As experienced personal injury attorneys in Rock Hill, South Carolina, we have helped clients who suffered through no fault of their own. Legal action taken in mesothelioma cases are time-sensitive and could be lengthy. The two most common causes of mesothelioma in South Carolina are shipbuilding and power generation plants. These two industries are responsible for some of the highest rates of mesothelioma-related diseases in the state.
The Mayo Clinic defines mesothelioma as,
… a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium).
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Mesothelioma treatments are available, but for many people with mesothelioma, a cure is not possible.
Approximately 3,000 people a year are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES MESOTHELIOMA?
Asbestos
Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. In fact, most cases of mesothelioma have been linked to asbestos exposure, usually from high levels of exposure in the workplace. However, most people exposed to asbestos, even in large amounts, do not get mesothelioma.
Radiation
In some cases, mesothelioma developed after patients were exposed to high doses of radiation as the treatment for another cancer. The risk of mesothelioma is higher in patients who have been treated with radiation, however, this cancer is still rare in these patients.
There have also been reports linking mesothelioma to injections of Thorotrast. This radioactive material was used by doctors for x-rays until the 1950s. Thorotrast was found to cause various types of cancers and has not been used for decades.
Age
The risk of mesothelioma increases with age. Mesothelioma can occur in young people, including children, but it is rare in people under age 45. Two out of every people with mesothelioma are 65 or older.
Gender
Mesothelioma is more common in men than in women. Most probably because men have been more likely to work in jobs with heavy exposure to asbestos.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA?
Most common symptoms of mesothelioma symptoms include:
A dry cough or Wheezing
- Shortness of Breath
Pain in the Chest or Abdomen
Fever
Anemia
Muscle Weakness
Not all of the symptoms listed here will manifest into mesothelioma. However, they can be used as a guide to help physicians find the right diagnosis, or at least know where to begin looking. Mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10-50 years to manifest.
WHAT LEGAL ACTION IS AVAILABLE IF I AM DIAGNOSED WITH MESOTHELIOMA?
Plenty. Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma lung cancer have legal options to help pay for medical treatment and to compensate for pain and suffering. Because there is often a time limit to begin legal action, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as the disease has been diagnosed. Allow us to walk you through the complex legal process, help you pursue any possible claims, and hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for their negligence. during your free consultation. Contact the Lewis Law Firm to discuss how we might be able to help you recover what is owed.