Steubenville Mesothelioma Lawyer

Top-Rated Mesothelioma Attorney in Steubenville, OH

There are a few parts of eastern Ohio where a mesothelioma diagnosis does not connect back to working at a steel mill, factory, construction trade, or power-generating position along the Ohio River for several decades. An experienced Steubenville mesothelioma lawyer may be able to investigate decades-old asbestos exposures related to these industries and help you understand your legal options after diagnosis.

The region’s history with industrial development and power generation made asbestos part of many workers’ day-to-day environments for a significant portion of the 20th century. Mesothelioma cases around Steubenville may take you to the Jefferson County Courthouse located at 301 Market St., Steubenville, OH 43952.

About Kelley Ferraro, LLC

At Kelley Ferraro, LLC, we handle some of the most complex injury cases in the nation, including mesothelioma claims filed nationwide against asbestos companies. Our firm has managed close to 55,000 asbestos claims and has recovered over $1 billion in compensation for clients injured by asbestos and mesothelioma. However, past results are not a guarantee of a similar outcome. Every case must be evaluated on its own merits.

For nearly 30 years, we have gained experience investigating workers’ exposure histories tied to factories and industrial facilities, steel mills, manufacturing plants, and construction employers from coast to coast.

Understanding Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. While asbestos was commonly used in the construction of many products, mesothelioma primarily impacts the lining of internal organs such as the lungs. After asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can remain in the body for years or even decades without causing illness.

It can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure for mesothelioma symptoms to develop. This can make identifying where and how an individual was exposed to asbestos challenging. Many individuals who worked in manufacturing plants, steel mills, and construction sites near Steubenville were exposed to asbestos in the mid-to-late 1900s.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can include pain in the chest and/or back, shortness of breath, fatigue, coughing, unexplained weight loss, and buildup of fluid around the lungs. As these symptoms overlap with many other respiratory illnesses, mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose until it has progressed.

Eventually, federal safety regulations through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency standards began limiting how and where asbestos could be used. Many individuals who find themselves diagnosed with mesothelioma worked in factories, mills, and industrial facilities before these regulations became more commonplace.

The Impact of Mesothelioma

When mesothelioma is diagnosed, life changes for families far beyond the physical health implications of cancer. Whether treatment requires regular doctor visits, travel to cancer treatment centers out of town, or extended recovery periods following procedures, mesothelioma can disrupt normal routines.

The cost of caring for mesothelioma can include payments for hospital visits, medications, imaging tests, at-home nursing, rehabilitation, and more. Some sufferers are no longer able to work, and family members may need to cut back on work hours to provide support and care.

Day-to-day life can feel like a struggle when you’re constantly battling mesothelioma. From climbing stairs and housework to seeing friends and loved ones, tasks that used to be simple can require extreme effort. Many families experience mental and emotional strain while navigating medical care, finances, and providing care to their loved ones.

These financial burdens can be amplified for retired workers who are only receiving a fixed income. Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma may still be trying to learn more about where they were exposed to asbestos and what legal options may be available several decades after exposure.

Compensation Available

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 2,669 new instances of mesothelioma in 2022 in the United States. This was a rate of 0.6 per 100,000 people. So, while the disease is relatively rare, it can be aggressive, requiring significant compensation to care for the affected individual. 

There are multiple channels through which mesothelioma compensation may be available. Individuals injured by asbestos exposure on the job may file personal injury claims against manufacturers or companies responsible for supplying asbestos-containing products to their workplaces. Family members who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Outside of traditional claims, some asbestos victims can receive compensation from asbestos trust funds. Asbestos trust funds are set aside by companies that have gone bankrupt after facing overwhelming liability claims from asbestos-related illnesses. Mesothelioma compensation can be applied to current and future medical bills, lost wages, cost of caregiving, pain and suffering, travel costs for treatment, and funeral expenses in the event of wrongful death.

FAQs

What Are the First Signs of Asbestos Poisoning?

Initial symptoms of asbestos-related disease are usually subtle and may take years to become apparent. These may include a mild shortness of breath, chronic dry cough, chest tightness or pain, and fatigue. Exercise intolerance has also been noticed by some patients. Symptoms may be attributed to other respiratory diseases, which can make early diagnosis difficult.

What Jobs in Steubenville Have the Highest Asbestos Risk?

Jobs with high exposure risk were steel mill workers, pipefitters, welders, electricians, construction workers, shipyard workers, and industrial maintenance workers. Many of these employees worked with or around asbestos insulation, boilers, turbines, and machinery. Older facilities in this area were likely to contain asbestos materials due to their resistance to heat and strength.

Can Asbestos Exposure Happen Outside of Work?

Asbestos exposure is certainly possible outside of occupational settings. Premises built before asbestos regulations that still house asbestos include older homes, schools, and office buildings. Asbestos can be found in older insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, or roofs. Home renovations or demolition can release asbestos fibers into the air, exposing inhabitants and contractors. When you hire a mesothelioma lawyer, they can help you track where exposure occurred. 

Can Mesothelioma Be Misdiagnosed?

Yes, mesothelioma is commonly misdiagnosed early on as it shares symptoms with pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory diseases. Imaging scans and biopsies are typically needed to diagnose the disease. Since it is rare and takes a long time to develop, doctors look for other ailments first before determining if the condition is indeed mesothelioma.

Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer Today

At Kelley Ferraro, LLC, we understand mesothelioma laws and can help you seek compensation if you were exposed to asbestos. Contact a Steubenville mesothelioma attorney at our firm today for a free consultation.