Frequently Asked Questions

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that has heat-resistan qualities. This mineral is a carcinogen, which means exposure to it can lead to cancer. Asbestos is classified into many different types, which include; chrysotile (white asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), tremolite, anthopyllite, and actinolite.

What is Asbestos used for?

Ever since it's discovery, asbestos has been used in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. The most popular used for this remarkable material is as a fire-retardant material. Examples of some of these products include fire-fighter coats and boots, fire blankets and boiler insulation just to name a few. Another use for asbestos has been in friction products such as automotive brake pads and clutches.

Where can I be exposed to Asbestos?

Although Asbestos has been banned almost everywhere in the US, it can still be found in old buildings and structures that were built on, or before the 1970. Some of the places where asbestos can be found include floor and ceilling tiles, electrical wiring insulation, vent ducts, sheetrock and wall coverrings, paint, bricks, cement and more.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that results from breathing in asbestos fibers. The term Mesothelioma is used to describe a cancerous tumor that involves the “mosothelial” cells of an organ, usually the lungs, heart or abdominal organs.

How many types of Mesothelioma are there?

Mesothelioma is classified into two types, pleural and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type and it is a very rare and aggressive form of lung cancer. The “pleura” is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity, which serves as a lubricant to prevent the lungs from chafing against the chest walls. Peritoneal mesothelioma, although less common, is more invasive and therefore results in a shorter life expectancy for the patient. Mesotheliomas have also been found in other abdominal organs.

Can Mesothelioma be caused by something other than Asbestos?

Ther are misconceptions that smoking can also lead to a Mesothelioma diagnosis. This is not true and although smoking does increase the chances of someone contracting Mesothelioma, it is not the sole cause of it. Almost, always Mesothelioma is cause by exposure to Asbestos in one form or another.

How long after exposure can someone develop Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma has a long latency period of betwween 20-40 years. There have been few cases where the onset of mesothelioma symptoms was shorter that 20 years, but these cases are in the minority. However, duration and quantity of exposure has been attributed to be a significant factor in how long the disease takes to develop in a particuar individual.

Is there a cure for Mesothelioma>

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Mesothelioma. Life expectancy after a Mesothelioma diagnosis is between 6-12 months.

What are my options after a Mesothelioma diagnosis?

After a Mesothelioma diagnosis, patients and their families should consult with their primary care physician to find out what treatments are available in order to decide what the best course of treatment is.

Are there any treatments available for Mesothelioma?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

Why are people getting Mesothelioma?

For centuries there has been increasing evidence that asbestos caused respiratory diseases in humans. By the 1930s, the asbestos industry was selling millions of dollars worth of asbestos insulation. Asbestos, a mineral that was plentiful and inexpensive to use, was an effective insulating material. It was used in all sorts of insulations-pipecovering, cement, gaskets, blankets, building materials, automotive products and other various uses.

Around this time, the asbestos trade associations and industry giants began to fund scientific studies to prove that asbestos was safe, but their scientists came to the opposite conclusion. They found asbestos was a highly toxic carcinogen which caused respiratory illnesses, including cancer, in laboratory animals and, it was believed, in humans.

Faced with this evidence, the asbestos industry did not warn users of the health risks, or take steps to prevent harm. Instead, they covered up this evidence and continued with business as usual. Scientific reports were edited and modified, test results were altered or destroyed, and funding for this research was stopped. The asbestos industry then embarked on a campaign to keep the information from reaching the general public. Manufacturers of safer, non-asbestos insulations were bought out by the asbestos industry giants, stifling competition and safeguarding the cover-up. Through the tireless efforts of some of those pioneering scientists, the United States government finally realized the hazards of asbestos, and began a slow campaign to curtail, and ultimately, prohibit, its use in the United States.

How will a typical Mesothelioma case unfold?

One of our attorneys will meet with you for an initial interview to discuss your background information, exposure history, medical history, and to answer any questions you may have. We will then set the best course to help you and your family, and begin your case. Initial settlement proceeds can generally be expected within 60 days.

We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means that we do not receive any fees until and unless you recover compensation. If for some reason we are unable to recover any compensation for you, there is no obligation for you to reimburse expenses or pay any legal fees. It is a no-risk arrangement for you.