Asbestosis Asbestos Mesothelioma Attorney: It s Not As Difficult As You Think
A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Inhaling microscopic asbestos lawsuit fibers can cause mesothelioma's development. The disease causes lung inflammation and long-term scarring. It could take up to 30 years before symptoms show up.
Mesothelioma attorneys help victims receive legal compensation. They file lawsuits as well as trust fund claims. They also file VA claims for veterans.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are the areas of pleura thickening which is the thin layer that lines the inside of the chest. Generally, they don't cause any discomfort and are often discovered by accidentfor example, when a person gets chest radiography or CT imaging tests to look for a condition like asbestosis or lung cancer. Pleural plaques are usually covered in fluid and can be slightly visible on an x-ray of the chest. They can also be calcified. This means that the tissue has become hardened, and is visible on a CT scan.
Pleuropulmonary Plaques do not cause cancer however they may increase the risk of developing serious conditions, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is caused by the exposure to asbestos fibers. It is the only form of mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos and those diagnosed with this disease should tell their doctor about the history of asbestos exposure.
Doctors use many tools to detect the presence of pleural plaques and pleural disease which includes the pulmonary function test. This test measures how well the lungs function by measuring the amount of air they can hold and the speed at which they breathe both in and out. The lungs can be examined in greater detail by doctors by using a magnetic resonance scan (MRI) or a computerized Tomography scan (CT).
These tests can be used to determine asbestos in the lungs. However, they cannot confirm if the pleural plaques are cancerous, therefore the procedure of taking a biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can take a biopsy of the plaques in the pleural cavity and send them to a lab to check for signs of cancer. If the pleural plaques are cancerous the patient will be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Lung cancers
Asbestosis is a lung condition that develops when tiny fibers from asbestos materials are breathed in. The fibers become stuck in the lungs and cause scar tissue to grow. This scarring makes it difficult for the lung to expand and fill with fresh air. This can cause breathing problems and dry coughing that could be accompanied by a crackling sounds. Over time, the disease can cause weight loss and fatigue. If left untreated, advanced cases of asbestosis cause pulmonary hypertension as well as the development of a swollen toe and fingers.
The majority of people diagnosed with asbestosis developed the disease after exposure to asbestos over a lengthy period of time. The disease usually develops 20-30 years after exposure to asbestos. The latency time can be up to 50 years.
It's not possible to cure asbestosis, but there are treatments that can ease symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Doctors can diagnose the disease by asking patients about their symptoms as well as their work history and performing a physical exam. They also order imaging scans of the lungs and lung function tests. If evidence of scarring is seen on scans of the imaging doctors can determine if there is a case of asbestosis.
The most effective method of treating asbestosis is to stay clear of any new exposure to asbestos. Smoking cigarettes is also harmful for those with this condition, since it can cause further damage to lungs. Under the supervision of a doctor the patient may be enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program to learn breathing exercises and healthy eating habits. Doctors can perform a noninvasive procedure known as thoracentesis if the lungs of a patient are blocked with fluid. Some patients may need oxygen therapy to aid in breathing. If the disease is severe or if other lung diseases, such as Emphysema are present, lung donation might be considered.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can get stuck in lung tissue, causing inflammation as well as scarring and stiffness. This makes breathing difficult. This condition, known as asbestosis, is one of more than 200 forms of interstitial lung diseases. It is often referred to as an occupational lung disease because it usually occurs in those who worked around or with asbestos before 1970 when the government regulated exposure to asbestos.
Asbestosis symptoms can include dry cough, hacking as well as breathing difficulties and tightness in the chest or abdomen. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs or chest cavity is another early sign and is referred to as the pleural effusion. Other signs include lumps in the lungs or chest wall and pain around the rib cage, fatigue, and an inability to eat. Symptoms can be mild to severe.
Those who experience lung problems must see their doctor as soon as they notice any signs of lung problems. The doctor will ask about asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. If they hear crackling sounds in their stethoscopes, also known as rales, they can identify asbestosis. Chest X-rays and lung function tests can aid in determining the extent of lung damage.
In some cases doctors may order a biopsy or a CT scan to diagnose mesothelioma. It is a type of cancer that affects the lining which covers the lungs, chest or abdomen. Other signs of mesothelioma could be similar to those of asbestosis and include a constant cough, chest pain, lumps in the lungs or belly, and breathlessness. Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy or the possibility of a lung transplant. If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, your doctor will prescribe medication to assist with your symptoms and increase your breathing ability.
Treatment
There is no cure for asbestosis however, treatment can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients with this condition should consult a healthcare provider and follow the advice of their physician. It might be beneficial to join a support group of patients who have similar issues.
Asbestosis can occur when an individual inhale the microscopic fibers that comprise this deadly substance. These fibres are entangled in the lungs and cause them to scar and stiffen. Those affected will have trouble breathing, and will experience pain or lumps in the chest, fatigue, coughing and difficulty walking up stairs. They might not have the same energy as they did before and their toenails and fingernails will look bigger or more round.
Symptoms typically appear 20 years after exposure. Doctors may need longer to diagnose asbestosis. It is often mistaken for other ailments such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Doctors use a stethoscope examine the lungs and if they notice crackling sounds or see lung tissue damage, they might be able to identify asbestosis. A high-resolution CT will show you the lungs, and also if they are whitish. A pulmonary function test can measure the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen.
The only way to prevent further lung damage is to stay away from asbestos and secondhand smoke. If you have a history of asbestos exposure, you should see your family physician when you begin to notice breathlessness. Your health care provider will likely refer you an expert in lung issues. The specialist may prescribe oxygen therapy or suggest an organ transplant to help you breathe easier.
Compensation
A mesothelioma lawyer can help a patient to file a lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for their exposure to asbestos. These firms have experience handling asbestos lawsuits and are aware of the companies, products and high-risk occupations that lead to exposure. They can also aid patients locate mesothelioma centers and physicians.
Compensation for mesothelioma may be used to pay for medical expenses as well as other financial losses. It also aids the families of those who died from mesothelioma, asbestos-related illnesses.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the specifics of a patient's asbestos exposure and determine if they are eligible for a payout from an asbestos trust fund or mesothelioma settlement trial. They can also help patients and their loved ones apply for VA benefits or SSDI payments.
Asbestosis symptoms can develop over time, making it difficult to recognize the presence of a problem. The condition can cause problems such as difficulties breathing, pain in the fingers and the toes, as well as a persistent cough.
A mesothelioma case against companies that deliberately put workers at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness can help victims and their families. The funds from lawsuits could be used to cover expenses for caregiving and living. Compensation can be used to pay for funeral expenses. Asbestos sufferers should seek legal action as soon as possible to ensure their case is filed within the timeframe of limitations. A mesothelioma lawyer can be able to explain the laws in detail and assist the victim or their family to file a claim in the proper court. The earlier a lawsuit is filed, the more likely it is to receive a payout from an asbestos trust fund or a mesothelioma trial verdict.