Over 43,000 Americans have been lost to Mesothelioma since 1979, a vicious form of cancer which strikes the protective sac around most of the internal organs within the human body.
This number is pathetically high considering that Mesothelioma is a preventable form of cancer. Asbestos exposure causes Mesothelioma, and 10 to 40 years can pass before there is even the slightest symptom of this deadly sleeper.
Just as someone with a headache wouldn't go to a podiatrist for guidance, a patient struck down with Mesothelioma should seek out a specialized California mesothelioma attorney. California mesothelioma lawyers have undergone the necessary training to understand the specialized aspects of asbestos related cases.
This specialized education gives California mesothelioma lawyers a leading edge in fighting the big business practices which negligently exposed their employees to without a second thought to the potential health hazards. California mesothelioma lawyers understand the statistics, and what the statistics actually mean to this American health crisis.
Jury awards and Mesothelioma settlements reflect the very nature of Mesothelioma, a significant injustice portrayed upon the American worker. The preventability of the disease is perhaps the most incredulous sin of the entire ordeal. While the removable of asbestos can be a significant expense for a company to voluntarily take on, juries are sending the message that it is only a fraction of the cost of allowing the heart of the company to fall ill.
California mesothelioma lawyers have come through for their clients with unquestionable vigor, and those who now march in the fight attribute the groundbreaking Mesothelioma lawsuits in the early eighties, where a handful of brave attorneys took on Corporate American against all odds. Initially companies denied knowledge of the asbestos risks, while some equated the lawsuits to fraudulent workers comp claims.
Corporate America spent more than ten years blaming the victims of Mesothelioma, equating their cancer to that of cigarette smokers who then want to sue the tobacco companies. The pioneering Mesothelioma lawyers in California dug deep and were able to prove that the loyal employees of these companies had no idea of the dangers that lurked in their workplace and thus were unable to make informed decisions about their health.
The early work of the initial California mesothelioma lawyers paved the way and set a few vital precedents to allow current Mesothelioma lawyers to crack down harder and more aggressively than ever before.
The overall success of these Mesothelioma settlements can be attributed to company knowledge, as California mesothelioma lawyers were pivotal in exposing the vast majority of companies with high risk factors for asbestos related illnesses were well aware of these factors but chose to do nothing about it.
Banking on the longevity of the dormant nature of asbestos caused cancers, the vast majority of American companies felt they would not be held responsible by the time their loyal employees became ill. Over the last ten to fifteen years, California mesothelioma lawyers have exposed countless companies for their ignorant and callous company practices.
Public knowledge has led to what has been coined, "Mesothelioma sympathy cases." Juries only need to hear the words "asbestos" and "Mesothelioma" in conjunction with big business and the trial can often pack it in. Ten jurors from nine various Mesothelioma lawsuits were recently polled, and the admitted that their minds were made up prior to hearing actual evidence.
While this is completely against the fiber of our country, so is sacrificing your employees for the almighty dollar. Mesothelioma has gained such a significant reputation of negligence that the greatest mistake a company can make is to take a hearing to a jury trial. Mesothelioma settlements are becoming more likely, with higher amounts awarded, to avoid the potential devastation a jury trial can ultimately lead to.
The astonishing fact that there are still companies with toxic levels of asbestos floating around in the companies is absolutely ridiculous. Perhaps it takes a Mesothelioma lawsuit to convince these companies that this stuff is actually dangerous enough to be removed.
In one three minute internet search, I found 6 companies from various parts of the country who have been fined more than once for having higher than legal levels of asbestos in their buildings, warehouses, materials, or production floors.
They are obviously willing to pay these fines repetitively rather than remove the asbestos. They are obvious willing to jeopardize the lives of their employees rather than to pay to have the asbestos removed. 17 companies had their asbestos removed after the year 2000. This was a quick search that only took a few minutes, certainly far from an extensive search that revealed these results.
Nick Johnson http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/california-mesothelioma-lawyers-battle-on-behalf-of-victims-119269.html
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Toxic History of Asbestos and Sickness
Asbestos has been used for centuries. Named by ancient Greek civilaizations, it has been used throughout history for its flame retardant properties in many different applications. Among the the many uses for asbestos throughout history, the most common uses were for insulation, especially in high heat areas such as boilers, pipes, ovens, and heating ducts.
The detrimental health effects of asbestos have also been documented for an extensive period of time. Many early reports of sickness caused by asbestos exposure reported the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Some called it a "sickness of the lungs," but it was not until the early 1900s when medical professionals began to agree that asbestos was the cause of a specific cancer in the lungs.
Seemingly oblivious to the linkage between asbestos and lung cancer, asbestos was used in construction for many more years. Residential, commercial and industrial construction all relied heavily on asbestos up until around the 1970s. Records indicate that asbestos was used extensively in the construction of U.S. Navy ships, which affected a large percentage of men and women serving on those vessels. These materials were widely used in the engine and boiler rooms, as well as other areas below deck for fire safety purposes.
Because of this high exposure rate, veterans make up a large percentage of mesothelioma vicitms. Statistically, 30 percent of mesothelioma victims are veterans and Navy veterans account for 16 percent of asbestos-related lung cancer.
Another group affected by asbestos exposure has been those who have worked in asbestos mines or mines contaminated with asbestos. This trend has also been noted historically; many researchers found that people working in asbestos mines led unnaturally short lives comparably speaking. Despite the research and knowlege of many scientists and companies, many workers were continually exploited in the manufacturing and mining processes up to and past the time when laws were put in place to protect workers.
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly form of lung cancer that is almost always caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. No known treatment can currently completely cure the effects of mesothelioma, which is why it is imperative that a patient recently diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer locate an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can provide a free legal consultation as to the development of a possible mesothelioma lawsuit. Developing litigation of this nature may result in monetary funds being dispersed to a victim, who can then use such compensation to pay for costly medical treatments and increase quality of life during their cancer.
The detrimental health effects of asbestos have also been documented for an extensive period of time. Many early reports of sickness caused by asbestos exposure reported the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Some called it a "sickness of the lungs," but it was not until the early 1900s when medical professionals began to agree that asbestos was the cause of a specific cancer in the lungs.
Seemingly oblivious to the linkage between asbestos and lung cancer, asbestos was used in construction for many more years. Residential, commercial and industrial construction all relied heavily on asbestos up until around the 1970s. Records indicate that asbestos was used extensively in the construction of U.S. Navy ships, which affected a large percentage of men and women serving on those vessels. These materials were widely used in the engine and boiler rooms, as well as other areas below deck for fire safety purposes.
Because of this high exposure rate, veterans make up a large percentage of mesothelioma vicitms. Statistically, 30 percent of mesothelioma victims are veterans and Navy veterans account for 16 percent of asbestos-related lung cancer.
Another group affected by asbestos exposure has been those who have worked in asbestos mines or mines contaminated with asbestos. This trend has also been noted historically; many researchers found that people working in asbestos mines led unnaturally short lives comparably speaking. Despite the research and knowlege of many scientists and companies, many workers were continually exploited in the manufacturing and mining processes up to and past the time when laws were put in place to protect workers.
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly form of lung cancer that is almost always caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. No known treatment can currently completely cure the effects of mesothelioma, which is why it is imperative that a patient recently diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer locate an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can provide a free legal consultation as to the development of a possible mesothelioma lawsuit. Developing litigation of this nature may result in monetary funds being dispersed to a victim, who can then use such compensation to pay for costly medical treatments and increase quality of life during their cancer.
Weitz & Luxenberg lawyers: Are you in pain from a shoulder pain pump?
Lawyers at the leading personal injury law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg are accepting shoulder pain pump cases involving people who are experiencing extreme pain after insertion of a shoulder pain pump. The excruciating pain is a sign of a serious and permanent shoulder condition known as Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). PAGCL can make the simplest daily tasks painful. For example, many people with PAGCL experience unbearable pain while sleeping or while moving their shoulder to eat.
What is a shoulder pain pump?
A shoulder pain pump is a medical device that is implanted into the shoulder during surgery to alleviate post-surgical shoulder joint pain. The pump works by continuously infusing pain medication directly into the shoulder through a catheter.
What is Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL)?
Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL) is a painful shoulder condition caused by cartilage break down in the shoulder. The break down of cartilage causes bone to meet bone leading to excruciating pain and limited range of motion. This condition can require further shoulder surgery. PAGCL is a permanent condition and so, only its symptoms can be treated.
Shoulder pain pump lawsuit for Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL)
Studies have linked shoulder pain pumps to permanent cartilage damage. Another study has shown that as many as 63% of patients who use shoulder pain pumps are at risk of developing PAGCL. By the end of 2008, more than 75 shoulder pain pump lawsuits had been filed throughout the U.S. against the manufacturers of pain pumps and various anesthetic (pain) drugs. The shoulder pain pump lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of shoulder pain pumps failed to warn the U.S. medical community that the safety of using pain pumps had not been established and that continuous injections of commonly used anesthetics into the shoulder joint may lead to serious and permanent injury.
Weitz & Luxenberg offers free case reviews at www.weitzlux.com for personal injury cases including those involving asbestos cancers such as mesothelioma and defective products such as Hydroxycut. The firm maintains a blog at mesotheliomajustice.blogspot.com.
What is a shoulder pain pump?
A shoulder pain pump is a medical device that is implanted into the shoulder during surgery to alleviate post-surgical shoulder joint pain. The pump works by continuously infusing pain medication directly into the shoulder through a catheter.
What is Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL)?
Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL) is a painful shoulder condition caused by cartilage break down in the shoulder. The break down of cartilage causes bone to meet bone leading to excruciating pain and limited range of motion. This condition can require further shoulder surgery. PAGCL is a permanent condition and so, only its symptoms can be treated.
Shoulder pain pump lawsuit for Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL)
Studies have linked shoulder pain pumps to permanent cartilage damage. Another study has shown that as many as 63% of patients who use shoulder pain pumps are at risk of developing PAGCL. By the end of 2008, more than 75 shoulder pain pump lawsuits had been filed throughout the U.S. against the manufacturers of pain pumps and various anesthetic (pain) drugs. The shoulder pain pump lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of shoulder pain pumps failed to warn the U.S. medical community that the safety of using pain pumps had not been established and that continuous injections of commonly used anesthetics into the shoulder joint may lead to serious and permanent injury.
Weitz & Luxenberg offers free case reviews at www.weitzlux.com for personal injury cases including those involving asbestos cancers such as mesothelioma and defective products such as Hydroxycut. The firm maintains a blog at mesotheliomajustice.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Why Is Mesothelioma Relevant Today?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is almost always caused by an exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was widely used, but is now known to be a potentially fatal carcinogen. The asbestos fiber consists of long, thin fibrous crystals and may be mixed with other substances in order to resist heat, electricity and chemical damage. Due to these characteristics, asbestos was used in many buildings and other structures throughout the 1900s. One estimation is that up to 80 percent of all buildings constructed before 1978 had asbestos within the design.
The cancer that this substance can lead to-mesothelioma-can be either malignant or benign. The malignant type of mesothelioma is the most hazardous form of asbestos cancer and is deadly in most cases. It affects the tissue known as the mesothelium, which protects the heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move.
So if asbestos is a well known poison, and is no longer used in today's structures, why would mesothelioma still be relevant today? The buildings that contained asbestos are still in existence and many of them, especially those that were made before the 1970s, are undergoing vast renovations. During the renovation or demolition process, the asbestos fibers are released into the air, and from there can be breathed into the lungs, causing untold damage. With more and more people willing to "do-it-yourself," people are more apt to conduct their own renovation projects, rather than contracting professionals. Yet exposure to asbestos, even for brief periods, can be very dangerous-especially without proper precautions.
Another reason mesothelioma cancer is still relevant is because of its long latency period. Due to the way it forms, the cancer may not manifest until anywhere between 20 to 50 years after the initial asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is rare in people under the age of 55; three-fourths of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are over the age of 65. Therefore, people are just now discovering these lung abnormalities, that may stem from exposures that happened in the 1960's or 1970's!
As with most cancers, early diagnosis can increase the effectiveness of mesothelioma treatment. However, the symptoms of mesothelioma that do appear early usually mimic those of other ailments-such as emphysema, influenza, or even a common cold. Scientists are scrambling to unlock the technological advances that can help in the detection and treatment of this aggressive cancer, but there's no way to turn back the clock and prevent exposure that may have happened decades ago.
Even people who did not work directly with asbestos can be at risk for mesothelioma. There have been cases, including a recent landmark lawsuit in Australia, involving caretakers of asbestos workers who contracted the disease simply by repeated secondary exposure to the carcinogen, such as washing contaminated clothes.
While asbestos is no longer widely used or considered a "miracle fiber," as it was in days gone by, it still lingers in the infrastructures of the past and is still very present in today's society.
The cancer that this substance can lead to-mesothelioma-can be either malignant or benign. The malignant type of mesothelioma is the most hazardous form of asbestos cancer and is deadly in most cases. It affects the tissue known as the mesothelium, which protects the heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move.
So if asbestos is a well known poison, and is no longer used in today's structures, why would mesothelioma still be relevant today? The buildings that contained asbestos are still in existence and many of them, especially those that were made before the 1970s, are undergoing vast renovations. During the renovation or demolition process, the asbestos fibers are released into the air, and from there can be breathed into the lungs, causing untold damage. With more and more people willing to "do-it-yourself," people are more apt to conduct their own renovation projects, rather than contracting professionals. Yet exposure to asbestos, even for brief periods, can be very dangerous-especially without proper precautions.
Another reason mesothelioma cancer is still relevant is because of its long latency period. Due to the way it forms, the cancer may not manifest until anywhere between 20 to 50 years after the initial asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is rare in people under the age of 55; three-fourths of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are over the age of 65. Therefore, people are just now discovering these lung abnormalities, that may stem from exposures that happened in the 1960's or 1970's!
As with most cancers, early diagnosis can increase the effectiveness of mesothelioma treatment. However, the symptoms of mesothelioma that do appear early usually mimic those of other ailments-such as emphysema, influenza, or even a common cold. Scientists are scrambling to unlock the technological advances that can help in the detection and treatment of this aggressive cancer, but there's no way to turn back the clock and prevent exposure that may have happened decades ago.
Even people who did not work directly with asbestos can be at risk for mesothelioma. There have been cases, including a recent landmark lawsuit in Australia, involving caretakers of asbestos workers who contracted the disease simply by repeated secondary exposure to the carcinogen, such as washing contaminated clothes.
While asbestos is no longer widely used or considered a "miracle fiber," as it was in days gone by, it still lingers in the infrastructures of the past and is still very present in today's society.
Asbestos is a Group of Minerals
Asbestos is a group of minerals with long, thin fibrous crystals. The word "Asbestos" is derived from a Greek adjective meaning inextinguishable. It is a strong and incombustible fibre widely used in the past for fireproofing and insulation. The small, buoyant fibres are easily inhaled or swallowed, causing a number of serious diseases including asbestosis, a chronic disease of the lungs that makes breathing more and more difficult.
Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that lines many organs and body cavities. Before getting deep into the cause of Mesothelioma, let us look at what exactly it means. It is a form of cancer where the primary tumor is on the mesothelium; the internal lining of body cavities. Mesothelioma is a carcinoma. It is called pleural mesothelioma when the plural cavity is affected and peritoneal mesothelioma when the tumor is in the abdominal cavity. Most mesothelioma cases can be traced to inhalation of asbestos fibers.
After hearing so much about the disease it is common for people to look for the symptoms of Mesothelioma. The early symptoms of mesothelioma are generally non-specific, and may lead to a delay in diagnosis. Sometimes resembling viral pneumonia, pleural mesothelioma patients may present with shortness of breath, chest pain and or persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at all. As soon as you see these symptoms it is always advisable to see your physician and get a chest X-ray taken.
Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States, comprising around 3 percent of all cancer diagnoses. This cancer occurs about four times more frequently in men than in women. All forms of mesothelioma, except for benign mesothelioma, are invariably fatal.
To protect themselves from being sued by employees, asbestos and insurance companies requested workers' compensation laws be passed to include diseases caused by asbestos exposure. By the late-1930s, many states across the nation had established compensation laws for victims coping with asbestos-induced diseases. Individuals dealing with an illness caused by occupational asbestos exposure have a better opportunity to receive fair asbestos compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit, filed on behalf of a family member if the victim has passed away. The Lawsuit is filed against the manufacturers of asbestos products, which are completely liable due to full awareness of the health hazards their products caused.
Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that lines many organs and body cavities. Before getting deep into the cause of Mesothelioma, let us look at what exactly it means. It is a form of cancer where the primary tumor is on the mesothelium; the internal lining of body cavities. Mesothelioma is a carcinoma. It is called pleural mesothelioma when the plural cavity is affected and peritoneal mesothelioma when the tumor is in the abdominal cavity. Most mesothelioma cases can be traced to inhalation of asbestos fibers.
After hearing so much about the disease it is common for people to look for the symptoms of Mesothelioma. The early symptoms of mesothelioma are generally non-specific, and may lead to a delay in diagnosis. Sometimes resembling viral pneumonia, pleural mesothelioma patients may present with shortness of breath, chest pain and or persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at all. As soon as you see these symptoms it is always advisable to see your physician and get a chest X-ray taken.
Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States, comprising around 3 percent of all cancer diagnoses. This cancer occurs about four times more frequently in men than in women. All forms of mesothelioma, except for benign mesothelioma, are invariably fatal.
To protect themselves from being sued by employees, asbestos and insurance companies requested workers' compensation laws be passed to include diseases caused by asbestos exposure. By the late-1930s, many states across the nation had established compensation laws for victims coping with asbestos-induced diseases. Individuals dealing with an illness caused by occupational asbestos exposure have a better opportunity to receive fair asbestos compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit, filed on behalf of a family member if the victim has passed away. The Lawsuit is filed against the manufacturers of asbestos products, which are completely liable due to full awareness of the health hazards their products caused.
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