If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos, do not hesitate to contact Tamaki Law. You might be entitled to compensation from the negligent party responsible for the exposure.
Tamaki Law understands the complications you’ve experienced since your diagnosis. Mesothelioma is an illness that affects the lungs and causes shortness of breath, chest pain, and other unpleasant symptoms. Unfortunately, the long-term consequences of asbestos exposure are severe and could become fatal.
Whether you were around or handled asbestos at your job or lived in an area with airborne particles, your mesothelioma diagnosis could be from exposure to asbestos. You have a right to hold the at-fault party liable for placing you in harm’s way and causing the suffering you endured.
The mesothelioma mass tort lawyers of Tamaki Law are ready to fight for you. We will provide dependable representation and legal services from start to finish of the process. You can count on our legal team to advocate for you and remain by your side until the end. Call (800) 801-9564 today for your free consultation.
Dangers of Asbestos
Many years ago, asbestos exposure used to be a dangerous problem no one knew about. Most people were aware of its existence but didn’t realize it could cause health issues.
Nowadays, safety measures are in place to protect anyone encountering the toxic substance, such as employees in factories and on construction sites. However, new protocols can’t protect individuals who had been exposed to asbestos decades ago and now face adverse side effects.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), asbestos is carcinogenic to humans. This classification is due to the substance’s ability to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other illnesses after exposure.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral resistant to heat and highly durable. It has been used to manufacture common products, such as flooring materials, ceiling tiles, brake pads, and insulation. If anything disturbs the product containing asbestos, tiny fibers can release into the air.
Anyone who comes in contact with these airborne fibers could inhale them. Long-term exposure can lead to a range of medical conditions. As the fibers travel through the body, inflammation and tissue damage can occur. Scar tissue forms, and eventually, cancerous tumors can develop.
Most Common Groups Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
High-risk individuals who come in contact with asbestos frequently and over long periods are more likely to develop mesothelioma than other groups. Constant exposure comes from breathing in airborne fibers and handling the toxic substance at work.
The groups most at risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Painters
- Firefighters
- Oil rig workers
- Electricians
- Railroad workers
- Auto repair employees
- Factory workers
- Construction and demolition workers
- Navy personnel
- Lumber and paper mill workers
- Boiler technicians
- Shipyard workers
Although these high-risk individuals are likely to develop mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, other people can also come in contact. Anyone living near an area containing asbestos could breathe in particles from the air or consume contaminated water or food.
Types and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma begins to form in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue surrounding most of a person’s internal organs. It is an aggressive type of cancer and can be deadly without early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
The symptoms experienced depend on the type of mesothelioma to develop. The two main types of mesothelioma are below.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma forms in the tissue around the lungs. The most common symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Lumps of tissue underneath the skin in the chest area
- Painful coughing
- Chest pain
If it spreads to a person’s chest, pleural mesothelioma can cause complications, such as:
- Trouble swallowing
- Pain resulting from pressure on the nerves and spinal cord
- Difficulty breathing and chest pain
- A build-up of fluid in the chest causing compression of the lungs
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen. When someone inhales or ingests asbestos fibers, they become embedded in the abdominal lining, leading to inflammation and tumor formation.
The most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
- Nausea
- Swollen abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for mesothelioma. It develops aggressively and isn’t diagnosed in most people until it reaches an advanced stage. However, if you catch it early, you could undergo surgery to remove the tumors and chemotherapy. Successful treatment could manage symptoms and prolong a person’s life.
Compensation Available for Asbestos Exposure
Mass tort lawsuits and wrongful death cases are common among individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families.
During a mass tort lawsuit, a group of plaintiffs with similar symptoms from asbestos exposure can pursue legal action against the same defendant. Consolidating each person’s case offers a more streamlined process. Everyone works on the unique parts of their lawsuits individually but with the goal of seeking compensation from the same defendant.
The courts don’t award plaintiffs the same amount of money in mass tort lawsuits. Each person receives an award based on the circumstances of their case. The compensation you receive could cover the losses you suffered, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Disability or disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
If your loved one died from mesothelioma due to the negligent party responsible for exposing them to asbestos, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit. The compensation recovered by surviving family members could compensate for losses, such as:
- Loss of the deceased’s companionship, love, affection, and care
- Lost financial support the deceased could have provided if they were still alive
- Funeral and burial costs
- Final medical bills
- The value of lost household services provided by the deceased
Contact Us
Tamaki Law has fought for the rights of Washington clients since 1994. We approach each case with a clean slate and tailor our services to meet the unique needs of every client. You can count on our team to aggressively pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
If you were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, call Tamaki Law at (800) 801-9564 right now for your free consultation with one of our mesothelioma mass tort lawyers.