Understand Your Options After Asbestos Exposure
Signs And Symptoms Of Asbestos Exposure
Recognizing the warning signs of asbestos-related illness can help you seek medical attention and legal help sooner. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing during routine activities or exercise can be an early warning sign of asbestos-related lung damage.
- Persistent dry cough: A chronic cough that does not go away or produce mucus may indicate scarring in the lungs from asbestos fibers.
- Chest pain or tightness: Discomfort in the chest area can signal inflammation or fluid buildup caused by asbestos exposure.
- Fatigue and weakness: Unusual tiredness that interferes with daily activities often accompanies asbestos-related conditions.
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss: These symptoms frequently appear in individuals with mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases.
- Finger clubbing: Fingertips that appear wider or rounder than normal can indicate reduced oxygen levels from lung damage.
- Difficulty swallowing: This less common symptom may occur when tumors develop in the chest area.
It is important to understand that these symptoms may not appear for 10 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. This long latency period means many workers who handled asbestos products in the 1970s and 1980s are only now being diagnosed with related illnesses.
The Three-Year Deadline
Washington law sets strict time limits for filing asbestos-related claims. Under the state’s personal injury statute, you generally have three years from the date you discover your illness to file a lawsuit. This discovery rule recognizes that asbestos diseases often take decades to develop and be diagnosed.
The three-year clock typically starts when you receive a diagnosis from a medical professional linking your condition to asbestos exposure. However, determining the exact start date can be complex, especially when symptoms develop gradually or when multiple diagnoses occur over time. Different rules may apply depending on whether you are filing a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one.
Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to seek compensation entirely. Courts in Washington strictly enforce these time limits, and few exceptions exist. This is why contacting an attorney promptly after diagnosis is so critical to protecting your legal rights.
Do Not Wait To Seek Legal Assistance
Your claim needs to be handled by an experienced attorney. Seek legal assistance as soon as possible if you believe you were exposed to asbestos. We will start helping you right away.
Our firm is known for fighting for mesothelioma victims in Seattle and throughout Washington, the Northwest, the Mountain West and the West Coast. We are strong advocates for you and your family.
Personal attention and compassionate service are what you will get from us. We only take on a limited number of cases, so we can give you the undivided attention you need. We know the dedication these cases require. You can trust that we will fight for your future.
Discuss Your Case With Us. We Are Here To Help You.
Contact us if you have been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer related to asbestos exposure. We will travel to meet you to discuss your case in a no-obligation consultation. Call 206-558-9441 or send us an email to get started.