Why Did This Happen to Me

Why Did You Get Mesothelioma?

People who have mesothelioma often ask, “Why did this happen to me?” The answer is that they were exposed to asbestos through no fault of their own.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is also a carcinogen. Since the 1930s, it has been a well-known fact that asbestos causes cancer. Despite knowing this, many companies still made and used asbestos-containing products, exposing hundreds of thousands of people to a potentially deadly substance.

For decades, thermal insulation materials were made using asbestos. It was not until the mid-1970s that asbestos-containing insulation was no longer used. In fact, many commercial and residential buildings still contain high levels of asbestos today. When disturbed, those building materials release the fibers, which are inhaled, causing cancer to develop.

At Kelley Ferraro, LLC, our attorneys handle mesothelioma claims for victims in Ohio and across the nation. You have nothing to lose by learning about your options during a free consultation. Send us an email or call us at 216.575.0777 today.

Occupations that can result in mesothelioma later in life include:

• Boilermakers
• Bricklayers
• Carpenters
• Cement finishers
• Drywall workers
• Electricians
• Engineers
• Foundry workers
• Helpers
• Insulators
• Laborers
• Lathers
• Machinists.
• Mechanics
• Millwrights
• Operators
• Painters
• Paper workers
• Plasterers
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Power plant workers
• Roofers
• Sailors (U.S. Navy and U.S. Merchant Marine)
• Shipyard workers
• Steelworkers
• Sheet metal workers/welders

For example, even military personnel may have unknowingly been exposed to asbestos while serving our country, especially in shipbuilding and the decommissioning of ships. Those who work in the construction industry may have been exposed to asbestos prior to the mid-1980s. Those involved with asbestos in these industries, among others, are at a much higher risk for developing diseases such as pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Typically, a lengthier exposure period increases the risk of mesothelioma. However, those who were exposed to asbestos for a shorter period of time but in a more concentrated manner could also develop the disease.

Even people who did not work in these specific industries can develop mesothelioma. An example of non-occupational exposure includes household members who develop the disease from being exposed to the clothing of those who unknowingly tracked home asbestos fibers from work.

What is unique to asbestos-related diseases is how long it takes to develop mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. Generally, it takes 30 to 40 years or more before the disease becomes apparent. What this means is that even if you were exposed to asbestos decades ago, you can develop mesothelioma today.

If you learn you have mesothelioma and suspect it may be linked to exposure to asbestos, contact us right away to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Call today at 216.575.0777.