Mesothelioma Lawyers Blog

It is well known that mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. When the fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in a layer of tissue known as the mesothelium. The fibers are undetectable and cannot be removed by doctors. In time, normally 20 to 50 years, the fibers can metastasize into the deadly form of cancer known as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other respiratory illness.

It is for this reason that we normally think of older people being diagnosed with mesothelioma. However, a recent news article from the San Antonio Express discusses a tragic case of a woman diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 22.

As a young girl, she would frequently hug her father, sit on his feet, and grab his legs while he was covered in asbestos fibers from work. After inhaling the fibers, they became embedded in the tissue that lined her chest and caused tumors to form. At age 22, after having a baby, she was having her tubes tied when doctors discovered the tumors and diagnosed her with mesothelioma.
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In 1967, a contractor for Win-Way Industries Inc. had the job of installing asbestos-containing insulation on pipes. Just a few feet away from where the contractor was working, employees of Dow Chemical Co. were removing old pipe installation and installing new insulation. That contractor who was installing the insulation died of mesothelioma, and his family believes Dow Chemical Co. should be held responsible for his death.

The family sued Dow, as well as Alcoa Inc., Hercules In.c, and Crane Co. The family alleged Win-Way Industries was not responsible for the exposure, but that it was the Dow employees who caused their loved one to breathe in asbestos.

The jury in the initial case awarded the family a $2.64 million verdict against Dow, according to the Texas Record.

However, when the company appealed, the jury verdict was reversed and the appeals court found in Dow’s favor. The family seeks yet another reversal, and the Texas Supreme Court recently granted a motion to review. Oral arguments have been set for next month.

This case is just one of many examples of an asbestos plaintiff having difficulty recovering compensation after exposure caused loss. Victims need to get help from an experienced Boston mesothelioma lawyer to navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation they deserve.
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Asbestos is a worldwide problem, resulting annually in nearly 110,00 deaths and more than 1.5 million disability-adjusted life years across the globe.

As the World Health Organization reports, around 125 million people worldwide are still exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos is also a big problem among home renovators who may not be aware of the tremendous risk they are taking with their life.

A Boston mesothelioma lawyer knows many people simply are not informed about the dangers of asbestos or don’t think the warnings apply to them. Public education is necessary to help renovators, employers and workers understand the full extent of the risks that they take when they work in an environment that may have asbestos without the proper precautions.
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When tourists visit Boston, the Charlestown Navy Yard is often on the list of things to see. You can the U.S.S. Constitution, which is the oldest commissioned naval ship. You can also see the U.S.S Cassin-Young.

The Cassin-Young was a World War II destroyer that survived one of the biggest non-battle-related tragedies in naval history. In 1944, the Cassin-Young, along with other ships in the U.S. Third Fleet, was operating near the Philippines when a Pacific typhoon named Cobra hit the battle group.

100mph winds and huge waves ravaged the fleet, and, of the 776 men aboard the respective ships, 91 survived. According to a recent news article from Your West Valley News, one sailor remains the only living member from that tragic event. However, he is suffering from mesothelioma.
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The removal of asbestos, or asbestos abatement as it is also called, is a hazardous job. Even though workers are required to undergo extensive training, and are provided with full body protective clothing and respirators, the risk of asbestos exposure is still high.
According to a recent news report from ABC 7, rescue crews had to come to the aid of two workers at an asbestos abatement project in Long Island. Witnesses say that 19 workers were in a building to remove asbestos from an old county building that is undergoing renovations.

The accident occurred when a large section of concrete containing metal wire on the ceiling of the building caved in and landed on two of the workers. These workers were covered in dust and debris that was likely to contain asbestos dust. First responders had to dig the workers out of the debris so that they could be rescued.
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Asbestos containing materials have been used through much of history. While many people associate asbestos with the industrial revolution in the United States and Europe, the naturally occurring substance that consists six silica minerals has been mined and used for thousands of years, due to its ability to naturally resist heat, fire, electricity, and caustic chemicals. It was during the industrial revolution that widespread use began in the construction and transportation industries and continued through the 1980s, when it was finally outlawed in much of the world.

It should be noted that countries such as China are still using asbestos, because it is cost-effective, despite the many known risks. Asbestos use was so prevalent that many buildings constructed or renovated prior to the 1980s are likely to contain asbestos in roofing materials, flooring, drywall and joint compound, insulation in walls and around pipes, and many other installations.
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