Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, an incurable and terminal form of cancer seen across the US. While most are aware of the risks of direct asbestos exposure, secondhand asbestos exposure is equally as dangerous. Many workers across various industries were exposed to asbestos for years, but secondhand asbestos exposure has also harmed these workers’ family members.
Understanding Secondhand Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos was widely used throughout the US for several decades until its health risks became apparent. Industrial insulation, fireproofing materials, and various other materials were made using asbestos, and thousands of people were exposed while working with these materials or in buildings constructed with asbestos.
Asbestos particles are very thin, sharp, and light. When any asbestos-containing material releases these particles into the surrounding area, they can remain suspended in the air for long periods, allowing them to be inhaled and become embedded in the lungs. However, these particles can also attach to skin and clothing, so many exposed workers brought them into their homes.
The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs when asbestos particles are inhaled. Peritoneal mesothelioma can form in the abdomen after asbestos is ingested or absorbed through the skin from particles attached to clothing. In rare cases, pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart.
Over several decades, mesothelioma diagnoses appeared nationwide, primarily among those who worked directly with asbestos or in buildings containing asbestos. However, many of their family members, including spouses and children, were also diagnosed with mesothelioma because of secondhand exposure.
Mesothelioma is not a very common form of cancer, and the health risks of asbestos are widely recognized and understood in the US. However, about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year because of asbestos exposure that happened many years ago. It often takes decades for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear, and by this time, it will have reached an advanced stage.
Filing a Claim for Secondhand Asbestos Exposure
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have grounds for legal action against the party responsible for the exposure. You will need to carefully review employment records and other evidence to determine the most likely source of the exposure, and you should hire an asbestos lawyer to help with this. However, if you developed mesothelioma from secondhand asbestos exposure, you need to investigate the work history of your parents and other family members.
An experienced asbestos attorney can review these records and help you determine the most likely source of your exposure. Once you determine the most likely cause, this informs you of your legal options. You may be eligible to file a claim to a mesothelioma injury trust, or you could have grounds to file a personal injury case for toxic exposure against an employer, property owner, product manufacturer, or other defendant.
Ultimately, resolving any mesothelioma case can be challenging, but proving the source of secondhand asbestos exposure is especially difficult. If you hire an asbestos lawyer, you are more likely to accurately determine the source of the asbestos that caused your diagnosis with mesothelioma. You may be eligible to file a claim against an asbestos trust fund or a personal injury case for toxic exposure against a specific defendant.
The team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC has nearly 30 years of experience representing clients in these cases nationwide, and we are confident we can provide unmatched representation for a secondhand asbestos exposure claim. Our team has successfully filed mesothelioma cases against employers, product manufacturers, distributors, property owners, and many other defendants. Reach out to our firm today to learn more about our legal services.
FAQs
Q: When Was Asbestos Most Commonly Used?
A: The peak of asbestos use in the United States was during the 1960s and 1970s. Many residential and commercial buildings constructed during this time had asbestos flooring, roofing, and insulation. Asbestos was also commonly used for pipe coverings and in components for boilers, vehicles, and ships.
Q: How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?
A: Any amount of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. There is no safe level of exposure. It’s possible for someone to be exposed once and never develop mesothelioma, and it is also possible for a single exposure to cause mesothelioma. Repeated exposure greatly increases the risk of mesothelioma. It usually takes several years, often multiple decades, for mesothelioma to progress enough to cause noticeable symptoms.
Q: Is Mesothelioma From Secondhand Asbestos Exposure Curable?
A: No, mesothelioma from secondhand asbestos exposure is no more curable than mesothelioma from direct exposure. The average five-year survival rate varies, but for localized mesothelioma that has not spread, the rate is about 23%. Once the disease has spread to distant parts of the body, the rate drops to about 11%. Early detection helps improve the efficacy of treatment, but ultimately, anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma will need to transition to palliative care.
Q: Can I Claim Compensation for Secondhand Asbestos Exposure?
A: Yes, you can claim compensation for secondhand asbestos exposure if you can prove the source of the exposure and that you have developed mesothelioma because of it. This can require extensive review of many years of evidence, such as your parents’ and other family members’ work histories. Hire an asbestos lawyer at your first opportunity after your diagnosis so they can help you build your case.
Q: Why Should I Hire an Asbestos Lawyer?
A: You should hire an asbestos lawyer because these cases are inherently challenging in several ways. Having legal counsel you can trust on your side greatly improves your chances of reaching a favorable outcome, and your attorney will be ready to resolve any unexpected complications that arise throughout your case.
The attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC have almost 30 years of experience representing clients in mesothelioma cases nationwide. We are confident we can help you accurately deduce the source of the secondhand asbestos exposure that caused your illness and claim compensation for your damages. It’s important to start building your case as soon as possible, so contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced asbestos attorney.
