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.

What Is the Difference Between Asbestosis and Mesothelioma?

Many people think that asbestosis and mesothelioma are the same. The terms may often be used interchangeably, but in reality, there are several differences between the two: 

• Asbestosis refers to non-cancerous scarring of the lung tissues caused by asbestos exposure. Those diagnosed with asbestosis may be at higher risk for developing asbestos-related cancers in the future. 
• Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of internal organs known as the mesothelium. It is rare but can often be highly aggressive.

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma may involve similar symptoms, and both can be serious and, in many cases, life-threatening. Also, both conditions are traceable back to exposure to asbestos at some point in the patient’s life. 

If you were exposed to asbestos and suspect that you may have asbestosis or mesothelioma, seek medical attention and contact a lawyer. An asbestosis attorney can help trace your exposure points and hold the proper parties liable for the damages and costs caused by your condition. 

Asbestosis Treatment Options

If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, you are likely wondering what comes next for your health. 

This progressive lung disease causes scarring that permanently damages your lungs, making even simple activities, such as taking a walk around the block, climbing stairs to get to bed, or carrying groceries, much more difficult. There is currently no cure, which means you will be living with the effects of this disease and managing its symptoms for the rest of your life. 

While medical treatments cannot reverse the damage, they can help slow the disease’s progression, relieve symptoms, and support a better quality of life.

Your treatment plan will depend on how severe your condition is, but doctors may recommend:

• Oxygen Therapy: For those who have trouble breathing, a doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen. This is delivered through a small tube or mask to help you breathe more easily.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This is a special program that includes breathing exercises, physical activity, and education. It can help improve your lung capacity and overall health.
• Medication: New drugs, sometimes called anti-fibrotics, may be used to help slow down the rate at which the scarring in your lungs gets worse.
• Quitting Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take. Smoking makes asbestosis much worse and increases your risk of developing lung cancer.
• Infection Prevention: Because lung conditions make you more likely to get sick, doctors recommend getting vaccinations for the flu and pneumonia, and practicing good hygiene.
• Lung Transplant: In very rare and severe cases, a lung transplant might be an option if other treatments are not enough.

Asbestosis Prognosis

The term “prognosis” refers to the likely course of a disease and the chances of recovery or survival. For asbestosis, the outlook is different for everyone and depends on several factors, including:

• How long and how much you were exposed to asbestos.
• The severity of the lung scarring at the time of diagnosis.
• Your age and overall health, especially whether you smoke.
• Whether you develop other complications, like lung cancer or heart failure.

Asbestosis is a progressive disease. Because asbestos-related lung scarring is permanent, symptoms can continue to worsen even years after exposure has ended. This long-term progression is one of the most frightening and exhausting aspects of the disease for patients and their families.

Recent global research published in 2023 underscores just how serious and persistent asbestosis remains. According to the research, 36,339 new cases of asbestosis were diagnosed worldwide in 2019 alone. That same year, the disease caused 3,572 deaths and resulted in 71,225 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)—a measure used to show how much healthy life is lost due to illness and early death.

While the study found that overall new cases of asbestosis declined slightly between 1990 and 2019, asbestosis-related deaths actually increased during that time. The United States was identified as one of the countries with the heaviest asbestosis burden, reflecting decades of widespread asbestos exposure in workplaces and products.

For individuals with mild asbestosis, careful medical management and lifestyle changes may help slow the disease and allow for many years of life. However, for those with more advanced lung damage, the prognosis can be far more difficult, often involving increasing breathing problems, reduced independence, and ongoing medical care.

Because every case is unique, it is essential to speak directly with your doctor about your specific prognosis and life expectancy. A medical professional familiar with your health history can provide the most accurate and honest guidance about what to expect and how to plan for the future.

Is There a Time Limit to File an Asbestosis Claim?

Asbestos can still be found in many places, like factories, warehouses, schools, hospitals, homes built before 1980, and even military sites. Sadly, thousands of workers across the U.S. continue to face exposure each year.

Asbestosis can take decades for symptoms to show up. Because of this long delay, many people don’t realize they’re dealing with the effects until it’s too late. It’s important to remember that there are deadlines, called the “statute of limitations,” for filing claims related to asbestosis. 

If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to file an asbestosis lawsuit and receive compensation, so time is of the essence.

Below, asbestosis lawyer Joe Lyon further breaks down the filing deadlines for asbestosis cases and why it’s important to reach out to a lawyer sooner rather than later. As a national law firm, The Lyon Firm knows the deadlines in various states, and we are ready to review your case right away.

Do I Qualify For An Asbestosis Lawsuit?

If your illness was caused by asbestos exposure, you may have the right to take legal action against the companies that put profits ahead of safety.

To qualify for an asbestosis lawsuit, two key elements must be established:

1. A confirmed medical diagnosis of asbestosis.
2. A clear connection between your illness and asbestos exposure, often involving proof that a company, manufacturer, or employer knew, or should have known, about the dangers of asbestos and failed to warn or protect you.

What Workers May Be Eligible to File Asbestosis Claims?

Certain types of jobs may present higher risks of asbestosis. While asbestosis can affect anyone who is exposed to asbestos, the following occupations may be associated with higher exposure risks:

• Asbestos Miners
• Aircraft Mechanics
• Auto Mechanics
• Machinists
• Boiler Operators
• Construction Workers
• Electricians
• Military Base Personnel
• Railroad Workers
• Shipyard Workers
• Power Plant Workers
• Steelworkers
• Renovators
• Maintenance Crews
• Insulators
• Paper Mill Workers
• Hospital Workers
• School Staff
• Welders

If you worked in any of these occupations, or similar ones where asbestos exposure may have occurred, you may be eligible for compensation if you were diagnosed with asbestosis. Contact an asbestos exposure lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options. 

Asbestosis doesn’t just rob you of your health; it steals away your future. This can impair a person’s ability to work, participate in hobbies, and perform daily tasks. For many, this tragic disease is the result of doing their job, never knowing the risks of asbestos exposure.

No one should ever have to face this type of suffering, especially when it could have been prevented. Reach out to The Lyon Firm today by calling (513) 381-2333 or filling out our online form to learn how we can help hold those responsible accountable and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

How Can Asbestosis Attorneys Help Me?

Asbestosis can leave you feeling completely drained, both physically and emotionally. The constant struggle to breathe, manage symptoms, and cope with the effects of the disease can make the thought of taking on the challenges of filing a lawsuit feel overwhelming. 

It’s not that you don’t want to seek justice, but sometimes, your health just makes it feel impossible. That’s where an experienced lawyer steps in. A legal team can take care of the legal hurdles and obstacles so you can focus on your health.

Asbestosis claims can be complex and may be difficult to approach without the help of a qualified lawyer. An asbestosis lawyer can perform various tasks, such as: 

• Pinpointing the exact location of the asbestos exposure
• Reviewing the employer’s history of asbestos use
• Gathering medical records and documents
• Working with expert witnesses such as medical experts
• Formulating a strong trial strategy
• Negotiating for the maximum damages award amount

Companies throughout the nation have a responsibility to protect employees from toxic exposure. In the United States, federal law requires employers to take certain occupational safety measures, including issuing warnings and protective equipment.

An asbestosis lawyer can help review the laws to see if a violation occurred and can determine your eligibility for compensation. 

What Types of Compensation Are Available in Asbestos Lawsuit Settlements?

Asbestosis and its complications can result in significant medical costs, from ongoing treatments to hospital stays and necessary procedures. The expenses associated with managing asbestosis and its resulting health complications can quickly become overwhelming. 

Fortunately, asbestos lawsuit settlements may help cover these costs, providing financial relief for individuals and families struggling with the long-term effects of asbestos exposure, covering a wide range of costs and expenses, including: 

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages 
• Loss of the ability to generate income in the future
• Pain and suffering
• Costs of additional treatment and therapy
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Loss of companionship
• Wrongful death damages

The amount of damages recovered in an asbestosis claim will vary from case to case. The amount may be calculated based on various factors, including the severity of the injuries and the degree of liability involved.

That said, the amount of financial support you recover may also depend on the skill and experience of the attorney handling your case. For example, a Martindale-Nolo study found that having a lawyer makes a big difference in the amount of compensation you could get. People who hired a lawyer walked away with an average of $77,600, while those who represented themselves only got about $17,600. This highlights the importance of experienced legal counsel in maximizing your potential settlement.

If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestosis, mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related conditions, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact an asbestosis attorney at (513) 381-2333 or online to schedule a 100% free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your rights. 

Why Are Asbestos Cases Important?

For decades, companies knowingly used asbestos despite clear evidence that it could cause devastating and permanent lung disease. Workers and their families were rarely warned. Many were told the materials were safe, only to battle illnesses years or even decades later.

Filing an asbestos lawsuit gives victims a voice when their health, livelihood, and future have been taken from them. These cases force corporations to answer for the harm they caused and expose dangerous practices that were hidden or ignored. They also help ensure that patients and families are not saddled with the true cost of asbestos exposure, but by the companies that created the risk.

Just as importantly, asbestos litigation has led to safer workplaces, stronger regulations, and greater public awareness. Every case helps prevent history from repeating itself—so fewer families have to endure the same pain.