Gatlinburg Mesothelioma & Toxic Exposure Lawyer
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. The cancer forms in a person’s lung, abdomen, or heart. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is stark and overwhelming, but one action a patient can take to improve their situation is to seek financial compensation for the asbestos exposure. Compensation can assist with medical treatment and improve quality of life. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Gatlinburg toxic exposure lawyers at Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette to learn how we can help.
What is Asbestos and How Does it Cause Mesothelioma?
Asbestos is a fibrous material that is naturally occurring and has been used in various industries because it is durable and fire-resistant. The fibers are microscopic and durable, so they can easily, and unknowingly, be inhaled or swallowed in drinking water. Once inside the body asbestos fibers tend to get lodged in the soft tissue of the lungs, which causes inflammation, scarring, and eventually mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or other health complications. It can take between 20-50 years from the first time of asbestos exposure to when the first cancer symptoms appear.
Mesothelioma in Tennessee
In most instances, people develop mesothelioma because of long-term asbestos exposure at their workplace. In Tennessee workers in the paper and pulp industry are at a high-risk of mesothelioma. Paper mills used asbestos to insulate machinery because it was fire-resistant and the paper mills were at a high risk of fires. Power plant workers, such as those who are employed in coal-fired power plants, are at severe risk of asbestos poisoning as well. In fact, a recent study found that 33 percent of power plant workers had asbestos in sputum samples. The other major industries and occupations that have exposed workers to asbestos include coal fired power plants, manufacturing jobs, construction workers, and other types of industrial workers.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
There are three types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma, depending on the type that you have, include the following:
- Shortness of breath;
- Fever;
- Chest pain;
- Trouble breathing or painful breathing;
- Pleural effusions;
- Unexplained weight loss;
- Loss of appetite;
- Ascites; and
- Heart murmurs.
Mesothelioma has no known cure at this time. The average life expectancy, upon diagnosis of mesothelioma, is just 12 to 21 months. However, some patients live for years longer than that. Getting treatment early is important, and working with an experienced lawyer can greatly reduce the financial stress that this tragic illness puts on you and your family members.
Call a Gatlinburg Mesothelioma & Toxic Exposure Lawyer Today
If you were exposed to asbestos through your occupation or home, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. We encourage you to reach out to an experienced Gatlinburg mesothelioma lawyer at the law offices of Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette today for more information. Our lawyers are here to help in your time of need.
