Mesothelioma Attorney Blog

Mesothelioma Attorneys Announce Proposed $19.5 Million Settlement for Libby Asbestos Victims

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:48:48 -0600

Asbestos victims sickened by exposure from W.R. Grace & Co.'s former vermiculite plant near Libby, Montana have long-awaited good news. The Washington Post is reporting a proposed bankruptcy deal that would put $19.5 million into a trust for people who lived and worked near the contaminated Montana mine. The significance of this settlement cannot be overlooked. The money will be used to offset the escalating costs of medical treatment for thousands of people who are suffering from mesothelioma, absestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases. The agreement also ensures that the company will continue to fund a critical medical program for the Libby victims even after bankruptcy proceedings have finalized.

The news comes more than a decade after a lawsuit was first filed against Montana state officials who failed to warn workers and their families of the significant asbestos exposure risk. The Libby mine and mill produced more than 1500 tons of asbestos-containing materials that were sold and distributed worldwide, eventually shutting down in 1990 after reports of hundreds of deaths and thousands of serious asbestos-related injuries. In an effort to escape liability, W.R. Grace & Co. filed for bankruptcy in 2001, putting all lawsuits on hold until a reorganization plan was approved and a bankruptcy trust was created for the asbestos victims.

On January 30, 2012, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware finally approved the asbestos-related bankruptcy plan that will allow claimants to be compensated. Property owners, mine workers, and secondhand parties who can prove that their diseases are the result of asbestos exposure are eligible to be paid from the trust, which is funded by sources such as cash, insurance proceeds and stock. Although the plan is subject to appeal, once the final settlement plan is approved, all objections to the plan will be withdrawn as a matter of law. Additionally, the bankruptcy agreement calls for the continuation of a medical plan that has been voluntarily operated and funded by the company since 2001. Asbestos victims may also be able to collect from a separate Asbestos Personal Injury Trust fund.

New Research Shows U.S. Government Knowingly Exposed Naval Veterans to Asbestos Risk

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:33:02 -0600

An alarming new study conducted by the scientific consulting firm ChemRisk found that the U.S. Navy knew of the dangerous effects of asbestos, yet continued to require extensive use of the toxic material in naval steamships, shipyards, boiler rooms, and engine rooms throughout most of the 20th century. This research may help to explain why nearly one-third of all mesothelioma victims are veterans.

The latest report details the significant role that asbestos played in during World War II and the relative economic importance that it continued to hold for decades. Our mesothelioma attorneys understand that asbestos was extremely popular for its heat and fire resistant properties, which were critical during wartime and as the military rapidly expanded. By using asbestos materials, naval veterans were able to rapidly and efficiently build ships at minimal cost. Dangerously high levels of asbestos dust could be found on every naval ship, from pipes, pumps, boilers, and valves to motors, gaskets, cement, and block. Veterans and civilian employees were likely exposed to massive amounts of asbestos while performing a number of tasks, including pipefitting, welding and insulating.

According to the study, cases of asbestos-related lung cancer were diagnosed as early as 1907. In 1935, a textbook expressly documented a causal connection between significant exposure to asbestos fibers and asbestosis, and this connection was further validated by research studies performed by private and government scientists.

However, in spite of known asbestos health hazards, the Navy continued to require use of toxic asbestos materials both on the inside and the outside of its ships. This is particularly troubling given the structural aspects of naval ships, which make them a breeding ground for contamination. Small spaces combined with a lack of adequate ventilation create a dangerous place for loose asbestos dust to gather. Pipes, pumps, turbines, and various types of auxiliary machinery covering naval ships contained massive amounts of asbestos, resulting in a serious occupational health hazard. Not only were thousands of naval workers and machinists exposed to the asbestos fibers firsthand, but their family members and loved ones may have been exposed as well. Toxic asbestos fibers may remain on skin or clothing and lead to secondhand exposure, causing the same negative health effects.

Reports indicate that the Navy attempted to implement safety procedures that would minimize the dangers of asbestos exposure, but their efforts were insufficient to protect Navy veterans from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. In fact, because mesothelioma can lie dormant in the body for decades, many veterans may not yet be aware that they are suffering from an asbestos-related illness.

Significant Mesothelioma Settlement Approved for Asbestos Victims in Libby, Montana

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:44:35 -0600

More than a thousand people suffering from asbestos exposure in Libby, Montana, will soon receive the compensation they deserve in order to help them pay for a lifetime of medical care. As the Los Angeles Times is reporting, a state civil court judge in Montana approved a $43 million asbestos settlement for those who became sick or died due to asbestos exposure from local asbestos-ridden mine.

The mine, operated by W.R. Grace & Co., closed in 1990, but the asbestos risk still remains. Just 3,000 people live in the town of Libby, and nearly a thousand of them suffer from an asbestos-related illness. Another 400 Libby residents have died from asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis since the closure of the mine.

The Libby mine was the largest of its kind when it was in operation, and is now known as the deadliest federally designated hazardous waste sites in the history of our nation. Nearly 70 percent of the vermiculite mineral used in the U.S. over the last 80 years came from Libby, Montana. A majority of the town's residents worked at the mine, and suffered occupational asbestos exposure. Even more residents suffered the effects of second-hand asbestos exposure, because workers carried the toxic asbestos mineral on their clothes and skin. Schools, building, and other public areas were also found to contain high levels of asbestos.

Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys know that asbestos-related illnesses can lie dormant for up to 50 years, so the extent of the exposure is still unknown. Federal cleanup of the mine already cost the federal government more than $370 million dollars, and more cleanup efforts are expected because it is believed that asbestos is still present in the area.

The District Court in Helena, Montana, recently approved a long-awaited settlement that will help some of these asbestos victims pay for expensive medical treatments. The court found that the state of Montana did not adequately warn and protect Libby residents from dangerous asbestos dust. Settlement funds will be distributed to the asbestos victims once the government determines the amount that will be required to cover Medicare costs.

Expert witness Dr. Alan Whitehouse, who treated Libby asbestos victims for several years, testified at trial, and his testimony was a key factor that led to the settlement. The state could not find any medical specialists to refute the medical proof he offered that linked Libby asbestos exposure to mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases.

$2.4 Million Asbestos Verdict Awarded to Navy Veteran Suffering From Mesothelioma

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:41:48 -0600

A substantial mesothelioma verdict was recently awarded to a Navy veteran in San Diego, in a case involving occupational asbestos exposure. Like many other veterans from all branches of the military, the man was regularly exposed to various asbestos-containing materials during his years of service. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma directly connected to the asbestos exposure in 2010 and his condition continues to worsen.

According to court documents, William Mansir worked as a boiler technician in the U.S. Navy in the 1960s and early 1970s, doing maintenance and repairs on boilers, pumps and valves. This work exposed him to toxic asbestos products, including gaskets and packing material. Mansir and his wife sued the company that manufactured the asbestos-containing products, John Crane Inc., along with at least 20 other companies that settled before trial.

The suit was brought on a products liability theory, and Mansir presented testimony from medical experts and his treating oncologist to convince the jury that exposure to the asbestos products triggered his deadly mesothelioma disease. The defendant tried to argue that the disease was actually a localized, less aggressive type of mesothelioma that was not caused by asbestos fibers associated with any of the company's products. This argument proved unsuccessful and the jury ultimately found the company at fault, awarding Mansir about $2.4 million in damages to cover his past and future medical expenses and loss of income.

Our mesothelioma lawyers know that many military veterans were exposed to cancer-causing asbestos during their time in the service. Asbestos was widely used in the military for its fireproofing and heat resistant capabilities, and navy veterans are one of the most at-risk groups for an asbestos-related disease. Nearly every ship and shipyard that the Navy used between the 1930s and 1970s had some type of asbestos containing-material.

As this recent mesothelioma verdict shows, manufacturers face extensive liability for asbestos-containing products. Companies have a legal duty to test their products for potential health hazards, such as toxic asbestos, and warn of any serious risks. Sadly, many instances of a deadly mesothelioma disease could have been prevented if workers knew of the asbestos risk and took steps to protect themselves.

Hospital Fined for Exposing Construction Workers and Staff to Hazardous Asbestos

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:39:22 -0600

Although asbestos is most commonly found in industrial settings like manufacturing plants, our asbestos attorneys know that the toxic mineral can also be found in some unexpected places. As the New York Daily News is reporting, a New York City hospital was recently fined nearly $50,000 for exposing construction workers, staff, and patients to life-threatening asbestos during a renovation project. This disturbing example of workplace asbestos exposure put hundreds of people at risk for an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.

An inspection by the United State's Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration revealed 14 health and safety violations relating to asbestos at Brooklyn's Interfaith Medical Center. The most serious charges include not telling construction workers that they were handling dangerous asbestos during a remodeling and demolition project. All of the renovations took place on the hospital's inpatient behavioral health floor from 2007 through 2010, a critical period of time in which the crews were routinely exposed to a serious health risk.

According to the report, asbestos-containing floor tiles and pipe insulation were not properly labeled, and no material data safety sheets were provided. The hospital also failed to keep accurate safety records and did not provide any type of asbestos training prior to the demolition work. OSHA inspectors also found that the hazardous asbestos materials were dumped in hospital dumpsters along with the construction debris, putting anyone in close proximity at risk for an asbestos-related illness.

This serious asbestos violation went ignored by the hospital for years. Appropriate safety measures, such as providing adequate asbestos training, could have helped protect the health and safety of employees and patients. Instead, they were exposed to a potentially deadly risk.

Our mesothelioma lawyers understand the dangers of asbestos during renovation work, which releases the toxic material into the air and onto workers clothing and skin. Asbestos dust can lead to life-threatening diseases like mesothelioma, an incurable and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Statistics show that nearly 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, and many of them were exposed to asbestos on jobs where they inhaled asbestos or were exposed to hazardous asbestos dust. Asbestosis exposure can also lead to lung cancer and asbestosis, a deadly respiratory disease.

Contaminated Oklahoma Well Water Causing Serious Thyroid Complications

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:36:37 -0600

Water contamination lawyers at Pintas & Mullins are warning of serious thyroid dangers associated with a toxic substance found in at least 18 drinking water wells in Duncan, Oklahoma. We have already heard from a number of injured victims experiencing thyroid problems as a result of drinking contaminated water, and we remain committed to pursuing environmental litigation on behalf of those harmed.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Halliburton Co. recently confirmed the presence of perchlorate found in samples taken from nearly twenty water wells around its former headquarters on the North side of Duncan. Halliburton admits that company officials burnt missile fuel in the area as part of a government contract, and this work likely contributed to the contamination. Although the project ended approximately 20 years ago, it still poses a health hazard for nearby residents who continue to experience devastating health complications.

Studies confirmed that ingesting even a small amount of the toxin perchlorate can have harmful effects on the thyroid. This dangerous chemical is a byproduct of rocket fuel that inhibits the thyroid's ability to absorb iodine, resulting in a condition known as hypothyroidism. Heart disease, weight gain, depression, and infertility can all result from too much perchlorate exposure.

Women who drank perchlorate-contaminated water while pregnant are particularly vulnerable to serious side effects. Pregnancy already puts a serious strain on the thyroid, and additional strain can lead to developmental or cognitive problems in a fetus. Research shows that even a slight decline in the thyroid hormone negatively affects intelligence levels, and babies exposed to perchlorate have a 50 percent change of developing thyroid problems.

People with pre-existing thyroid conditions face greater risk of experiencing perchlorate-related health problems. The hazardous chemical is colorless and odorless, making it highly possible that people drank severely contaminated water without realizing it. Although Halliburton moved its headquarters to Houston and Dubai, the threat remains in Oklahoma where the contaminated wells were found.

Now that the tests have positively confirmed the contamination, Halliburton is working with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and supplying residents with bottled drinking water. The AP is also reporting that the company promised to reimburse residents for the cost of health screenings.

Dangerous Asbestos-Like Substance Found in Road Gravel May Cause Mesothelioma Cancer

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:51:37 -0600

Asbestos lawyers at Pintas & Mullins are concerned about a new study confirming the presence of a cancer-causing mineral in the road gravel of several U.S. states. This study was the first-of-its kind, looking at the potential hazards of eronite exposure. Researchers found that the eronite mineral, which is similar to asbestos, is linked to unusually high rates of mesothelioma lung cancer.

The study was released in the July 25, 2011 issue of the Proceedings on the National Academy of Sciences, detailing the serious health risks of eronite exposure. At least twelve states, including Arizona, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Dakota, are known to have eronite-containing rock deposits that are used to produce gravel. However, the study focused primarily on Dunn County, North Dakota, where more than 300 miles of roads contain the dangerous eronite mineral.

Investigators took air samples taken from school bus routes, parking lots, playgrounds, and baseball fields throughout the area and some disturbing revelations were discovered. When eronite fibers are disturbed by human activity such as foot or automobile traffic, they become airborne and produce potentially life-threatening clouds of dust. These asbestos-like fibers become lodged in people's lungs and significantly increase the risk for mesothelioma cancer.

Until recently, it was believed that eronite was not present in the United States and only presented a health risk in Turkey. Mesothelioma death rates in eronite-rich Turkish village are as high as eight percent. Some Turkish residents have even been forced to relocate in order to avoid the danger.

Now that eronite has been found in at least a dozen U.S. states, the risk of mesothelioma lung cancer is even more widespread. The airborne levels of eronite recently found in North Dakota are comparable - or even higher than - the levels found in Turkish roads, mountains, and homes that led to an outbreak of mesothelioma cases. Those who work on eronite-containing roadways and in other industries where occupational exposure to eronite is common may be at greatest risk. The carcinogen can result in serious problems to the lungs and chest area, similar to problems caused by commercial asbestos exposure.

Federal Regulators Knew About Asbestos Tainted Wood Chips in Montana For Years Before Warning the Public

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:56:02 -0600

More than 400 people lost their lives and hundreds more became seriously ill as a result of exposure to asbestos-contaminated wood chips from an abandoned lumber mill in Libby, Montana. New revelations recently exposed by the Associated Press suggest that at least some of these tragedies could have been avoided. Reports show the Environmental Protection Agency knew the tainted woodchips were being widely sold by local residents yet the government officials took years s before putting a stop to the practice.

Asbestos is a highly toxic mineral fiber that easily becomes airborne and is known to cause fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. According to Newsday.com, dangerous asbestos fibers were found in wood chips and bark up to eight miles from the W.R. Grace mine as early as 2007. Hundreds of local residents reportedly used the tainted wood scraps for landscaping purposes, and government officials shipped an estimated 15,000 tons of bark outside of the Libby area to be used as fuel.

In previous statements, federal regulators said they learned about the contaminated wood sales last fall. But further investigation by U.S. Senator Max Baucus revealed that the EPA actually learned about the sales as early as 2007, when samples taken from wood chip piles surrounding the mill site revealed the presence of dangerous asbestos fibers.
Our asbestos attorneys are troubled by the fact that government regulators knew about the potential health hazards of the asbestos- laced wood chips at least three years before they decided to halt sales. Hundreds of deaths and even more asbestos-related diseases resulted, and many more people may be at risk because it is still not known where all of the contaminated bark ended up.

The EPA acknowledged the extent of their delay in a July 14, 2011 letter sent to Sen. Baucus, promising to perform more test sampling in Libby and to conduct further toxicology assessments to assess the level of risk for asbestos cancer and other serious respiratory diseases. The agency admits that at least 1,200 to 1,400 residential and business properties in the Libby area still need to be cleaned up, a massive effort that will cost an estimated $370 million.

Recent High-School Graduate Diagnosed with Rare Mesothelioma Cancer

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:56:38 -0600

The mesothelioma diagnosis of a 21-year-old from Norwood, Massachusetts proves that asbestos exposure affects people of all ages. The average age of people suffering from mesothelioma cancer is steadily dropping, as more teens and young adults are being diagnosed with the deadly disease. Any amount of asbestos exposure poses a health risk, and in many cases, mesothelioma symptoms are not identified until it is too late for effective treatment.

As the Boston Globe reports, Kevin Morrison is one of the latest young adults struggling to deal with mesothelioma cancer. Before graduating from Norwood High School in 2008, Kevin appeared strong and healthy, leading his football and hockey teams to multiple victories as team captain. His life forever changed in February of 2011, when doctors diagnosed the 21-year-old with peritoneal mesothelioma. This rare form of cancer affects less than 500 people in the United States each year, accounting for about 20 percent of all mesothelioma cases. It affects the lining of the abdomen, resulting in serious stomach, chest, or abdominal pain.

Although it is unclear how Kevin contracted mesothelioma, our Chicago asbestos lawyers know that peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by exposure to dangerous asbestos, commonly found in many industrial materials and construction products. Asbestos exposure was routinely present in certain working environments, such as steel mills and naval ship yards. But even those who never came into direct contact with toxic asbestos fibers are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by environmental exposure. Infants and children exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma early on, although the symptoms may not be detected until much later on in life.

In Kevin's case, doctors detected the deadly mesothelioma disease at an early stage, and determined that alternative medical treatments were necessary to give Kevin a fighting chance to combat the disease. Unfortunately, these alternative treatments are not available in the Boston area and they are not covered by insurance. Like many mesothelioma victims around the country, medical expenses have depleted the family's finances. The Norwood community is holding a fundraiser later this month to raise money to help the young cancer victim.

Remodeling and Renovation Work Can Lead to Asbestos-Related Diseases

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:02:00 -0600

With the summer construction season underway, our asbestos attorneys want to remind homeowners and construction workers of the potential for toxic asbestos exposure, particularly when work is being done on older homes. A majority of the buildings and homes built prior to 1980 contain some form of asbestos. Demolishing, remodeling, or renovating these structures in any way may create a potentially hazardous situation.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, carcinogenic asbestos fibers are likely to be released into the air. These dangerous fibers can lodge themselves in the lungs and lead to cancers including pleural mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos lung cancer.

In some states, landlords or property owners are legally required to provide a disclosure statement to tenants indicating the presence of asbestos. Failing to provide prospective renters with notice of the potential for asbestos may create liability. Homeowners also have a duty to ensure that any renovations done on the property comply with federal and state regulations, such as hiring a properly certified asbestos removal company.

Although asbestos exposure can lead to an asbestos illness for anyone who is even briefly exposed to the toxic fibers, construction workers and other trade workers are most at risk for asbestos exposure. The Mesothelioma Research Center estimates that as many as 1.3 million construction, building, and equipment maintenance workers are at risk for an asbestos-related disease. These workers are regularly exposed to asbestos during repairs and renovations, and the safety risk is heightened if protective clothing is not worn or other safety measures are not followed.

Removing asbestos during a remodeling or demolition project is particularly risky for insulators and workers who install materials in storage rooms or water pipes. Asbestos-containing insulation materials can easily get into worker's eyes, lungs, or skin. Sheet metal workers may be exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers through asbestos-laced tiles used in roofing. Plumbers, especially those who work in industrial or commercial buildings, may also come into contact with asbestos when working with water or sewer line pipes.

Even those who were not directly exposed to asbestos are at risk. Occupational exposure to asbestos can also lead to serious health complications resulting from secondhand exposure. Trade workers who come home with toxic asbestos fibers on their clothes or bodies may put their family members in danger of developing asbestos cancers.

Contaminated Oklahoma Well Water Causing Serious Thyroid Complications

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:59:23 -0600

Studies confirmed have found that ingesting even a small amount of the toxin perchlorate can have harmful effects on the thyroid. This dangerous chemical is a byproduct of rocket fuel that inhibits the thyroid's ability to absorb iodine, resulting in a condition known as hypothyroidism. Heart disease, weight gain, depression, and infertility can all result from too much perchlorate exposure.

People with pre-existing thyroid conditions also face a greater risk of experiencing perchlorate-related health problems. The hazardous chemical is colorless and odorless, making it highly possible that people drank severely contaminated water without realizing it. Although Halliburton moved its headquarters to Houston and Dubai, the threat remains in Oklahoma where the contaminated wells were found.

Now that the tests have positively confirmed the contamination, Halliburton is working with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and supplying residents with bottled drinking water. Forbes is also reporting that the company promised to reimburse residents for the cost of health screenings.

Nail Polish Chemicals May Cause Birth Defects and Other Serious Health Problems for Customers

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:52:35 -0600

Toxic Tort attorneys at Pintas & Mullins are warning of the hazardous chemicals present in most nails polishes posing a serious health risk to salon employees and clients. A large body of research suggests that salon workers who are exposed to polish chemicals on a daily basis have a heightened risk for health problems. Another recent article points out that the danger to customers cannot be underestimated, particularly customers who frequent nails salons on a weekly basis for polish or acrylic nail treatments. These customers are regularly exposing themselves to harmful chemicals that can absorb into their skin and result in major or minor birth defects.

Research shows that three standard ingredients in most nail polishes are associated with birth defects, cancer, and other chronic health problems. These dangerous chemicals are known as the "Toxic Trio," and include toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate. Toluene is a toxin that affects the nervous system and may cause memory loss, skin irritation, and liver damage. It has also been linked to a broad range of birth defects in lab animals. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that pollutes the air and causes cancer in lab animals. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is so hazardous that it is banned in cosmetics in Europe, and several major U.S. nail polish producers have began eliminating this ingredient. However, it still remains in many brands of nail polish because it is effective at reducing chipping. Although the FDA has not conclusively linked DBP to developmental problems in humans, studies show that the toxic chemical causes lifelong reproductive problems and birth defects in lab animals, including cleft palate and deformities in the ribs and vertebra. According to the Environmental Working Group, this at least creates a presumption that DBP poses similar health problems for humans.

The dangers of toxic nail polish chemicals to salon workers were revealed in a May 2011 study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Researchers measured the health effects of nail polish exposure on salon workers from more than 20 different California nail salons. They found that the level of toxic chemicals present in the workplace was higher than the recommended guidelines and one-third of the workers experienced skin irritation and breathing problems. Long-term health consequences are still unknown.

Personal Injury Attorneys Warn Consumers to Use Caution as Researchers Debate Cell Phone Brain Cancer Link

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:49:51 -0600

Two new studies are contributing to the ongoing debate over cellular phone use and a possible brain cancer link. One group of researchers declared cell phones a cancer-causing agent, presenting the same public health risk as engine exhaust and asbestos. Another group found no convincing evidence of a cancer connection. Toxic tort attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm believe that more research is needed to reach a definitive result and protect consumers from possible harm.

The study classifying cell phones as "possibly carcinogenic" was released in May of 2011 by the World Health Organization, after extensive analysis by 31 scientists from 14 countries. The group reviewed a host of previously published studies, finding that cell phones emit the same non-ionizing radiation as low-powered microwave ovens. This radiation essentially cooks the brain and leads to an increased risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma brain cancer. According to the WHO report, the side of the head and temporal lobe of the brain where cell phones are typically held are most at risk for tumors.

Researchers admit there is still uncertainty because the long-term consequences of cell phone use can only be revealed after decades of exposure. However, another study released in 2010, based on interviews from more than 13,000 cell phone users over a 10-year period, found that participants experienced double the rate of brain tumors. Another recently published study found that cell phone users who logged high levels of "call time" on their cell phones faced a 40 percent increased risk for brain cancer.

Heightening the debate, yet another group of experts from the United States, Sweden, and England dismissed the results of the WHO study one month after it was released, finding that national statistics and similar studies do not support a cell phone brain cancer connection. According to Bloomberg, this international panel of experts did not find any biological mechanism linking cell phone radiation to brain cancer in humans or animals. Although there is not enough evidence to show a definite link between cell phone use and certain kinds of brain tumors, researchers are unable to rule out the possibility of a connection.

Military Veterans Suffering From Mesothelioma and Other Aggressive Diseases Caused by Asbestos Exposure

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:02:01 -0600

Veterans from every branch of the U.S. military were exposed to toxic asbestos-containing products during their years of service, resulting in hundreds of thousands of asbestos-related illnesses. New diagnoses continue every day. Sadly, 3,000 people will be diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2011, and approximately 1,000 of them will be veterans.

Navy veterans are particularly at risk for an asbestos-related disease, because the dangerous mineral was used in every ship and shipyard that the Navy built from the 1930s through the 1970s. Asbestos could be found below deck in engine and boiler rooms, and above deck in sleeping quarters and mess halls. Pipes, adhesives, and many other parts used on ships and machinery also contained asbestos. Mesothelioma lawyers at Pintas & Mullins find it tragic that so many men and women who devoted their lives to serving our country are now at risk for a serious or deadly asbestos illness.

Since mesothelioma symptoms can take decades to appear, many veterans of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force may not even know that they are suffering from an asbestos-related disease. Most veterans diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma are at least 70 years of age, and by that time, the disease has already taken its toll. A new study by the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that the average survival rate for veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma is only seven months. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, and it is difficult to detect because early warning signs such as coughing and fatigue are frequently misdiagnosed as pneumonia or the flu.

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the most common asbestos-related illnesses, but veterans are also at risk for other incurable asbestos cancers. Asbestos lung cancer is another illness affecting the health of service members, especially veterans of the Vietnam War who were exposed to Agent Orange. Many Gulf War veterans are also starting to experience asbestos lung cancer problems, because they were exposed to depleted uranium and other deadly chemical agents. Studies show that tumors can form in the lungs two years after depleted uranium is inhaled, but these tumors can take several years to detect.

Unfortunately, the law does not allow veterans to hold the federal government responsible for asbestos exposure. And veterans must prove that their asbestos-related disease is linked to their service in order to qualify for disability payments. But an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans sue the companies that manufactured and sold dangerous asbestos products that made them sick. Although some of these companies are out of business or filed for bankruptcy to protect themselves from asbestos-related lawsuits, many still exist and are liable for compensating veterans and their loved ones. Veterans have the same legal rights as civilian employees to sue private companies whose negligence caused them to suffer an asbestos-related disease.

Couple Blames Asbestos Lung Cancer on the Negligence of More Than 90 Companies

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:03:21 -0600

A West Virginia man and his wife are suing 91 manufacturers, distributors, and asbestos-product suppliers in an asbestos lung cancer case that highlights the dangers of asbestos exposure. Our mesothelioma lawyers understand that mesothelioma litigation is one of the most effective ways of holding negligent companies responsible for knowingly exposing workers to asbestos.

The latest lawsuit brought by Charles and Alicia Poloka claims that the defendants negligently exposed Charles to cancer-causing asbestos fibers on his job site, and failed to provide him with proper protective gear. After breathing in thousands of toxic asbestos fibers, Charles was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2010. This is another unfortunate example of gross negligence by a group of companies that showed reckless disregard for their actions and harmed an innocent, hard-working employee.

The deadly risk of asbestos exposure has been known for decades. Tragically, companies continue to wrongfully expose workers to this toxic substance that accumulates in the lungs and often results in death. Studies show that asbestos is a major cause of lung cancer, particularly among workers who smoke. But mesothelioma lung cancer can also strike asbestos-exposed workers who never smoked a day in their life. When asbestos is inhaled over long periods of time, it accumulates in the lungs and eventually causes a malignant tumor that obstructs air passages. A large number of asbestos-related cancer victims also suffer from asbestosis, a scarring of the lung tissue.

Asbestos exposure claims so many lives because decades typically pass before symptoms show, and many injured workers do not realize that they have a deadly asbestos illness in time to effectively treat it. Asbestos lung cancer symptoms are also frequently overlooked as signs of the flu or other less serious ailments. Employees who work in manufacturing or other industries where asbestos exposure is common should be on the lookout for difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, frequent coughing, or constant chest pains.

Mesothelioma lawsuits have helped many injured asbestos-exposed employees recover medical costs and loss of income because employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment. If an employer breaches that duty and creates an unreasonable and foreseeable risk of harm, the company is liable. Failing to shield employees from dangerous asbestos particles or, at the very least, provide them with warnings and protective gear, is negligence.