Maryville Mesothelioma & Toxic Exposure Lawyer
Workers who have been exposed to asbestos may come down with a fatal form of cancer called mesothelioma, which is incurable. Tragically, upon diagnosis the average mesothelioma patient has just 12 to 21 months to live, though some live longer than this. While treatment is available, it is heartbreaking news for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones to learn that, at this time, no cure exists. If you were exposed to asbestos during your line of work, you have the ability to hold your employer accountable by filing a toxic exposure lawsuit against them. To get started, you need to talk to the Maryville mesothelioma & toxic exposure lawyers at Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is used in insulation and fire protection. Its use has been heavily regulated ever since it was discovered how dangerous breathing in the fibers is, though it is still found in many older homes and buildings, and is used in manufacturing and other industries. Workers who breathe in the asbestos fibers, over time, can develop mesothelioma, which is a fatal, incurable form of cancer.
Workers Who are Most at Risk of Asbestos Exposure
There are dozens of industries in which asbestos exposure is high. Paper and pulp workers, due to the asbestos insulated machinery used on the job, are at high risk. Coal power plant workers are at high risk for the same reason as well. Others include:
- Railroad workers;
- Auto mechanics;
- Boilermakers;
- Bricklayers;
- Carpenters;
- Demolition workers;
- Drywallers;
- Electricians;
- Insulators;
- Ironworkers;
- Painters;
- Pipefitters;
- Roofers;
- Welders; and
- Many more.
1.3 Million Construction Workers are at Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Construction workers are at very high risk of asbestos exposure, depending on their specific line of work According to the CDC, 1.3 million construction and general industry workers are at high risk of asbestos exposure during the following activities:
- Repair;
- Renovation;
- Removal; and
- More.
Signs You May Have Mesothelioma
According to OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration), there is “no safe level of asbestos exposure for any type of asbestos fiber.” As such, any exposure at work is too much, and may lead to mesothelioma. The three types of mesothelioma include pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. Signs of mesothelioma include the following:
- Shortness of breath;
- Difficulty breathing or painful breathing;
- Chest pain
- Fever;
- Ascites;
- Heart murmurs;
- Pleural effusions;
- Unexplained weight loss; and
- Loss of appetite.
How a Maryville Mesothelioma & Toxic Exposure Lawyer Can Help
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, tragically, there is no cure. However, by filing a toxic exposure lawsuit against your employer, you can greatly reduce the financial burden placed upon you and your family. Not only will you hold the negligent party responsible, but you can be compensated for your medical expenses, lost lifetime earnings, pain and suffering, and more. A lawsuit will help your loved ones after you are gone, and will allow you to spend the time you have left with them in a less stressful environment. To get started today, call Maryville mesothelioma and toxic exposure lawyers at Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette today at 865-457-6440 to schedule a free case evaluation.