A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Inhaling
asbestos law fibers as small as 0.1 microns can cause mesothelioma. The disease causes long-term scarring and inflammation of the lungs. It can take 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest.
Mesothelioma lawyers assist victims to receive legal compensation. They are able to file lawsuits and trust fund claims, and also VA claims for veterans.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are the result of thickening on the pleura (the thin layer that runs inside the chest). They rarely cause symptoms and are only discovered by chance, for instance, when a person undergoes chest radiography or CT scanning to test for other conditions such as lung cancer or asbestosis. Pleural plaques are usually covered in fluid and can be visible on a chest xray. They are sometimes calcified, which means that the tissue is hardened and can be observed on an CT scan.
Pleuropulmonary plaques are not considered cancerous, but they do raise a person's risk of developing more serious conditions like mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers is a rare kind of cancer. This is the only form of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. Patients suffering from this condition are advised to tell their doctor about their asbestos exposure background.
Doctors use a variety of tools to diagnose the presence of pleural plaques as well as other pleural diseases, including the lung function test (spirometry). This test measures how well the lungs function by assessing the amount of air they hold and the speed at which they can breathe both in and out. The lungs can be examined more in depth by a doctor using a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or a computerized Tomography scan (CT).
These tests can assist doctors to detect
Asbestos Claim in the lungs. However, they don't confirm whether the pleural plaques are cancerous, so a biopsy must be done to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can perform a biopsy of plaques of the pleural region and send them to a lab to check for indications of cancer. If the pleural plaques are cancerous the patient will be given a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Lung cancers
Asbestosis is a lung disease that occurs when tiny particles from asbestos materials are breathed in. The asbestos fibers are lodged in the lungs and cause scar tissue to grow. The scarring makes it difficult for the lung to expand and be filled with fresh air. This can lead to breathing difficulties and dry coughing. This can be accompanied by crackling sounds. The disease can lead to weight loss and fatigue over time. If left untreated, advanced cases of asbestosis lead to pulmonary hypertension and the development of a swollen toe and fingers.
The majority of people diagnosed with asbestosis were diagnosed due to exposure to asbestos for a long period of time. The condition typically manifests 20 to 30 years after exposure to asbestos. The latency period can span up to 50 years.
Asbestosis is not curable however there are ways to reduce the symptoms and slow down the progress of the disease. Doctors diagnose asbestosis by asking about symptoms and work history and then performing a physical examination. They also order lung function tests and imaging scans testing. If there are signs of scarring on the scans doctors can determine if there is a case of asbestosis.
The best method of treating asbestosis is to avoid new exposures to asbestos. Smoking is also dangerous for those suffering from the condition, as it can cause further damage to the lungs. Patients may also opt to try an exercise program for pulmonary rehabilitation under the supervision of a doctor to learn about breathing exercises and healthy eating. Doctors can perform a noninvasive procedure called thoracentesis when the lungs of a person are clogged with fluid. Certain patients may require oxygen therapy to breathe. If the condition becomes more severe or if it's accompanied by other lung diseases, such as emphysema, a lung transplant is a possibility.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibres can become lodged in a person's lung tissue and cause inflammation, scarring, and stiffness that makes breathing difficult. This condition, also known as asbestosis, is among more than 200 types of interstitial lung disease. It is often referred to as an occupational lung disease due to the fact that it usually develops in people who worked with or around asbestos prior to 1970 when the government regulated exposure to asbestos.
The symptoms of asbestosis include dry cough, trouble breathing and a tightening of the abdomen or chest. Pleural effusion is a different early sign of asbestosis. It is a form of fluid accumulation in the chest or lungs. Other signs include lumps on the chest or the lungs or ribs, pain around the ribs, fatigue, and a decrease in appetite. The symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Those with lung problems should see their doctor as soon as they notice any problems. The health care provider will conduct a physical examination and inquire about their past experience with asbestos. If they hear crackling sounds on their stethoscope, referred to as rales, they are able to identify asbestosis. Chest X-rays and lung function tests will also reveal the severity of lung damage and determine the extent to which your lungs are functioning.
In certain instances doctors will request a biopsy or a CT scan to diagnose mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that affects the lining that covers the lungs, chest or abdomen. Other signs of mesothelioma may be similar to symptoms of asbestosis and include a constant cough chest pain and lumps in the lungs or abdomen, and shortness of breath. Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy or a lung transplant. If you've been diagnosed with asbestosis, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help ease your symptoms and improve breathing.
Treatment
There is no cure for asbestosis but treatment can ease symptoms and improve quality of life. People who have this condition should consult with a medical professional and follow the advice of their physician. It could be beneficial to join a support group of patients who have similar issues.
Asbestosis can occur when someone inhale tiny fibers that make up this deadly substance. These fibres are entangled in the lungs and cause them to become stiff and scarred. The affected individuals will have difficulty breathing and will feel chest pain, lumps, fatigue and coughing. They also may have difficulty climbing on stairs. They won't have the same energy they used to be, and their fingernails as well as toenails may appear larger or more round than normal (clubbing of the fingers).
Symptoms usually show up within 20 years of exposure. Doctors may take a long time before diagnosing asbestosis. It is often mistaken for other conditions like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Doctors listen to the lungs with an stethoscope. If they hear crackling noises or see lung tissue damage they might be able to identify asbestosis. A high-resolution CT will reveal the lungs and determine if they are whitish. A pulmonary function test can determine the capacity of the lungs to take in oxygen.
Avoiding asbestos and secondhand smoking is the only way to avoid further lung injury. If you have a prior history of exposure to asbestos, see your family physician whenever you feel shortness of breathe. Your health care provider is likely to refer you to an expert in lung issues. The specialist may prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe easier or suggest an organ transplant.
Compensation
A mesothelioma attorney can help the patient bring a suit against the companies that are responsible for their
asbestos lawyer exposure. These firms have experience handling asbestos claims and have knowledge of the companies, products and high-risk occupations that led to exposure. They can also help patients connect with mesothelioma specialists and cancer centers.
Compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit can cover treatment expenses and other financial losses. It also aids the families of those who have died from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.
A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can analyze the details of a patient's exposure to
asbestos lawsuit and determine whether they qualify for an asbestos trust fund settlement or mesothelioma lawsuit. They can also assist patients and their families apply for VA benefits or SSDI payments.
Asbestosis symptoms can develop after a long period of exposure which makes it difficult to detect the presence of a problem. However, the condition could result in complications such as difficulty breathing, clubbing of the fingers and toes and persistent cough.
A mesothelioma lawsuit against companies that put their employees at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses can help victims and families. The money obtained from a lawsuit can help provide caregiving and living costs. Compensation can cover funeral expenses. Asbestos sufferers should seek legal action as soon as possible to ensure that their lawsuit is filed within the statute of limitations. A mesothelioma lawyer can explain the laws and help victims or their families file a suit in the appropriate court. The sooner a claim is filed, the more likely it will be to receive a payment from an asbestos trust fund or a mesothelioma verdict.
