Mesothelioma FAQs | Asbestos Exposure, Disease, Symptoms, Lung, Cancer, Injury Lawyers

Mesothelioma & Asbestos
What is mesothelioma?
What are the signs & symptoms?
What causes mesothelioma?
How common is mesothelioma?
Who has mesothelioma?
Is mesothelioma a terminal disease?
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
What is asbestos?
Where is asbestos found?
How are people exposed to asbestos at work?
Is asbestos still a danger?
Who is most at risk for developing mesothelioma?
How is the government regulating the use of asbestos?
What can I do if I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
Can anything be done to prevent mesothelioma?
How do I know if I have mesothelioma?

Filing a Lawsuit
Do you represent both individuals and the asbestos industry?
What is my case worth?
I'm not sure about filing a lawsuit. Can I take some time to decide?
Will I be required to spend a lot of time on the case?
Can I afford a lawsuit?
How can you prove I was exposed to asbestos so long ago?
Why is time critical in asbestos/Mesothelioma cases?
I want to find out more – what is the next step?

What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelial cells that make up the lining of the lungs, heart and stomach. The only identified cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

What are the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma?
The symptoms of this disease are not specific, so doctors often have a hard time diagnosing mesothelioma. Therefore, they rely on a patient’s history to lead them toward a correct diagnosis. If you have ever been exposed to asbestos, no matter how long ago, you should be tested regularly for mesothelioma. Any one of the following symptoms, or combination of, could mean you have contracted the disease:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Blood in the lungs
• Chest or abdomen pain
• Significant weight loss
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Anemia

What causes mesothelioma?
When a person is exposed to asbestos, the tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed. The dangerous fibers cling to the lining of the lungs and abdomen, damaging the mesothelial cells that make up this lining. Mesothelioma spreads rapidly through the mesothelial cells directly to the heart and abdominal organs.

How common is mesothelioma?
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 3,000 cases per year of malignant mesothelioma are being reported in the United States, and the incidence appears to be increasing.. The majority of patients are men over age 40. It is estimated that there will be 300,000 cases before the year 2030.

Who has Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is most common in men age 60-70. The disease is three times more common in men than in women. In men, the occurrence of mesothelioma is ten times higher in men between the ages of 60-70 as compared to men between the ages of 30-40. Occupational exposure to asbestos over the past fifty years in the United States is calculated to have occurred in approximately eight million people, and up to 300,000 new cases are expected to occur by the year 2030.

Is Mesothelioma a terminal disease?
Because of the rapid spread of this type of cancer, the estimated life span is typically 24 months after diagnosis. If the cancer is detected early and treated aggressively, about 50% of those patients reach the two-year mark, and about 20% survive five years. Factors such as the health of the patient, amount of asbestos exposure, and the stage of the disease are factors in the progression of the disease.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
Currently there is no cure for mesothelioma. The damage that asbestos causes to the lungs, heart and abdomen is irreversible.

What is asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of minerals found in nature that are masses of strong, flexible fibers. Asbestos was a popular material because the fibers can withstand heat, chemicals and they do not conduct electricity. Asbestos fibers can also be easily separated into threads and woven..

Where is asbestos found?
Because of the unique qualities of asbestos, the minerals were used in thousands of consumer, industrial, maritime, automotive, scientific and building products. Studies have estimated that 3,000 different types of commercial products contain asbestos. Many older plastics, paper products, break linings, floor tiles and textiles products contain asbestos. Also, heavy industrial products, such as sealants, cement pipes, cement sheets and insulation. For more information, visit our page on asbestos.

How are people exposed to asbestos at work?
People whose work brings them into contact with asbestos, such as workers who renovate buildings, refinery workers, chemical plant workers and workers' families may have come in contact with asbestos.
The amount of asbestos a worker is exposed to will vary according to:
• the concentration of fibers in the air;
• duration of the exposure
• workers breathing rate
• weather conditions
• the protective devices the worker wears

Is asbestos still a danger?
Even though the government became involved with the regulation of asbestos, it was impossible to identify every asbestos use due to its widespread distribution. Unfortunately, asbestos is still present in many older buildings and worksites, especially in structures built before 1970. It is estimated that 10 – 15% of schools still contain asbestos. As many as 733,000 schools and public buildings still contain asbestos insulation. Even today, workers are not always told if they are working around asbestos. That’s why it is important to be proactive. If you work in any industries or around any products where asbestos is common, find out the facts first.

Who is most at risk for developing mesothelioma?
People who deal directly with asbestos, such as in construction or manufacturing, are most immediately at risk. However, by simply breathing in asbestos fibers, any individual could be at risk.

How is the government regulating the use of asbestos?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are two federal agencies that regulate and assess workplace safety. Currently, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is proposing to amend the Asbestos Abatement Projects; Worker Protection Rule to extend protection from asbestos risks to State and local government workers in 27 states not otherwise covered by OSHA asbestos standards.

What can I do if I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
• Learn all the facts
• Keep in close contact with your doctor
• Seek out the best medical care
• Set reasonable goals
• Take care of yourself
• Spread the word about the dangers of asbestos
• Find support
• Hire a mesothelioma lawyer

Can anything be done to prevent mesothelioma?
The most important prevention advice is practicality. Avoid areas where asbestos may be a problem. If you suspect asbestos in your home or work area, you can contact a government agency for safe removal. Workers who work with asbestos should use all protective equipment and safety protocol for safe handling. Employers are required to follow asbestos regulations issued by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), but if you suspect your employer may not be following these regulations, report it immediately. Another Federal agency that can help is NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

How do I know if I have mesothelioma?
If you have ever been exposed to asbestos, no matter how long ago it was, there is a possibility you could have mesothelioma. If you suspect you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, contact your physician immediately. You may also want to contact a legal expert to understand what compensation you might be entitled to for your illness. Early screening by chest x-ray of people who are exposed to asbestos is helpful. Click Here to read about how mesothelioma is diagnosed.

Do you represent both individuals and the asbestos industry?
No. Brown & Crouppen only represents people who have cancer from exposure to asbestos. We do not defend corporations against asbestos-related claims.

What is my case worth?
The amount of recovery can depend on many factors including the number of defendants in a case and their financial resources. Our firm has a strong track record in recovering compensation for people. However, past results are not a guarantee for the future, and every case is different.

I'm not sure about filing a lawsuit. Can I take some time to decide?
There is a limit to the amount of time after a diagnosis or death that funds can be made available. This time limit varies from state to state. Also, mesothelioma is often fatal and in most states a case will settle more quickly and for more money if the plaintiff is alive. Such cases also usually get priority in the court system. The mesothelioma victim is often the best person to establish facts and build a strong case. It is important to do this while feeling fairly strong. If you are think you may have a case, contact a Mesothelioma attorney right away.

Will I be required to spend a lot of time on the case?
Our team of mesothelioma attorneys do the "nitty-gritty" work so the mesothelioma patient and his or her family don't have to. The process is designed for minimal involvement by the client. This way you can focus on your health and family issues.

Can I afford a lawsuit?
A disease like mesothelioma can be financially devastating. We find that most mesothelioma victims and their families can’t afford not to file for compensation. Medical bills, loss of income, and other expenses for a cancer patient are overwhelming and often cause bankruptcy. When you hire Brown & Crouppen. to represent your case, you won’t be required to put money up front. We are paid on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid when you do.

How can you prove I was exposed to asbestos so long ago?
Mesothelioma patients have been exposed to asbestos, sometimes unknowingly, in the workplace or in the home. Our team of attorneys have experience in investigating asbestos exposure and we utilize numerous proven methods for finding and documenting a person's exposure.

Why is time critical in mesothelioma cases?
It is very easy to lose your rights completely. Every state has its deadlines called statute of limitations for allowing victims of asbestos disease to file a lawsuit. You must comply with the strict guidelines for filing claims or lawsuits after becoming aware that you have an asbestos disease or after a loved one dies from an asbestos disease.

I want to find out more. What is the next step?
One of our team of experienced mesothelioma attorneys can sit down with you to discuss the details of your case. There is no obligation or out-of-pocket cost to you for such a visit. Call Brown & Crouppen at Toll Free: 866-991-4700 or complete this information form so that we may contact you.

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