Anyone who has been diagnosed with a highly deadly form of cancer knows the agony that comes not only with the diagnosis, but also the worry about loved ones who will be left behind.  In the case of mesothelioma – a form of cancer that attacks the lining of the chest wall and lungs – there is the added tragedy of the knowledge that this terrible disease could have easily been prevented simply by avoiding exposure to asbestos.   Because asbestos producers and other industries knew that asbestos exposure was dangerous and did not inform the public about the risks, they have often be found liable for the illnesses experienced by people who have been exposed.  If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease in the Boston area, be sure to call Jeffrey Glassman so that you can seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.

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What makes asbestos so dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that has a particular physical characteristic – it can be pulled apart into fibers, resulting in something like cotton that is made out of rock.  This made asbestos a very attractive form of fire-proof insulation, and it became heavily used in the last century in virtually every aspect of manufacturing, construction and industry.  Asbestos was also found in more than 5000 products, many of which were used in family homes as well as in industry.  However, the fibers that make asbestos such a useful fire-retardant are also deadly when they are inhaled, especially over time.  They are known without question to cause scarring of lung tissue, decreased lung function, and various forms of cancer.

Where could I have been exposed?

Because diseases like mesothelioma can take decades to develop, identifying the source of exposure often means thinking back as many as 50 or more years.  People working in virtually any industry or construction may have been exposed, including naval staff and shipbuilders, aircraft mechanics, cement mixers, carpenters, and more.  Moreover, the families of people working in these industries may also have been exposed to fibers on clothes, shoes, hair and skin. Even though the use of asbestos has been largely banned for several decades, the great majority of homes even today contain asbestos which can be disturbed by home owners undertaking renovations, or by electricians or plumbers. Construction workers involved in demolition can also be exposed to old asbestos, although there are now strict protocols in place to protect the health of workers.

Why is compensation paid for asbestos exposure?

Illnesses caused by asbestos exposure are considered to be eligible for compensation because they have been shown to have been caused by the negligent action of third parties.  This is because it has been well-documented that the dangers of asbestos exposure were understood by asbestos manufacturers as early as the 1930s.  However, they did not inform the public of these dangers and allowed workers and their families to be exposed to a substance they knew could have deadly effects.  As result, asbestos manufacturers and suppliers have been successfully sued by victims.

For this reason, if you have been diagnosed with a disease that can be linked to asbestos exposure, even if that exposure was 50 or more years ago, be sure to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer to obtain the compensation to which you may be entitled.