Asbestos is a mineral made up of fine, needle-like fibers that are invisible to the human eye. When asbestos is damaged, these small fibers make their way into the air, resulting in people inhaling them. After a person has inhaled asbestos fibers, they become lodged in the lungs, causing very serious injuries. In the most tragic of cases, exposure to asbestos is fatal. Many different diseases are caused by asbestos, and it is not uncommon for symptoms of these conditions to appear after 15 to 40 years of exposure. These delayed symptoms can make it very difficult for victims to file personal injury claims afterward. Below are some of the most serious and common diseases caused by asbestos exposure. A Pomona asbestos lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses.
MesotheliomaThe biggest risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. While mesothelioma is rare, it is an extremely aggressive form of cancer. Mesothelioma is a result of inhaled asbestos fibers lodging in the mesothelioma, the thin membrane that protects many organs. Over time, those fibers cause inflammation and scarring, resulting in mesothelioma.
The courts in California have determined that the emission of breathable asbestos fibers is a design defect that does not meet the general safety standards accepted by consumers. Even if asbestos is manufactured or designed without any flaws, manufacturers still have a legal obligation to warn consumers of the risks associated with asbestos. An asbestos attorney in Pomona can help you figure out who is responsible for your asbestos exposure, and then hold them accountable.
Lung CancerWhen asbestos fibers become trapped in the lungs, it can cause lung cancer. Lung cancer causes many symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, nausea, chronic coughing, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and loss of endurance. Sadly, patients often do not experience any symptoms until it has progressed to a later stage, at which point lung cancer is much harder to treat.
If a person loses their life due to lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the manufacturer or the employer. Employees in the following industries are most at risk for asbestos exposure:
Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the air sacs of the lungs after they are inhaled. This can cause scarring that ultimately results in asbestosis. This is a chronic condition, and people usually require lifelong treatment. As with mesothelioma and lung cancer, symptoms of asbestosis may not present themselves until 10 to 30 years after exposure. Asbestosis is often misdiagnosed as bronchitis or pneumonia. Manufacturers and employers can be held liable when a person develops asbestosis, but medical providers can be held liable if they misdiagnose the condition.
Call Our Asbestos Lawyer in Pomona for a Free ConsultationAt Brod Law Firm, our Pomona asbestos attorney has seen the devastating effects on victims and their families that this toxic substance causes. We are dedicated to helping clients hold liable parties responsible for their harm and helping them obtain the full settlement they deserve. We can put our expertise to work for you, too. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.