One of the most severe health problems that are linked with exposure to asbestos is an uncommon type of cancer known as malignant mesothelioma.

This kind of cancer begins when the cells that are in the mesothelium, the protection lining that covers most of the internal organs of the body, become irregular and separate without control. These cancerous cells may spread to other parts of the body, destroying the tissues and organs of the body.

This illness can be in the form of:

• Pleural – cancer of the lining of the lung
• Peritoneal – cancer of the abdominal lining
• Pericardial – cancer of the heartlining

The type of malignant mesothelioma is important in assessing the kinds of treatment needed and the symptoms of the illness.

Symptoms

The symptoms are basically non-specific and mat not show up after ten to forty years after one’s exposure to asbestos. When the symptoms finally show, the individual may experience shortness of breath and pain in the chest which may be due to the buildup of water in the membrane around the lungs and lines of the chest cavity. Aside from these symptoms, the individuals may suffer from weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling may be due to the accumulation of water in the abdomen. In other cases, the symptoms may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, night sweats, anemia, and fever.

Since these symptoms may be similar to other and less-severe health problems, it is essential that you see your physician for correct diagnosis of your illness.

The Risks Factors

Even though mesothelioma is an uncommon type of cancer, the reported occurrence of this disease has increased over the past 20 years. Most of the people who developed the disease worked on workplaces where they have inhaled asbestos dust. A history of the exposure to asbestos at work was reported for about 70% to 80% of the total cases. Normally, the risks increase with heavier and longer exposure to asbestos, but some people who have been briefly exposed to asbestos, was also sick with the mesothelioma.

Injury Legal Claim

Many individuals who experienced injuries from poisonous substances like asbestos were not aware of the health risks during the time of exposure. As a consequence, there are some states enacted on laws permitting people to file lawsuits for particular amount of time after the day when their asbestos-associated sickness was first noticed, instead from the day of the exposure. An experienced lawyer will be able to explain and discuss with you if you still are within the limitation period applicable in your state.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure Injuries

Many of the effects of exposure to poisonous asbestos are permanent and irreparable including mesothelioma and other types of cancer. Even though the law wants to return an injured individual to where he/she was before being sick or injured, this may not be possible. But there is the financial compensation that can be equivalent to the damage suffered by the patient. The plaintiff who can prove that he/she was exposed to asbestos and was injured by it, may be able to recover from financial and non-economic results of that exposure.

Obtaining Legal Assistance

If you or any of your family members is suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other medical condition related with the exposure of asbestos, you can seek for an experienced lawyer who can explain and discuss your options to safeguard your legal rights to remedy from injury suffered from asbestos-associated diseases.