ASBESTOS-RELATED LOBECTOMY SURGERY
Lung cancer patients may be required to undergo a surgical operation known as a "lobectomy"

A lobectomy of the lung is performed in early stage non-small cell lung cancer patients, many of whom contracted lung cancer from occupational asbestos exposure.

July 8, 2009 -- The following communication was e-mailed to Weitz & Luxenberg by a prospective client diagnosed with lung cancer. As a former auto mechanic, he was employed in an occupation that regularly exposed workers to asbestos materials. Regular asbestos exposure can lead to fatal diseases that include lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. In cases when a portion of the victim’s lung must be removed, a “lobectomy” is performed.

Client Communication:

“Married. My husband worked as an auto mechanic for over 30 years starting in the late 70’s. He was working up until the past couple of months when his illness had gotten worse and he was not able to work. For the past three years, his doctors have been watching nodules in his lungs until he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had a lobectomy in March of 2009. He smoked for about 27 years and quit eight years ago.”

Given this gentleman’s work history as an auto mechanic, it is very likely his lung cancer is the result of occupational asbestos exposure. Thirty years in the auto-repair industry makes him a prime candidate for asbestos disease.

Asbestos is still used in automobile brakes, where friction creates high temperatures. Auto mechanics often perform brake replacements, a procedure that can expose them to airborne asbestos fibers. Mechanics often air-blow brake-lining debris out of a brake drum, which can emit dusty chrysotile asbestos fibers into the air. Mechanics also grind and bevel new asbestos brake linings or pads, which can also release asbestos fibers. Inhaling asbestos fibers on a regular basis can lead to asbestos lung diseases.

Asbestos-related lobectomy

A lobectomy of the lung is performed in early stage non-small cell lung cancer patients. It is not performed on patients that have lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Tumor size, type and location are majors factors as to whether a lobectomy is required.

Government sources estimate that in the next decade more than 35,000 people nationwide will be diagnosed with the deadliest form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most often the result of industrial workplace exposure to asbestos – and usually contracted through employers’ blatant disregard for the health and safety of their workers. That’s why people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their family members have strong cases in court.

Time to seek justice

Weitz & Luxenberg has protected the legal rights of workers for 25 years – longer than most law firms in the nation. And in that time the firm's mesothelioma lawyers have won several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and wish to pursue compensation for medical bills and damages, please notify us through the communication form on this page. Weitz & Luxenberg works on a contingency basis, so there is no cost to you until we win a verdict or settlement.