Helping You Pursue Justice
Asbestos Attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida
Understanding Asbestos and Its Dangers
Asbestos is a material that was utilized commercially in the past for its fire-retardant properties. Prior to the 1980s, many homes and commercial buildings were constructed using asbestos. In the latter part of the 20th century, asbestos was found to be the leading cause of mesothelioma and other diseases. Asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause scarring and inflammation. Over time, these fibers can lead to serious and even deadly diseases.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure
Since the 1940s, asbestos exposure has been considered an occupational hazard. Many industries, including branches of the military, made use of asbestos in a variety of ways including using asbestos in insulation and roofing material, types of cement, brake linings, and flooring tiles and in construction of ships. Subsequent studies discovered a relationship between asbestos-heavy occupations and diagnoses of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure-related development of mesothelioma has a longer latency period than other forms of cancer. Cases of mesothelioma sometimes develop 40 or 50 years after exposure of asbestos, and rarely less than 15 years following exposure.
Though the use of asbestos in construction was banned in the United States in 1989, asbestos remained in use in other countries through the end of the 20th century. Even today, individuals performing demolition or renovation of older structures risk exposure to asbestos.
Despite the American Cancer Society and the World Health Organization declaring there to be no threshold below which there is no risk of mesothelioma development, the EPA and OSHA maintain that “permissible exposure limits” for asbestos-related occupations is possible.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is not only a health risk to those experiencing first-hand exposure, but also for others who live and/or work with individuals who experience frequent exposure. Family members are at increased risk due to the possibility of asbestos dust being brought home in the clothing of someone working in an asbestos-related occupation.
Have You Been Exposed to Asbestos?
Mesothelioma Detection
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the protective lining that surrounds internal organs and is most often associated with the lungs. Symptoms of mesothelioma include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, weight loss, and chest pain. There is no cure for mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is detected and diagnosed by performing a biopsy on material sampled from the pleural cavity around the lungs. Most cases of mesothelioma have been found to be caused by prolonged and/or repeated exposure to asbestos.
Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma? If so, you can take action now to seek justice.
Asbestos-Related Deaths
There are multiple types of asbestos-related diseases, both cancerous and non-cancerous. According to recent data, asbestos lung cancer (including mesothelioma) claims an average of 4,800 lives in the United States each year. The total number of asbestos-related deaths in the United States is estimated to exceed 200,000 by the year 2030.
If you have been exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with mesothelioma, please contact The Hyman Law Firm, P.A. to evaluate your potential case with a free consultation.
The Hyman Law Firm, P. A. is well-versed in this area of law and will fight for its clients. Please call today for a free consultation if you believe you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Kelly Hyman
Attorney
Advocating for
Your Rights
Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma? Have you recently found out you’ve been inhaling asbestos fibers? Are you suffering from the effects of exposure? Once you have taken medical action, you need to seek legal help right away. The Hyman Law Firm, P.A. can help you put together a case, file your claim, conduct inspections and investigations, and advocate for your needs. Don’t wait to get help. Call today for a free consultation.
