For decades, many workers were unknowingly exposed to asbestos in unsafe environments, without proper protective gear or warnings. This exposure can lead to serious, long-term health issues, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a dangerous substance, and no level of exposure is considered safe. Whether the exposure is brief or chronic, the consequences can be life-changing. If you’ve suffered from the effects of asbestos exposure, you and your family might be eligible for compensation to help with medical costs, pain and suffering, and more.
For nearly two decades, The Lyon Firm has supported workers and their families who have suffered the injustices of asbestos exposure. Don’t let employers get away with failing to protect their workers. Contact our team online or by calling (513) 381-2333 today.
“Joe is a wonderful lawyer. I met Joe over 3 years ago when my husband of 40 years was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Joe is worth calling for anything. He is honest and does a great job. I would call Joe and he will get the job done.”
– Gayle B. | Client
What Is Asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling specifically asbestos dust or fibers. Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to the scarring of lung tissue. Asbestosis symptoms can be mild or severe and usually don’t appear until many years or even decades after a worker’s exposure.
Asbestos was used in many industrial applications and many workers did not know when or where they were exposed. However, beginning in the 1950s, employers began to gain some understanding of the dangers and still failed to provide safe workplaces.
The federal government began regulating the use of asbestos in the 1970s. Unfortunately, the damage was already done in thousands upon thousands of cases. Even today, cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer are still being diagnosed from the negligence of employers.
High levels of asbestos dust exposure over a long period of time can lead to fibers lodged within the alveoli (tiny sacs inside your lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in your blood). Asbestos fibers irritate and scar lung tissue, causing secondary health issues.
What Are the Symptoms of Asbestosis?
Asbestosis signs and symptoms may not present for up to 10 to 40 years after initial asbestos exposure. Common symptoms may be similar to other lung conditions like mesothelioma and can include:
- Trouble breathing
- A persistent cough
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Clubbing of fingers and toes — fingers and toes appear wider and rounder than normal
- Chest pain
These symptoms can drastically lower one’s quality of life and may interfere with the patient’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Additionally, asbestosis can result in severe health complications, including:
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, which can be harder to treat when diagnosed later.
- Malignant Mesothelioma: A rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, affecting the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Malignant cancers like mesothelioma are also challenging to treat.
- Heart Failure: Asbestosis can strain the heart, leading to heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
- Pleural Plaques: Asbestos exposure can cause non-cancerous tissue growths outside the lungs called pleural plaques, which often don’t show symptoms.
- Pleural Effusion: Fluid buildup around the lungs caused by asbestosis.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis: A lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged, thickened, and scarred, making it more difficult for the lungs to work properly.
- Colorectal Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma: A type of cancer that forms in mucus-secreting glands throughout the body.
ABOUT THE LYON FIRM
Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.
The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.
NO COST UNLESS WE WIN
The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.
A Voice for Those who have suffered
Why Are Asbestos Cases Important?
Many experience asbestos exposure in the workplace. Workplaces may have been filled with toxic materials, and employers may have failed to warn of the serious health risks of the job. Filing a suit helps to raise awareness of job safety.