ASBESTOS EXPOSURE
Veteran services at the Durango, CO, clinic

Veteran contact for services at the Durango Clinic is: 400 S. Camino Del Rio; Durango, CO; 81301. Phone: (970) 247-2214.

There are certain individuals who are more easily injured by exposure to asbestos. To determine if your exposure to asbestos will be a problem, ask yourself the following questions: Do you think you have had prolonged exposure to asbestos? Are you an immediate family member of someone who has worked in asbestos-related industries? Have you worked somewhere where asbestos insulation was used? Is it possible your exposure to asbestos was in the form of a "burst exposure" (a very heavy concentration) to asbestos for short periods of time? Was yes a response to any of these? If so, you may wish to discuss this with your health-care provider.

Certain illnesses result from asbestos exposure: lung cancer, asbestosis (a serious, chronic, non cancerous fibrous hardening and scarring of the lungs), mesothelioma (a cancer of the thin membranes lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities and surrounding internal organs), and pleural plaque and thickening (scarring of the lining of the lung). The most commonly known symptoms of asbestos-related diseases are coughing, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss. Unfortunately, these warning signs of contact with asbestos can appear up to 25 years after initial exposure. Annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended.

It is essential to seek a doctor's advice if you presume that you have been exposed to asbestos. One form of testing is an x-ray (side and front view of your chest.) Extra tests may include a pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan and/or biopsy. Physicians may speak a language incomprehensible to the typical patient. Don't be afraid to question your doctor about your situation. If you don't fully understand your doctor, request that he break it down so can better get the picture. Weitz & Luxenberg stands by the belief that all those who have participated in the United States Armed orces should receive the services they deserve. This includes compensation for life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma.

Surviving with asbestos-related diseases can be very difficult. Weitz & Luxenberg can help relieve some of the burden by providing you with a free case evaluation. Your first step is to fill out the form below.

your next step . . .