MESOTHELIOMA CASES

Though a rare cancer, mesothelioma cases have risen in recent years

The number of malignant mesothelioma cases will peak in the United States in 2010, say researchers at the Centers for Disease Control.

October 20, 2010 – Although the number of mesothelioma cases have increased in the past 20 years, the signature asbestos-related cancer is still relatively rare, with about 2,500 to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States every year.

That compares with the American Cancer Society’s estimate of 222,520 new cases of lung cancer that are expected to be diagnosed in 2010. Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer in both men and women, with an estimated 157,300 deaths expected this year.

Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma

Working with asbestos is the major cause of malignant mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in up to 80 percent of all mesothelioma cases, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was widely used in construction, automotive and industrial products, including cement, brake linings, building shingles, floor and ceiling tiles and heating pipe insulation. Auto mechanics and car enthusiasts alike are at great risk for automotive asbestos exposure, even today.

Most mesothelioma cases are diagnosed 30 years or more after exposure, which means that thousands of workers from these industries will be diagnosed with the fatal cancer during their retirement, just when they were looking forward to enjoying their golden years.

Faced with mounting medical bills and a dire mesothelioma prognosis, many stricken individuals decide to file suit against irresponsible employers and asbestos product manufacturers, and obtain multimillion-dollar settlements.

Weitz & Luxenberg, New York’s mesothelioma lawyers

Weitz & Luxenberg specializes in asbestos-injury litigation. It’s many successes have helped the firm grow into the largest mass tort plaintiffs’ law firm in New York, with a pharmaceutical division that handles 20 different drug and medical device litigations and an environmental unit that represents communities across the country harmed by toxic emissions.

If you worked professionally with asbestos-based products at any time in your career and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for financial compensation under the law. For a free case review, please use the communication form on this page and a representative from our firm will respond shortly.