understandably, sufferers and their families want to see some form of compensation for the pain, suffering, and misery caused by asbestos and mesothelioma. Although no amount of money can make up for the damage done by unprotected asbestos exposure, it can help to pay for medical costs, and can also provide the sufferer's family with a more financially secure future.
It is important for anyone that is diagnosed with mesothelioma to seek legal assistance from an experienced mesothelioma lawyer without delay. Although legal action may not be something that you wish to think about after being dealt a bombshell such as this, any delay could make a difference between claiming millions of dollars for your suffering, expenses, and your family's future, or getting nothing at all. Your lawyer will need to know the extent of damage and the stage of your cancer, so it is advisable to provide a medical report from your doctor to enable your lawyer to put together a solid mesothelioma lawsuit and get as much compensation as possible for you and your loved ones.
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