Mesothelioma in Michigan: What Do You Need To Know?
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Many mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos, a heat-resistant material that was used extensively in the construction and manufacturing industries. Unfortunately, this material has dangerous side effects that weren’t widely understood until years after its use in commercial and household products.
Individuals who have been affected may be entitled to compensation. This is why it’s important to have a skilled mesothelioma attorney on your side.
Do You Have a Case?WHAT MAKES ASBESTOS DANGEROUS?
Asbestos is dangerous because of its ability to separate into microscopic needle-like airborne fibers. When inhaled, these fibers penetrate the lung tissue, which can cause pleural mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. In addition, when the fibers are swallowed, they can travel to the abdominal lining and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.
Studies show that mesothelioma can develop decades after exposure, often 20 to 60 years later.
WHICH MICHIGAN WORKERS HAVE THE HIGHEST RISK OF DEVELOPING MESOTHELIOMA?
As the epicenter of the automotive industry, Michigan was a prime location for manufacturing plants and other businesses that used asbestos extensively. These included steel mills, foundries, petroleum refineries and metalworking shops. In addition, employees of Michigan’s utility companies, chemical plants, shipyards and nuclear power plants were all exposed to asbestos. And, since asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop, those who worked in asbestos-heavy facilities years ago are still at risk.
Examples of High Risk Workers:
- Construction workers, especially those who perform demolition of older buildings
- Insulation installers
- Pipe fitters
- Auto mechanics
- Sailors and shipyard workers
- Utility workers
- Carpenters
- Contractors, residential and commercial
- Veterans who spent time in military vehicles, ships and buildings
- Chemical plant workers
- Steel mill employees
- Manufacturing plant workers
- Welders
- Drywall installers
- School teachers
People in a wide variety of work environments and living situations could be in danger of developing an asbestos-related illness. There is no clearly established safe level of asbestos exposure, and those with prolonged exposure have an increased risk. These workers may also put family members at risk by carrying toxic asbestos fibers home in their hair or clothing.
HOW IS MESOTHELIOMA TREATED?
Many people are diagnosed at a late stage. This means that the cancer may not be able to be removed. At this point, comfort is the main goal. If detected at an early stage, treatment may be recommended. Mesothelioma treatment options include:
- Surgery. Surgical procedures may be used to decrease fluid buildup in the lungs, remove a lung and excise affected tissue around the lungs or abdomen.
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, which uses chemicals to kill cancer cells throughout the system, may shrink or slow the growth of cancers that cannot be surgically removed. In addition, chemotherapy is sometimes used before or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. For peritoneal mesothelioma, chemotherapy may be administered directly into the abdominal cavity to destroy the cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy. Radiation targets specific areas of the body via high-energy X-ray or proton beams. Often used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells, radiation therapy can also reduce advanced cancer symptoms when surgery is not an option.
- Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells by interrupting the body’s natural response to the cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy. Targeted therapy, indicated for certain tumor DNA testing results, uses drugs to attack specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells.
- Alternative treatments for shortness of breath. Depending on the severity, a doctor may prescribe medication, supplemental oxygen and/or certain alternative treatments to relieve breathlessness. These include acupuncture, breathing techniques, relaxation exercises and directing a portable fan toward the face.
WHAT ILLNESSES ARE CAUSED BY ASBESTOS EXPOSURE?
The disease most commonly associated with asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a usually fatal cancer that attacks certain parts of the body.
In addition, asbestos exposure is linked to certain lung cancers and a condition known as asbestosis, which causes scarring and hardening of the lung tissue.
If you suspect you have mesothelioma or another lung disease, see your physician as soon as possible.
HOW IS MESOTHELIOMA COMPENSATION DETERMINED?
These are some of the factors used to determine compensation in a mesothelioma case:
- Diagnosis. The severity and progression of the disease, as well as the expected course of treatment, are used to determine the value of a claim.
- Level of exposure. How long a person was exposed, and whether companies knew of the danger, can affect the value of a claim.
- Age and health of the victim. Age, overall health and other medical history may be considered when evaluating damages.
- Dependents. Mesothelioma victims who provided financial and emotional support to family members may recover additional damages for those losses.
- Inability to work. Compensation may include lost income as well as the effect of no longer being able to work because of illness.
- Location. The court and applicable law can affect how a claim is valued.
WHY SHOULD I FILE A MESOTHELIOMA COMPENSATION CLAIM?
If you were exposed to asbestos because of a negligent employer or manufacturer, you deserve to be compensated. Naturally, money cannot make up for the suffering you and your family experienced as a result of your illness. Nonetheless, financial remuneration can cover your current and forthcoming medical bills as well as any home care you may require. A settlement can provide financial security for you and your family now and in the future.
PUT OUR MESOTHELIOMA LAWYERS TO WORK
Getting a mesothelioma diagnosis can be frightening and overwhelming. In addition, time is of the essence, as Michigan has a statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases that often runs three years from diagnosis. Our skilled and experienced mesothelioma attorneys can help you and your family get the compensation you deserve.
Get your case started today by clicking the button below to fill out a brief form or contact us for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the safety of your home.
Do You Have a Case?
