What Kind of Damages Are Available in an Asbestos and Colon Cancer Lawsuit?

In a colorectal cancer lawsuit, damages that may be available typically fall into several categories, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages, depending on the specifics of the case and the jurisdiction.

Here are the types of damages that may be sought in a colorectal cancer lawsuit:

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all past and future medical bills related to the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. This can encompass costs like doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Income: If the cancer diagnosis and treatment result in missed work or the inability to work in the future, plaintiffs may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages can include compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, and a reduced quality of life experienced as a result of the cancer diagnosis and its treatment.
• Loss of Consortium: This refers to damages claimed by the spouse or family members for the loss of companionship, love, and support due to the effects of colorectal cancer on the affected individual.
• Wrongful Death Expenses: In cases where colorectal cancer leads to the wrongful death of the plaintiff, the family may seek compensation for the costs associated with funeral and burial expenses.
• Punitive Damages: In certain cases, where the defendant’s conduct is found to be particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

An experienced attorney can help assess the specific circumstances of your case, determine liability, and seek appropriate damages on your behalf. 

Understanding Asbestos Exposure and Legal Options

In this video, attorney Joe Lyon explains how asbestos exposure can lead to serious illnesses and the challenges of pinpointing exactly where and how exposure occurred. 

He also discusses why working with a firm that thoroughly investigates every possible source of asbestos is critical to pursuing compensation, especially as bankruptcy trusts become increasingly limited.

Understanding Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, often called colorectal cancer when it includes both the colon and rectum, starts when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the large intestine. It is one of the most common cancers in the world and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Even so, early detection can make a major difference in treatment and outcomes.

How Common Is Colon Cancer?

• New Cases: In 2025, doctors expect more than 154,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in the United States.
• Age: About 90% of cases happen in people age 50 or older, although rates in younger adults have been rising.
• Survival: When colon cancer is found early, the 5-year survival rate is around 90%. When it spreads to other parts of the body, treatment becomes more difficult, which is why early diagnosis matters so much.

Types of Colon Cancer

Most people have heard of colon cancer generally, but there are several types, including:

• Adenocarcinoma: The most common type, starting in the cells that line the colon and rectum.
• Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors: Slow-growing tumors that develop in the hormone-producing cells of the digestive system.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Rare tumors that form in the connective tissue of the GI tract.
• Primary Colorectal Lymphomas: Rare cancers that begin in the lymphatic tissue within the colon.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer 

Recognizing the signs of colon cancer early can dramatically improve treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, in the early stages, colorectal cancer symptoms may be non-specific, or you might not have any symptoms at all. Over time, however, when the disease progresses, individuals have been known to experience:

• A persistent change in your bowel habits (like diarrhea or constipation)
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool (often the most noticeable sign)
• Abdominal discomfort or pain, such as tenderness, cramps, or gas
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue due to anemia from blood loss
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal masses or obstructions
• Liver enlargement

Polyps and growths forming in the colon are also a potential sign of cancer development.

What Is the Diagnosis Process for Colon Cancer?

Diagnosing colon cancer usually involves several steps. Your doctor may use one or more of the tests below to understand what’s happening inside your colon:

• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is the most common and reliable test for colon cancer. During this procedure, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera to look inside your colon. If they see polyps or anything unusual, they can remove them or take a small sample of tissue (a biopsy) for further testing.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is when a doctor removes a small piece of tissue so a lab can look at it under a microscope to confirm whether cancer cells are present.
• Stool Tests (FOBT or FIT): These simple tests look for hidden blood in the stool, which can sometimes be an early sign of colon cancer.
• Imaging Tests: CT scans or MRI scans help doctors see if the cancer has spread and assist them in planning the best course of treatment.
• Biomarker and Genetic Testing: Sometimes doctors use specialized tests to learn more about the type of colon cancer you may have. Biomarkers can show how the cancer might behave, and genetic testing can identify inherited conditions that raise your risk.

How Colon Cancer Changes Your Life 

The life impacts of a diagnosis like asbestos colorectal cancer go far beyond the medical chart. 

Colon cancer and its treatments can lead to major health challenges, including:

• Severe Pain and Physical Decline: The cancer itself, along with surgeries, chemotherapy, and other treatments, can leave you exhausted, hurting, and struggling to do even basic daily tasks.
• Obstruction or Perforation: Tumors can block the colon or cause a tear in the colon wall, sometimes requiring emergency surgery.
• Metastasis: The cancer can spread to the liver, lungs, or other organs, making treatment harder and more aggressive.
• Colostomy: Some people must undergo a colostomy, either temporary or permanent. Learning to live life with a colostomy bag is a significant physical and emotional shift.

The effects of colon cancer go beyond the physical:

• Financial Ruin: The costs of treatment can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.

• Emotional Toll: Fear, anxiety, and grief can affect not only you but also your loved ones.
• Strained Relationships: Managing illness can make it harder to participate in family activities, maintain friendships, or care for others.
• Disruption of Daily Life: Even simple tasks can become challenging or impossible during treatment.
• Loss of Independence: Many people require ongoing assistance with daily activities, which can be a difficult adjustment emotionally and mentally.

How the Asbestos Colon Cancer Lawyers at The Lyon Firm Build Your Case

When you work with our team, we focus on:

Proving Asbestos Exposure

We carefully document your work and life history to identify where and when you were exposed. Many companies knew about asbestos risks but failed to warn employees. Our attorneys have access to extensive databases of job sites, companies, and industries where asbestos was commonly used, including:

• Shipyards (Naval & commercial)
• Factories, refineries, and warehouses
• Steel mills, tire plants, and auto plants
• Power plants, construction sites, and oil & chemical facilities
• Schools and public buildings

Linking Exposure to Your Diagnosis

Proving that you were exposed to asbestos is only the first step. To build a strong legal case, it’s essential to establish a clear, direct connection between that exposure and your colon cancer diagnosis. 

Our attorneys work closely with medical experts who specialize in asbestos-related diseases. Together, we examine:

• Medical History: Reviewing your diagnosis, treatments, and any pre-existing conditions to understand how asbestos exposure may have contributed to your cancer.
• Exposure Timeline: Mapping out exactly when, where, and how you were exposed to asbestos. This includes detailed work history, specific job tasks, and duration of exposure.
• Scientific and Medical Research: Using studies and expert testimony to demonstrate that asbestos is a known risk factor for colon cancer, particularly in cases with prolonged or high-level exposure.
• Exclusion of Other Causes: Assessing other risk factors such as age, genetics, diet, or pre-existing conditions to isolate asbestos as a significant contributor to your illness.

This process goes far beyond simply showing that you worked at a job site with asbestos. It involves creating a comprehensive, evidence-based picture that charts the link between how the exposure directly caused or significantly contributed to your colon cancer.

We will also determine what route is the best path for you. Depending on your situation, you may pursue:

• Personal Injury Claims: Compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and life disruptions.
• Wrongful Death Claims: Families of deceased individuals can seek damages for the loss of a loved one due to asbestos-related colon cancer.
• Trust Fund Claims: Some companies have established asbestos trust funds to provide compensation, often more quickly than traditional lawsuits.