Imagine working for years in the same refinery until you were ready to retire. You were spending your weekends on the golf course or taking the occasional fishing trip with your friends. However, after several years, you start noticing significant changes in your health. You visit your doctor and find out that you have been experiencing the symptoms of mesothelioma. Now you are facing high medical bills that will eat into your and your wife’s retirement savings. Since your disease was caused by continuous exposure to dangerous toxins in the workplace, you might be entitled to compensation.
If you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma due to exposure in a work environment, you should immediately seek legal counsel. An attorney in the Seattle area can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation for your illness. Read further to learn more about the causes and symptoms of mesothelioma.
Causes
Exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is composed of minerals that have tiny fibers, which seem safe due to their heat and fire resistance. In addition, the fibers are not conductive and also do not absorb or break down with most chemicals. When industries use asbestos, workers risk exposure to the material. Individuals can easily inhale or swallow asbestos if the tiny particles are in the air.
Other minerals, zeolites, are also known for causing mesothelioma. This mineral is similar to asbestos but is found in the soil of very specific areas. Another cause of mesothelioma is radiation. However, these cases are much rarer. Most of these cases of mesothelioma occur after a person suffers doses of radiation. Studies have shown that the simian virus 40 may also be a contributing factor for people that have a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Symptoms
It can take 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest after your first exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and chest pains is the most common indicators of mesothelioma of the lungs. If you swallowed asbestos, you are more likely to experience weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain, anemia and fever.
Mesothelioma is a cancer, and if left untreated, it could spread to other parts of the body. If this happens, you might experience pain, problems swallowing and possible swelling in your neck or face. Since this disease has symptoms that are very common for other conditions, you may be suffering from another issue. Only a doctor can diagnose your condition so that you can get proper medical treatment.
If you have been suffering from the effects of asbestos exposure, it is important to remember that you have rights and options. You may be entitled to certain benefits due to exposure to dangerous substances in the workplace.
Source: Nov. 30, -0001