MESOTHELIOMA DEFINITION

Lawsuit compensation is an important issue for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma

August 26, 2010 – By definition, mesothelioma, or more precisely malignant mesothelioma, is a rare form of cancer caused by any one of several types of asbestos exposure.

According to the National Cancer Institute, most people who develop mesothelioma have worked at jobs where dangerous conditions caused them to inhale airborne asbestos fibers.

Mesothelioma got its name because the cancer develops in the protective tissue lining (the "mesothelium") that covers many of the body's internal organs.

Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the lungs or the abdominal cavity, according to the National Cancer Institute’s definition of the disease.

Based on the institute’s definition, mesothelioma’s most common site is the pleura (the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall). But it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).

Symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breath and general symptoms, such as weight loss.

Notably, these symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. That means retired workers who plied their trades decades ago in risky industries can still be diagnosed today with an asbestos-related disease.

Workplace health dangers include asbestos

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for contracting mesothelioma. It is only through employer neglect or deliberate cost-cutting actions that workers in certain trades suffered regular daily exposures. This was most common prior to the 1980s, when there were no asbestos laws in place to guarantee a safe work environment.

Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires people who work with asbestos to wear protective equipment to reduce their risk of exposure.

Beginning with World War II (when asbestos materials were viewed as beneficial to the war effort), and right through to the 1980s (when asbestos safety laws were first enacted), millions of American workers endured occupational exposure.

Asbestos exposure in shipyards occurred frequently during this period, and led to the premature and unnecessary deaths of thousands of naval shipyard workers.

In a landmark asbestos-injury class-action lawsuit against asbestos product manufacturers, the New York law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg obtained a $75 million verdict on behalf of 36 Brooklyn Navy Yard asbestos workers diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Seek justice by obtaining financial compensation

Compensation via asbestos funds or mesothelioma lawsuits are an important issue among individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma.

From the early 1970s through 2002, more than 730,000 people filed asbestos claims.

Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis has a legal right to file suit against asbestos product manufacturers or former employers responsible for there illness.

If you are an asbestos-injured Navy veteran, Army veteran, construction worker or shipyard worker, or you once helped manufacturer or install asbestos-based products, you are very likely eligible for significant financial injury compensation.

Mesothelioma law firm for injured American workers

Many workers in these occupations have sought mesothelioma legal support from Weitz & Luxenberg. Headquartered in New York City, Weitz & Luxenberg has obtained large settlements for workers around the country, including those in Texas, California and Florida.

Weitz & Luxenberg has successfully represented thousands of asbestos-injured workers against employers that failed to provide safety equipment and manufacturers who neglected to warn consumers about the toxic hazards associated with their products.

For a free case review, please contact the firm through the communication form at left. Weitz & Luxenberg has a long track record for obtaining record-setting verdicts and settlements in asbestos-injury cases.

Protect you family’s financial future today. Before time runs out to file suit, obtain a free, private consultation through the form at left.