The Only Known Cause of Mesothelioma and Your Legal Options

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that can develop in the linings protecting our internal organs, called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma usually develops in one of three places: the pleura, or the lining of the lungs; the peritoneum, or the lining of the abdomen; or the pericardium, or the lining of the heart. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. The victims of mesothelioma usually are workers who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Members of the worker's family can also suffer from secondhand asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure at Work

In most cases, mesothelioma is a disease contracted at work. People typically experience asbestos exposure while employed at the following risky occupations:

• Steel workers 

• Power plant workers 

• Chemical plant workers 

• Utility workers 

• Millwrights 

• Plumbers 

• Insulators 

• Mechanics 

• Pipefitters 

• Drywallers 

• Carpenters 

• Electricians 

• Laborers 

• Iron workers

Some of the common asbestos exposure sites in Michigan include Dow Chemical Midland, Consumer Power plants, Detroit Edison power plants, McLouth Steel, Great Lakes Steel and Ford Rouge steel plants.

Exposed Worker's Families Can Also Be Affected

Unfortunately, workers who are exposed to asbestos can spread secondhand mesothelioma to their families. Asbestos fibers stick to clothes and fabrics and can be brought from the factory into the worker's home, where it can expose the entire family to the dangerous substance.

To further complicate the situation, mesothelioma often takes decades to reveal itself. A diagnosis of mesothelioma can occur 20, 30, 40, or even more than 50 years after the initial exposure took place.

How an Experienced Lawyer in Mesothelioma Cases Can Help

Lawyers experienced in mesothelioma are familiar with the products that cause the disease and know the companies involved in mesothelioma cases. An experienced attorney knows how to find the companies contributing to the asbestos exposure and can establish liability in seeking compensation beyond workers' compensation benefits.

What if the Liable Company Has Gone out of Business?

Due to the delayed effects of mesothelioma, victims often were exposed to asbestos decades prior. Over those many years, businesses have closed, memories have faded, and evidence has disappeared. This causes many victims of asbestos-related diseases to grow concerned about their legal options.

Experienced mesothelioma lawyers can overcome these obstacles to get compensation for mesothelioma victims. Despite many businesses closing over the years, some are still open in different forms. Others may have set aside trusts for victims of asbestos exposure. Although memories grow hazy and evidence disappears over time, attorneys experienced in asbestos exposure cases have encountered these issues before and have proven methods to overcome such barriers.

Gene Zamler is a founding partner of Zamler, Mellen & Shiffman, P.C., the leading Michigan personal injury attorneys. Zamler, Mellen & Shiffman's Michigan personal injury lawyers specialize in helping victims of mesothelioma. If you or a loved one has suffered from mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos, we can help. Contact our experienced team of mesothelioma attorneys at info@zmspc.com or call 1-800-LAWYERS for more information.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Gene_B_Zamler/1125132Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6416437

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Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma

If you have watched television at some point in the past few months, then I am sure that you have seen the many commercials soliciting those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. These commercials are for legal services and target people who have been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma through an exposure to asbestos. So, maybe you have wondered what mesothelioma is and what the issues are surrounding it. It is simply another form of cancer. Most of those who get diagnosed do not realize that they have it until it's too late because this form of cancer can go undetected for decades and can even be caused by just one incident in which one was exposed to asbestos. I have heard of cases were 20 years had passed since being exposed to asbestos to when mesothelioma was diagnosed.

Some people make the mistake of connecting mesothelioma to lung cancer. However, these two diseases are completely different. Mesothelioma develops around the lining that protects the body's organs, which is known as the mesothelium. It is often found around the lining of the lungs, which is why it is mistaken for lung cancer.

So, how does mesothelioma develop? It is primarily caused from asbestos. In most cases, people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at various job sites in the construction or mining industry. However, you will find that asbestos can be found in your everyday household items. These levels of asbestos cannot be compared to what can be found in the job related sites and are not significant enough to cause any damage. Asbestos has been around for over 100 years and is used in many items that you would not even consider. The issue is when the amount of asbestos is beyond the normal safety limits.

Because there may not be any noticeable symptoms or the symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, mesothelioma can take awhile to be detected. However, the common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, and pain around your chest area. If you notice any symptoms, you should ensure that you speaks to a medical professional as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there have not been any great advancements in technology to help support proper care and treatment for those with mesothelioma. However, the government has supported many laws to ensure that jobs sites minimize exposure as much as possible, including code violations and fines for any violations since the mid 1900s.

If you would like more information, then please visit Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma [http://asbestosexposuremesothelioma.net]. It discusses topics related to mesothelioma news and information.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tammie_Taylor/265813Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6466391

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Causes of Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a fatal disease linked to asbestos exposure that affects the cells of the mesothelium covering the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and vaginal tunic.

The exact prevalence is unknown, but mesothelioma is estimated to represent less than 1% of all cancers. The incidence of mesothelioma is increasing and peak incidence is expected to occur over the next 10-20 years.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma. Chest pain and shortness of breath are common. Breathlessness secondary to pleural effusion without chest pain is reported in about 30% of cases. Parietal thoracic mass, weight loss, sweating, abdominal pain and ascites (due to impairment of the peritoneum) are less frequent events.

In over 90% of cases, the cause of mesothelioma is attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be due to exposure Environmental 'unprofessional, asbestos. Spontaneous or idiopathic occurrence of mesothelioma in the absence of asbestos exposure, is also possible and affects about one in a million.

Diagnosis is looking for a history of exposure to asbestos, and on radiological and pathological data. The radiological data (scanner) are in favor of following malignant pleural disease:

 1) a circumferential pleural thickening,
 2) nodular pleural thickening,
 3) pleural thickening greater than 1 cm,
 4) mediastinal pleural involvement.

The distinction with benign pleural disease can be difficult.

The management should involve a multidisciplinary team and includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery and palliative care at end of life. Compensation should also be considered.

Life expectancy is low, with a median survival of approximately one year from mesothelioma diagnosis.

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