Asbestosis Resources: Signs, symptoms, treatment, and lawsuit options

Asbestosis is sometimes called "pulmonary fibrosis" and "interstitial pneumonitis." Our firm is dedicated to helping those with asbestosis from New York exposure seek lawsuit compensation for their illness.

Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Many people in the United States are diagnosed with asbestosis after working with or around asbestos, a deadly carcinogen.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scar tissue--or "fibrosis"--to form inside the lung.

Scarred lung tissue does not expand and contract normally, and cannot perform gas exchange.

Asbestos fibers were frequently used in construction in decades past. Asbestos exposure occurs in asbestos mining and milling industries, construction, fireproofing, and other industries.

In families of asbestos workers, exposure can also occur from particles brought home on the worker's clothing.

Asbestos-related disease includes pleural plaques (calcification), malignant mesothelioma, and pleural effusion. Mesotheliomas may develop 20 - 40 years after exposure.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing the disease.

Asbestosis Symptoms

Shortness of breath on exertion

Cough

Tightness in the chest

Chest pain
Possible additional symptoms include the following:

Nail abnormalities

Clubbing of fingers

Asbestosis Exams and Tests

These tests may help diagnose the disease:

Chest x-ray

Pulmonary function tests

CT scan of the lungs

Gallium lung scan

Asbestosis Treatment
There is no cure available. Stopping further exposure to asbestos is essential. To ease symptoms, postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration can help remove secretions from the lungs.

The doctor may prescribe aerosol medications to thin secretions. People with this condition may need to receive oxygen by mask or by a plastic piece that fits into the nostrils. Certain patients may require lung transplantation.

You can ease the stress of this illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.

People with asbestosis often develop the disease after exposure to asbestos from occupations in construction, shipbuilding, automotive repair, steelwork and boiler-tending. Tragically, many employers failed to warn their workers of the dangers of exposure or to provide them with appropriate protective clothing.

If this has been your experience, our asbestos lawyers may be able to help you receive lawsuit compensation for your health problems.

For over two decades, Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. has handled some of the most legally complicated and groundbreaking asbestos litigation in the country, winning many millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in lawsuits along the way.

Men and women diagnosed with asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure or secondary exposure may be entitled to lawsuit compensation from the companies responsible for their disease.

If you would like a free consultation or more information about your asbestosis lawsuit options, please complete the form on this page, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.