Causes of Mesothelioma
Up to 80 percent of mesothelioma patients have an extended history of occupational asbestos exposure making it the only major risk factor. Asbestos is cheap, durable and resistant to fire, resulting in its common use as insulation in many older buildings. Asbestos was used in the production of thousands of products including auto components, building materials, and consumer products. It was regularly used up until the late 1970s.
Asbestos is now associated with the development of lung cancer and mesothelioma long after asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed. In cases of occupational exposure, workers who are exposed to asbestos at their workplace may bring the fibers home on their clothes or person, risking exposing their family.
Diagnosing & Treating Mesothelioma
Diagnosing mesothelioma is difficult on some occasions and may require clinical evaluation, chest x-rays, CT scans, personal work history, and a biopsy for a proper diagnosis. Specialized imaging may also be used to help evaluate the size and location of the mesothelioma.
The treatment and management of individuals with advanced mesothelioma may require a team of medical professionals, such as physicians who specialize in chemotherapy of cancer (oncologists), specialists in the use of radiation (radiation oncologists), and other doctors.
Asbestos exposure in the workplace has been a concern for decades now, and the effects are still lingering throughout the U.S. with cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer still being diagnosed each year.
Based on asbestos consumption and mesothelioma data, it was estimated that the number of cases among males would peak from 2000–2004 (approximately 2,000 cases) and after that period, the number of mesothelioma cases was expected to steadily decline. In contrast, the results of the current study indicate an increase in the number of malignant mesothelioma deaths during 1999–2015.
Rise of Mesothelioma Deaths
Despite regulatory actions and the decline in use of asbestos, the annual number of mesothelioma deaths remains substantial. The annual number of malignant mesothelioma deaths is increasing, particularly among persons over 85 years old, most likely representing exposure many years ago.
Indeed, a report released by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found the annual number of deaths from malignant mesothelioma increased nearly 5 percent from 1999 to 2015.
In that period, a total of 45,221 deaths with malignant mesothelioma as the primary or contributing cause of death were reported in the United States. That includes an increase from 2,479 deaths in 1999 to 2,597 in 2015. Deaths increased despite continual regulatory measures to reduce cancer risks.
The continuing occurrence of mesothelioma deaths underscores the need for increasing asbestos exposure prevention and to press corporate contributors by taking legal action.
Ohio Mesothelioma Lawsuits
It will take time to obtain a mesothelioma settlement, though the process can be quickened by hiring the correct attorney—one with experience. The Lyon Firm works hard to expedite injury claims to provide as much financial help as possible. A settlement may require a few months, or more than a year, depending on various issues related to your case.
According to recent reports, the average mesothelioma settlement has been between $1-1.4 million and typically paid by multiple defendants. Compensation may go to the estate or surviving family members, depending upon who filed the mesothelioma claim. Distribution of settlements to surviving family members is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Lawyers say many asbestos manufacturers focused on sales and profits, and failed to improve workplace safety standards. Some companies ignored emerging damaging medical evidence, and even hid information that might damage their business.
As a result, workers have filed asbestos-related claims against over 8,000 corporations. The number of victims is still growing, and lawyers in Ohio are currently involved in litigation, including the claims against dozens of companies.
Who is at Highest Mesothelioma Risk?
Malignant mesothelioma is primarily associated with occupational inhalation exposure to asbestos fibers. Most cases occur in older individuals with a history of occupational exposure. Only about six percent of deaths were in people younger than 55.
According to the National Cancer Institute, factors associated with asbestos-related disease include:
- Dose (how much asbestos was inhaled or ingested)
- Duration (how long an individual was exposed)
- Chemical makeup of the asbestos fibers inhaled
- Source and environment of the exposure
- Individual risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung conditions
Military Veteran Mesothelioma
About 30 percent of mesothelioma cases involve veterans, many of them Navy veterans, a high-risk group of veterans developing mesothelioma. Asbestos was used in shipyards and on most ships between the 1930s until the late 1970s, particularly during World War II.
With a latency period of up to 50 years, mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer can still be diagnosed in veterans.
Legal Representation for a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Following the devastating consequences of a terrible illness, it may be prudent to contact a Cincinnati Mesothelioma Lawyer to mitigate the financial burden on families who must deal with rising medical expenses and long-term financial hardships.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Cincinnati Mesothelioma Attorney reviewing asbestos exposure cases nationwide. The Firm handles cases on full contingency fee basis.
The Lyon Firm has settled numerous asbestos exposure cases, and has the resources to build the strongest case possible, and recover the maximum compensation from Asbestos Trust Funds as possible.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and want to discuss your legal options, call the Lyon Firm for a free case review.
Ohio Mesothelioma Settlements
Following a diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer, victims may begin to trace the source of asbestos exposure and hire an experienced mesothelioma attorney to recover potential compensation. The majority of mesothelioma settlements are reached without ever having to enter a courtroom.
Settlement amounts may depend on the following:
- Specific diagnosis & medical history
- The number of companies named in lawsuit
- State where the claim is filed
- Proof of negligence/asbestos exposure
- Lost wages and medical expenses
Ohio Asbestos Mesothelioma Trust Funds
Trust funds have been established to pay victims of negligent asbestos exposure at the workplace. Trust funds are now created by companies that have gone bankrupt, but are still liable for illness and damages.
Mesothelioma victims may be eligible to file a claim against one or more asbestos trust funds and seek Ohio mesothelioma settlements. There are about 60 asbestos trust funds with over $30 billion available for payouts. Some of the larger asbestos trust funds include: