Asbestos Attorney Litigation Techniques

Asbestos is a strong, incombustible, naturally occurring fibrous and silicate mineral used widely in insulation and manufacturing industry. It has great strength, chemical and thermal stability. Three types of asbestos found are chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. Manufacturing processes leave behind small and buoyant fibers near chemical factories using asbestos. Workers are constantly exposed to such wastes and constantly inhale or swallow these near invisible fibers. A number of serious diseases are caused by inhaling these fibers such as mesothelioma and other kinds of chronic lung diseases.

Mesothelioma is defined as a type of cancer that affects mesothelial cells that are found in linings of internal organs in the human body. A doctor who was conducting an autopsy for lung disfiguration accidentally discovered presence of these fibers. Initial diagnosis paved the way for further research by other doctors leading to discovery of this dreadful disease. This disease was mainly diagnosed in factory workers and miners and factory owners were held responsible for failing to detect its harmful effects.

Asbestos has now been identified as a hazardous substance that endangers human health. Numerous legal provisions have been incorporated to protect interests of workers. America has not banned asbestos completely but has laid down guidelines and laws to protect workers from being afflicted by such diseases. Mesothelioma is not detected in its earlier stages and is diagnosed only in its later stages. This makes it increasingly difficult for law firms to prove their case in spite of prescribed government guidelines.

Workers now have the right to take their factory to court and file a case against them with help of asbestos attorneys who specialize in these kinds of court cases. Such lawyers could be attached to a specific law firm or may operate on their own. They often have the expertise and background knowledge of all such asbestos related cases and are in a better position to fight these cases in the court of law than ordinary lawyers. Dedicated teams of lawyers work together to protect the rights of the affected people and help in securing necessary compensation. These attorneys apply different litigation techniques to fight such cases in the court of law.

Asbestos Attorneys provides detailed information on Asbestos Attorneys, Asbestos Cancer Attorneys, Asbestos Litigation Attourneys, Asbestos Mesothelioma Attorneys and more. Asbestos Attorneys is affiliated with Asbestos Trial Lawyers.

How To Find A Good Asbestos Attorney

Factory workers and miners are sometimes exposed to dangerous effects of asbestos without their knowledge. Prolonged exposure may cause a form of cancer that is known as mesothelioma. It is difficult to diagnose this disease in its initial stages. People are absolutely helpless when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma in its advanced stage.

Patients need to select a particular asbestos attorney who will fight their case efficiently with dedication. Experienced and reputed lawyers may charge extremely high fees but have more chances of winning than cheap lawyers. It is difficult to evaluate the competency of a lawyer. People need to place faith in their lawyer and trust their instincts while selecting one.

Some lawyers charge a contingency fee. They get a percentage of the compensation money, which patients receive as a result of resolution of their asbestos lawsuit. Lawyers do not collect percentage of compensation but do collect other kinds of fees such as court fees, copying fees and fees for hiring of expert witnesses in case they are unable to secure compensation for their client. A contingency fee is an ideal way for customers to fight a case who cannot afford high fees of lawyers. Nevertheless, compensation is not guaranteed and patients need to be prepared for it.

Customers may check the background of particular lawyers to get an idea of their experience and past cases won by them. Some lawyers make an effort to update themselves by attending continuing legal education every year to keep themselves abreast of latest developments regarding asbestos related compensation claims.

Other kinds of lawyers charge on amount of time and effort spent on a particular case whether they win or lose. Charges are based on time spent by them and their staff on that particular case Thus a lot of care and study is required to select a good asbestos attorney.

Asbestos Attorneys provides detailed information on Asbestos Attorneys, Asbestos Cancer Attorneys, Asbestos Litigation Attourneys, Asbestos Mesothelioma Attorneys and more. Asbestos Attorneys is affiliated with Asbestos Trial Lawyers.

Asbestos Attorney Services

Mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of the asbestos particles and patients suffer a lot due to this. Harmful effects of asbestos have alerted citizens and workers about their rights and legal instruments available for their protection. The root cause of mesothelioma has been established to be asbestos fibers. Many law services now provide services to avail compensation for life threatening effects of asbestos. Many law firms now have dedicated departments for asbestos cases that provide highly professional and reputed services to workers fighting for compensation.

Many asbestos cases are very difficult to fight, as this disease cannot be detected at an early stage. It is one of the major hurdles in court proceedings as it becomes difficult to establish asbestos as the culprit. Nevertheless, dedicated lawyers who understand the disease, its implications and its outcomes take this as a challenge and try every kind of litigation technique to win such cases.

Specialist lawyers have the necessary experience to offer asbestos law services.

It is essential for customers to find and select a reputed mesothelioma law service. This is because patients of this deadly disease often need to file case against established large companies who have the best legal talent as their fulltime lawyers. Hence it becomes extremely important to fight their case with equally talented law firms. Company lawyers use every possible trick in the book to mislead and misdirect the court and to mask vital information from the judge. An early failure in these types of cases delays the whole justice seeking process hence law firms need to be selected judiciously.

Asbestos attorneys provide a range of services for processing litigations. They design their packages in such a way as to help customers recover all damages and medical expenses in the form of lawsuit compensation. They also make a provision for themselves in the form of certain percentage of the recovered amount as contingency fees.

Asbestos Attorneys provides detailed information on Asbestos Attorneys, Asbestos Cancer Attorneys, Asbestos Litigation Attourneys, Asbestos Mesothelioma Attorneys and more. Asbestos Attorneys is affiliated with Asbestos Trial Lawyers.

Asbestos Settlements

It has been proved that asbestos is responsible for a host of deadly diseases, including cancer. Settlements worth billions have been given in asbestos litigation; settlements worth billions more are pending in various American courts.

The purpose of asbestos settlements is to help the victim of asbestos related diseases with money to cover medical expenses. In worse cases, it was meant as a compensation for the loss of income over the years, and the potential earning capacity of an individual.

The government has set up regulations that limits asbestos exposure with the permissible limit for exposure being 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter for an eight hour workday. For every 30 minutes of work period, fibre exposure should fall below 1.0 fibre per cc. Statutory health protection measures such as these have been mandated.

The process of asbestos settlement puts the onus on the employer to compensate victims of asbestos related health problems. In case the company fails to adhere to these stipulated protection rules, resulting in adverse effects for its workers, the company is legally bound to pay settlement to the affected workers as compensation.

There have been numerous cases of asbestos settlements in the United States, after the awareness towards asbestos as a health hazard grew. Two of these famous cases happened in 1997 and 1999. Both these cases involved huge settlement class actions. In the end, both these settlements were overturned by the court.

There are also allegations of asbestos settlements having become a full-fledged industry, where the party benefiting the most are the attorneys, as they get a part of the settlement as fees for fighting the cases.

Asbestos Lawyers provides detailed information on Asbestos Lawyers, Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawyers, Asbestos Trial Lawyers, Asbestos Lawsuits and more. Asbestos Lawyers is affiliated with Asbestos Litigation Attorneys.

What is Asbestos and How Does it Cause Disease?

Asbestos is an extremely toxic, naturally found mineral that was once used in home and boat insulation, brake pads, and floor and ceiling tiles. In around 1980 asbestos was determined to cause several life-threatening asbestos exposure-related diseases (asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma).

Asbestos fibers are inhaled and get trapped in the lungs causing scar tissue and chronic inflammatory lesions. These lesions lead to difficult breathing and in some case become cancerous.

There has been a great increase in the number of cases of pleural mesothelioma diagnosed recently because often this disease doesnt manifest until years after exposure (in some cases 40 years). This means that thousands of construction workers, drywallers, shipbuilders, floor covering installers, automobile repair workers, cementers, oil refinery workers, and many other laborers who worked with asbestos between 1940 and 1980 are at serious risk of developing asbestos exposure related illnessess such as pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) or asbestosis.

If you think you have worked with or have been exposed to asbestos, you may be at risk for developing asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. You should contact a mesothelioma or personal injury attorney who deals especially with asbestos exposure-related diseases and mesothelioma in your area. They will almost certainly be able to help you obtain the compensation you may deserve.

In fact, despite evidence that it was dangerous, many of these companies ignored the potential risks of asbestos exposure, continuing to manufacture asbestos products without the necessary employee protection.

Starting in the 1970s the US government started to take action by restricting and regulating the use of asbestos. For many people this action came far too late. Thousands of workers in these industries have since developed serious, life-threatening asbestos exposure-related diseases, including asbestosis, pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and lung cancer. For these people, there is certianly now hope, both medically and legally. Read on to learn more about contacting a mesothelioma attorney and doctor.

David Barnet writes about personal law issues because he believes people have a right to know all the facts before making a claim. If you are unsure of how to find a lawyer to help you with your claim, then look no further. Use our free information today to help you get on the right road to making a successful claim. Visit our free mesothelioma news and information website today

Top Asbestos Attorneys

Asbestos is a mineral made of tough, supple, and flexible fiber. Neither chemicals nor heat have any effect on asbestos. It is widely used in many industries. However, this fiber can be easily inhaled or swallowed. Exposure to asbestos can cause various ailments such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, and cancer of the larynx, oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and kidney. Top attorneys have joined hands with workers, to fight for the safety of workers and against the disastrous effects of asbestos.

Numerous health provisions were incorporated for people affected by the hazards of asbestos. Asbestos is not banned, but laws have been framed to protect workers exposed to the effects of asbestos. Asbestos attorneys protect the rights and provide compensation to the afflicted individuals. The hazardous effects of asbestos have created awareness amongst many citizens.

Asbestos attorneys include a team of specialized and qualified attorneys who represent the applicant. When considering a lawsuit, people need to find a topmost attorney who can handle the case well because they are mostly filed against established companies. These companies may use tactics to deceive the court or cover up some vital information. As the law has included provisions that define the adverse effects of asbestos-related sicknesses, the patient can prove his or her case with the help of medical reports and employment terms and conditions with the defaulting company. The asbestos attorneys help the workers in the recovery of compensation related to medical expenses, loss of job, financial crunches and after effects of the disease.

Top asbestos attorneys have developed the most original, insistent, and dynamic strategies in the nation to protect their client's rights. These attorneys prepare every case for trial rather than rushing to an appeal haggle. This broad preparation and exceptional courtroom reputation actually keeps most cases from trial and produce better results.

Many online sites provide information about asbestos attorneys.

Asbestos Attorneys provides detailed information on Asbestos Attorneys, Asbestos Cancer Attorneys, Asbestos Litigation Attourneys, Asbestos Mesothelioma Attorneys and more. Asbestos Attorneys is affiliated with Asbestos Trial Lawyers.

Asbestos Lawyers And Cancer Laws

Asbestos is believed to be responsible for many diseases including the lung fibrosis disease, which has been named asbestosis. Prolonged exposure to asbestos is also believed to cause an extremely potent form of cancer, in the chest and abdominal cavities, called mesothelioma. This is because of the nature of asbestos, which becomes carcinogenic when inhaled.

Asbestos litigations and lawsuits of the 1980's and 90's forced many state governments to pass amendments and reform bills. For instance, under a reform bill in Texas, it is mandatory for asbestos cases to get neutral medical tests, while Georgia puts the onus on the plaintiff to provide prima facie evidence of the injuries having been caused by asbestos itself through a reform bill.

There are changes and amendments happening regularly and any good asbestos lawyer will be aware of these, as well the most important cancer laws. The most important thing about a cancer lawsuit is that one has to act quickly, because of the statute of limitation imposed by every state that restricts filing for lawsuits beyond a stipulated period.

A qualified asbestos lawyer will also be aware of the implications and know how to deal with the various parties involved, such as the guilty company and the insurance firms that may try negotiating a settlement.

Apart from the compensation for financial losses like medical expenses and loss of employment both present and future, there is also compensation for another kind of suffering. This is for the anxiety and mental stress that is caused by asbestos related diseases. An asbestos lawyer will be well aware of this.

Asbestos Lawyers provides detailed information on Asbestos Lawyers, Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawyers, Asbestos Trial Lawyers, Asbestos Lawsuits and more. Asbestos Lawyers is affiliated with Asbestos Litigation Attourneys.

Is Asbestos Killing You?

Asbestos is mined as a dense rock, which easily separates into fine fibers. Asbestos fibers are especially favored as building blocks for various materials because of its strength, temperature resistance and chemical inertness.

Undoubtedly, asbestos has provided mankind with so many uses. However, asbestos comes with accompanying health hazards. Studies show that about 1.3 million people are exposed to asbestos at the workplace. These include people who are working in the construction industry and those in the manufacture of products made of asbestos. Workers in the construction industry are especially exposed to the hazards of asbestos during building demolition and or renovation wherein asbestos products are removed from the site.

Although most of us may have been exposed to asbestos one time or another, illness caused by asbestos exposure is only evident to those people who are regularly exposed to this mineral. Since asbestos fibers are extremely fine, they are easily suspended in the air. Since experts discovered the hazardous effects of asbestos exposure, its use has been regulated from that time on. The use of asbestos in products like imitation logs for gas-burning fireplaces and spackling compound has long been banned in the United States. Asbestos regulation is aimed towards the reduction of asbestos fiber inhalation by workers and other people.

Prolonged exposure to the fine asbestos fibers suspended in the air may result into a form of pneumoconiosis known as asbestosis. Stiff lungs with an excess of scar or fibrous tissue are often the characteristic sign of asbestosis. A person suffering from this disease may find it difficult to breath because of the stiffness in the lungs. Much effort is needed in order to expand the lungs during breathing. Abnormal sounds in the chest may be heard. In some cases, the membrane surrounding the lungs called the pleura may develop calcified plaques. Asbestosis patients will experience shortness in breathing accompanied with dry cough. They may also develop clubbed fingertips with bluish hands and feet due to a deficient supply of oxygen in the blood.

It will take at least 10 years of exposure to asbestos before asbestosis appears. Asbestosis however may worsen once present in the body even when there is no more exposure to the offending substance. It has been observed that construction workers, pipe fitters, shipbuilders and those working in brake lining factories have higher risk of developing asbestosis. Cancer of the lungs is also a possible consequence of a long-term asbestos inhalation. Additionally, cigarette-smoking asbestos workers are four times at greater risk of developing lung cancer than people who are not exposed to asbestos. A rare type of cancer called pleural mesothelioma is also linked to asbestos inhalation. Studies show that about 70% of pleural mesothelioma victims has a history of asbestos exposure.

No treatment has been found to be effective against asbestosis. In lung cancer associated with asbestosis, surgery can be the form of treatment although the general outcome is often poor.

Therefore, in order to prevent any asbestos related diseases, it is important to provide proper dust control in workplaces where asbestos is processed. Studies show that the incidence of lung cancer and other asbestos related illnesses can be significantly reduced through proper dust control and management.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Asbestos

Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos

Many people have never heard of mesothelioma cancer because it is rare. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. Compare that to 213,380 lung cancer cases the Institute predicts will be diagnosed in 2007.

Mesothelioma cancer begins in the tissue, called the mesothelieum, that surrounds the lungs, stomach, heart and other organs. The mesothelieum protects these organs with two levels of tissue and a fluid that allows the organs to move. It can be found in the area around any of these organs but is most commonly found in the chest and abdomen area.

Contact with asbestos is the main risk factor. Asbestos can be found in insulation in many buildings. Asbestos can also be found in floor tiles, roofing, dust and rocks.

Most of the use of asbestos in construction products was discontinued after 1989. But the cancer may not be diagnosed until 20 to 50 years after exposure because it takes a long time to develop.

That is why most cases of occur in people in their late 50s and older. According to the American Cancer Society, three-fourths of patients diagnosed are over 65.

Other factors that have been tied to this are:

* Radiation. A material called thorium dioxide that was used in x-rays was found to cause cancer. But this material has not been used for many years.
* Tobacco. Smoking has not been directly associated with this cancer but smoking and asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
* SV40 Virus. This virus was found in polio vaccines in the mid 50s and early 60s. Since symptoms do not develop for 20 to 50 years, it may be some time before it is known if this virus is a risk factor.

The symptoms vary from person to person based on where the affected tissue is located. The overall symptoms include:

* Shortness of breath
* Chest pain
* Abdominal pain
* Abdominal swelling
* Fever
* Anemia

The treatments vary depending on the patient. Many patients have surgery to remove the lining and tissue that is affected. In severe cases, tissue surrounding the chest, a lung or part of the diaphragm may be removed.

Doctors may recommend that some patients have radiation therapy where high energy rays shrink tumors and kill the affected cells.

Another common treatment, chemotherapy, may be recommended but has not been successful in treating patients with mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, anti-angiogenesis drugs which kill these cells by stopping their blood supply are being considered.

The prognosis for patients is grim because the disease is often advanced by the time it is diagnosed. According to the American Cancer Society, the five year survival rate is about 10 percent. Most patients only survive for a year after diagnosis. New treatments and clinical studies are being conducted to improve the survival rate of patients with mesothelioma cancer.

For more information on cancer try visiting http://www.cancercondition.com - a website that specializes in providing cancer related information and resources including information on mesothelioma cancer.

Asbestos - Dangers and Diseases

Asbestos has been used for centuries and is not, as some think, a recent product. At one time items made from asbestos were regarded as having an equal value to gold. In fact, it is reputed that Charles the Great, (King of the Franks in the year 768) had a tablecloth made from asbestos. It does have a resistance to fire and heat and has been used over centuries for this practical purpose - from historical uses such as lamp wicks and Egyptian burial shrouds through to modern brake pad linings. It has been used for high temperature wiring insulation as well as in the construction of buildings to insulate and protect against fire.

There are many forms of asbestos but there are three main types, white, brown and blue.

White asbestos: otherwise known as chrysotile is the type preferred in industry. It has a flexible property and has been used in many theatres for fire safety curtains, as well as for firefighter?s protective clothing. Some evidence exists that it is harmful but not as harmful as some other types.

Brown asbestos: also known as amosite, this type usually originates from Africa and is highly bio-hazardous.

Blue asbestos: also known as crocidolite comes from Australia and Africa. This type is believed to be the most dangerous type of asbestos, therefore it is extremely bio-hazardous.

There are other types that someone may come across, some of which include actinolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos and tremolite asbestos. These are not as commonly used industrially, but may still be found in some products.

The main danger to health from asbestos is from the fibres, which can be inhaled. The four main diseases associated with asbestos fibre inhalation are asbestosis, mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and diffuse pleural thickening.

Asbestosis: Caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, generally from heavy exposure. It is defined as lung fibrosis.

Mesothelioma: This is a form of cancer where cancerous or malignant cells are found in the mesothelium. This is the protective sac that most of the body?s organs are covered with. It mainly affects the lining of the lungs, which is known as the pleura and the peritoneum, which surrounds the lower digestive tract. Around 80 percent of cases of mesothelioma show the patient to have had a history of exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos-related lung cancer: For many years now asbestos exposure has been recognised as a high risk factor for the development of lung cancer. It is not possible, however, to put a direct number to the amount of cases of lung cancer, which have been caused by asbestos. This is because there are other risk agents that cause the disease, tobacco smoke for instance. Unfortunately it is not possible to distinguish which risk agent was the cause of a case of lung cancer.

Diffuse pleural thickening: As mentioned previously the pleura is a membrane covering which lines the inside of the rib cage and also surrounds the lungs. If asbestos fibres are inhaled, some may work their way into the pleura and this can lead to scarring and or fibrosis. This may cause the pleura to thicken. The condition will show up on an x-Ray. If this thickening spreads over a large area it may cause a restriction of expansion of the lungs.

It has now become clear that exposure to asbestos can be harmful. Because of this, the use of it has virtually disappeared. If there are products in the home that may contain asbestos, it is advisable to have a professional contractor inspect them. It is a complex process to remove asbestos and should always be done by a qualified person. It can be a highly dangerous and even lethal substance. If in doubt then call someone out.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Asbestos

Asbestos Encasement

The dangers of asbestos have been known for a very long time and even the companies that made billions off of asbestos products have long since given up defending the virtues of asbestos. Unfortunately, there were way too many years between identifying the dangers of asbestos and getting asbestos pulled off the market but finally new asbestos products have been almost universally banned.

The biggest problem with asbestos today is dealing with the past. People still suffer from mesothelioma and other respiratory problems caused by asbestos. Perhaps an even bigger problem is how to deal with the asbestos that is still out there in older buildings, concrete and insulation. For more than half of the 20th century asbestos was used just about anywhere that required insulation. It was just about everywhere out there - and still is.

Of course the public outcry against asbestos called for the immediate removal of all asbestos anywhere people were exposed to the hazard. However, this is often easier said than done. In all too many cases the biggest expense involved in renovating an older building is dealing with asbestos. Often the expense of totally removing asbestos has prevented renovation of older buildings. Demolishing or renovating old buildings used to be easy but not anymore.

For many years asbestos removal was at a stand still. Those companies that could afford to remove asbestos insulation in their buildings had already done so; often at great expense. Those companies with smaller financial resources usually just left their old buildings alone and delayed dealing with the asbestos. Finally in the 1990s governments started to approve alternate ways of dealing with asbestos in buildings.

Currently there are 3 approved ways of dealing with asbestos in older buildings. Removal is still the preferred way, but is very expensive and not entirely without dangers. Simply getting the asbestos out exposes it to people. The trick and expense in asbestos removal is keeping it out of the air and away from people. An additional problem with asbestos removal is you have to install new insulation and fireproofing, usually fiberglass, to replace the asbestos you are removing.

A second way of dealing with asbestos is called encapsulation. This involves actually building a structure around the asbestos so that it is totally contained. In some cases this is a viable option but usually it is almost as expensive as removal. Many buildings cannot handle the extra weight of the encapsulation structure.

The third way of dealing with asbestos is called encasement. With this procedure a special 2-part coating is sprayed over the asbestos totally preventing exposure to the fibers. The first coat is a primer that binds with the asbestos fibers, holds them in place and also prepares the surface for the second coat. The second coat is the sealer that does just that, totally sealing off the asbestos.

Independent testing of encasement has shown that the final surface is completely safe. There are no airborne fibers or other volatile substances coming off the surface. It is totally harmless. In the field, encasement has proven to be more than 50 percent less expensive compared to removal and can be done in half the time and with much less labor expense. The big drawback with encasement is the asbestos is still there but as long as the building isn't changed or demolished the encasement coating renders the asbestos totally harmless.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Asbestos

Asbestos and Government Coverups

The health risks associated with asbestos exposure have been known since the turn of the 20th Century. Dr H. Montague Murray of London, found asbestos fibers in a deceased 33 yr-old asbestos worker in 1900. In 1917, Dr. Henry K. Pancoast of the University of Pennsylvania medical school, found lung scarring in five asbestos-factory workers. Only one year later, an insurance statistician reported that due to the assumed health risks, insurers commonly denied coverage to asbestos...

The health risks associated with asbestos exposure have been known since the turn of the 20th Century. Dr H. Montague Murray of London, found asbestos fibers in a deceased 33 yr-old asbestos worker in 1900. In 1917, Dr. Henry K. Pancoast of the University of Pennsylvania medical school, found lung scarring in five asbestos-factory workers. Only one year later, an insurance statistician reported that due to the assumed health risks, insurers commonly denied coverage to asbestos workers. By the 1930?s, the asbestos manufacturers and their insurance companies knew that the asbestos would kill. In 1934, Aetna insurance company published a textbook in which they devoted a full chapter to asbestos, saying that asbestosis was ?incurable and usually results in total permanent disability followed by death.? (Bowker, pg.18)So now armed with this knowledge, by the time World War II started, the risks of asbestos had been recognized and the industry was starting to slide into decline. The war changed all that. The asbestos industry exploded with the massive production to place asbestos in ships. All prior safety knowledge was promptly forgotten and the asbestos industry boomed again.

There is an ?embarrassing? number of documents that surfaced during the many court cases over the years. These prove the asbestos corporations were well aware of the dangers of asbestos and willfully withheld this information from their employees. Scans of the following documents are available to be read on the Asbestos-Think Again website. Excerpts of these documents show:

In a 1949 document, Exxon admitted that asbestos causes lung cancer, silicosis, fibrosis, and erythema.

In a 1958 National Gypsum Memo ? ?We know that you will never lose sight of the fact that perhaps the greatest hazard in your plant is with men handling asbestos. Because just as certain as death and taxes is the fact that if you inhale asbestos dust you get asbestosis.?

A 1969 Travelers Insurance Co. memo states: ?confidentially Johns-Manville has been contaminating the ?hell? out of both the air and the water for quite some time.

?In 1975, an insurance industry memo summarized non-workplace exposure. Forty percent of homemakers and 50% of blue-collar workers had identifiable asbestos fibers in their lungs at death. The author states, ?It is now found (that) the public in general has been exposed to asbestos products to a far greater degree than previously recognized.?

There was no perceptible change in the outlook of companies until the landmark asbestos lawsuit filed in 1969, Borel vs Fibreboard Products Corporation, which was decided in favor of the plaintiff. It was the first time the country recognized a company?s duty to warn their employees about the dangers of asbestos. There were more than 16,000 asbestos/mesothelioma cases filed in the next 10 years.

Marc has been writing about mesothelioma and asbestos related topics for 12 years. His work is published all over the internet.

Asbestos Lung Disease - Mesothelioma and Asbestosis - Causes and Symptoms

A rare form of cancer, mesothelioma occurs when cancerous cells are discovered in the mesothelium, the protective sac that surrounds most of the body's internal organs. These malignant cells divide and reproduce without control, spreading to and damaging nearby tissues and organs. Mesothelioma cancer cells can also metastasize, or spread from their original starting point, to infect other parts of the body. While most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum (in the internal lining of the chest or abdominal areas), mesothelioma can begin elsewhere in the body as well.

Mesothelioma is discovered more commonly in men than in women, though it can appear in both sexes. One of the main risk factors for this form of cancer is its victims having worked with asbestos. Mesothelioma and asbestos exposure seem to go hand-in-hand, with history of exposure is present in roughly 70-80% of all reported cases of Mesothelioma. Unfortunately, asbestos was widely used in a variety of industrial products, ranging from cement to insulation. Its tiny particles float in the air and are easily inhaled or ingested, especially during the manufacturing process. Mesothelioma is just one of many serious ailments that can result from asbestos exposure, and just one of many kinds of cancers that can occur when one is exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time.

Symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically do not appear until roughly 30-50 years after the victims were exposed to the asbestos. Those suffering from this form of cancer often experience shortness of breath, pain in the chest, weight loss, abdominal pain and/or swelling, blood clotting abnormalities, blockages in the bowel, anemia and fever. Symptoms may vary, depending on whether or not the mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body, but other signs may include difficulty swallowing, pain, or swelling around the face and/or neck.

Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose. Many of its symptoms are similar to a vast array of other conditions. Because of this, one of the best ways to diagnose mesothelioma is by reviewing the patient's medical history and inquiring about any history of asbestos exposure. In addition to this, the doctor may perform a complete physical examination and take x-rays of the abdomen and chest, as well as performing lung function tests. Mesothelioma testing sometimes calls for CAT scans or MRI's, taking detailed pictures of different areas within the body. These images are then viewed on a large series of monitors and can be printed out, if needed.

The only true way to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma is to perform a biopsy, where a surgeon or oncologist removes a small sample of tissue, allowing them to then view it under a microscope and look for cancer cells. If a diagnosis of mesothelioma is made, treatment will then be discussed, dependant on where the cancer is located and at what stage the mesothelioma is at. Some common treatment options include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. In some cases, these different forms of treatment may be combined in order to actively combat the cancer.

Gust A. Lenglet has been an accountant and financial advisor for many years. He is President and CEO of HBS Financial Group, Ltd. and offers online tax filing through his many web sites. He is also an accomplished author in the tax, legal, and education fields.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Treatment & Mesothelioma Information

Doctor appointments are critical to make sure you?re staying in proper health. However, exposure to asbestos presents an added urgency for routine appointments. Because asbestos related diseases take decades to form, early detection is critical for proper treatment. People who have jobs in industries like construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing are particularly susceptible of contracting these conditions.

Even with the best screening techniques available today mesothelioma often can escape diagnosis. The best thing to do is get screened early and consistently, especially if you had exposure to asbestos. Medical technology has breakthroughs every day and eventually a cure will be found. However, until then, the victims of mesothelioma should take action against those responsible. Contact a lawyer in your state today so you can receive compensation for your suffering.

The affected areas from mesothelioma cancer are the lining of the internal organs in the body. Because of the location of the infected cells, mesothelioma does not respond well to conventional treatments unlike most other forms of cancer. In addition, there are no blatant symptoms of the disease, so doctors cannot properly diagnose the illness until it?s significantly advanced. Because of these factors, the effectiveness of many conventional treatments are limited.

When treating mesothelioma, doctors use several treatment options. Surgery, radiation treatments and chemotherapy have been traditional options for slowing the growth of cancerous cells. Doctors dealing with mesothelioma have to plan an innovative method of attack to combat this condition. New treatments like angiogenesis, photodynamic and gene therapy hold new hope for victims of mesothelioma everywhere. Depending on the state and location of the cancer, doctors will choose the best course of action for the circumstances. If it?s discovered early enough, doctors can prolong the life of the victim, but sadly cannot cure the disease.

The three main types of malignant mesotheliomas are epithelioid, sarcomatoid and mixed/biphasic. Epithelioid is the most common kind as around 50-70% of all mesothelioma cases reported are this type. Epithelioid also has the best chances of survival. It affects the internal organs and internal surfaces coverings. Sarcomatoid is a much more serious condition as it affects the secondary tissues in the body such as cartilage, muscles, bone and fat. However, this cancer is much rarer, as it only occurs 7-20% of the time. Mixed/biphasic is having both types of the cancer at once, and this makes up 20-35% of the occurrences.

There are three targeted areas that mesothelioma can affect. Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleural cavity around the lungs and is responsible for a majority 75% of all cases diagnosed. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 10-20% of all cases and affects the tissues in the abdomen (especially the stomach and intestines). Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form which affects the sac and lining surrounding the heart.

To learn more about known asbestos worksites, who gets mesothelioma or photodynamic therapy for mesothelioma, please visit our website. This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma - Asbestos Lung Cancer & Side Effects

When a group of cells mutates uncontrollably and starts invading and killing healthy cells, this is called cancer. In certain areas of the body where cells reproduce rapidly there tends to be a greater chance of risk because one cancer cell can multiply exponentially in a very quick period of time. Most cancers are caused by external stimuli and mesothelioma is no different. Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos.

Mesothelioma is an extremely nasty and permanent cancer that infects the membrane surrounding most internal organs. It is also a very subtle form of cancer providing only a few noticeable symptoms until it becomes extremely advanced. The most common type of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. It causes shortness of breath and/or chronic coughing that can easily be mixed up with allergies or a common cold. In many cases mesothelioma is discovered by accident when patients are looking into these symptoms. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

Pleural mesothelioma represents 75% of mesothelioma cases - but it is far from the only type of this deadly cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining around the stomach and intestines, and is just as dangerous and deadly. Common symptoms include:
? Weight loss - but waist may increase in size.
? Pain or swelling in the abdomen - fluid retention or tumor growth.
? Bowel obstruction - blockage in the small or large intestine.
? Anemia - a reduction in the number of red blood cells to below normal; this forces the heart and other organs to work harder to get oxygen where it's needed.
? Fever
Usually, the first test run by a doctor will use a device called a thorascope. The procedure is called thorascopy and is done by creating a small incision in the chest, and taking a sample of lung tissue to see if it?s cancerous or not. This procedure is performed at a hospital using local anesthesia and will cause a small amount of pain. There will also be a check for an excess amount of fluid which may be drained to ease the pressure and reduce pain.

If these tests are inconclusive, there will be more advanced test performed such as a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan to give doctors a 3D X-ray of the tissues. This will allow the doctors to analyze the potentially damaged areas. Another option is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging scan). An MRI will take cross-section pictures of internal structures to separate healthy tissues from malignant ones. These two scans will allow doctors to be able and see potential dangers long before the patient feels any symptoms.

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Mesothelioma - How to Find a Good Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawyer

Without a doubt, ability, experience and reputation, These are important factors in determining an mesothelioma / asbestos lawyer's you can count on and hire. Mind you, If the methotheleoma lawyer is well known as a highly competent lawyer who has settled many mesothelioma cases, his fee is likely to be higher. Remember, the cheapest lawyer may not always be the best. Of course, unless a lawyer takes your case on a contingent basis, he will expect to be paid, win or lose.

The amount of time and labor spent on your asbestos mesothelioma case is what a lawyer will charge you for, his/her time is money. Most lawyers keep very careful records of the amount of time they and members of their staff spend on your case. Different attorneys rate their time differently depending upon their experience, training. skills, and workload.

What about Contingency fees? A contingent fee arrangement is that your lawyer gets a percentage of the compensation money you receive as resolution of your asbestos lawsuit. If you do not receive compensation for the lawsuit then your lawyer collects no fees. However, you may owe charges for court fees, copying, and hiring expert witnesses. A contingency fee is a good option for those unable to pay hourly. Results can never be guaranteed . Nonetheless, some lawyers will handle a lawsuit for money and damages on the condition that they be allowed to take a percentage of the recovery if success is achieved. Under this contingent arrangement, a lawyer does not collect a fee if the case is lost. The client must still pay court costs, however.

Check the lawyers records if possible- Check background, experience, disciplinary record of any potential mesothelioma lawyer candidate. Many states currently require all lawyers to graduate from college and law school, pass a written exam, pass a character and fitness review, and be licensed to practice law. Also, many lawyers take continuing legal education classes each year. You can find out about many asbestos mesothelioma lawyers' backgrounds by checking legal source books in your local law library or public library. Consider the mesothelioma lawyer's training and experience - Ask if the lawyer has handled similar asbestos matters, and what the outcomes were. Also ask if the lawyer has taken any continuing legal education courses regarding asbestos law and asbestos mesothelioma litigation which relates to your legal issue.

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Beryllium The New Asbestos?

It was American workers on the world's first atomic bomb who became the first industrial victims of beryllium, a rare but especially light, stable and strong metal whose toxic dust can kill those who breathe it.

Now Seafarers doing ship maintenance and have used Jasons De-rusting and de-scaling guns (also known as J-gun or Jasons pistol) raise concerns about exposure to beryllium.

Unlike other metals, beryllium does not spark and was therefore used on tanker ships containing fuel.

Beryllium can cause a long-term lung disease (berylliosis) in some people by triggering an immune (allergic) response in the body. In general, significant exposure to beryllium in a respirable form is required for any disease to occur, and symptoms may take up to 20 years to develop even after exposure has stopped.

Beryllium dust can cause fatal and untreatable lung disease, similar to asbestosis.

The symptoms of berylliosis include shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are common, so that most people who have these symptoms do not have berylliosis. Occasionally, other areas of the body like the skin, eyes, mouth & nose may develop a rash following contact with dust containing beryllium.

There is no preventive or curative treatment available for berylliosis or chronic beryllium disease. Richard Wassell
More information can on Beryllium, Mesothelioma and Asbestosis can be found at
http://www.mesotheliomainfosite.com