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Alabama Mesothelioma Lawyer

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Alabama is known for its manufacture and exporting of iron, steel, paper, plastic and textiles. Unfortunately, the processes and plants where these materials are made contain asbestos and high levels of it. Asbestos was once used widely for construction and building purposes, as well as for consumer insulation and other products. It was sometimes even added to foods. Asbestos is still found in over 700,000 buildings nationwide. Thousands of people in Alabama, as well as millions of people around the United States, have been put at risk for asbestos poisoning, and the deadly cancer it leads to, called mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested through the nose and mouth. The tiny fibers cannot be seen, but wreak havoc on our internal tissues and organs. Our bodies cannot break down the fibers, so they become embedded into the tissues surrounding our most vital organs the lungs, heart, stomach, and other organs. Asbestos is considered a carcinogen, much like the additives in cigarettes, and can do just as much damage as those harmful chemicals. The affected tissues fill with fluid, and the fibers scar the tissues and organs.

Mesothelioma is a slow cancer and develops over time. It can take decades for a tumor to form and for the tissues to become inflamed. Too often, people find out they have a severe case of asbestos-related mesothelioma cancer when it's far too late. Symptoms of mesothelioma are not typical of a cancer such as leukemia or breast cancer, where there may be external signs alerting someone to a problem. Mesothelioma cancer may present as a bad chest cold or cough, or have pneumonia-like symptoms. Those afflicted may also experience night sweats, fatigue, vomiting or weight loss. These symptoms are typical of many other kinds of illnesses, so the mesothelioma tumor may go undiagnosed for many years.

The specific tissues that are attacked by the asbestos fibers are called mesothelium, hence the name of the cancer. Mesothelioma occurs in three different areas of the body and is classified according to each location:
The most common place is in the lungs. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma may also attack the lining of the chest cavity.
Second is peritoneal mesothelioma, which attacks the organs and tissues in the abdominal cavity. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of all mesothelioma cases are peritoneal.
The third type of mesothelioma is pericardial, which affects the tissues of the heart. It is the most rare type of mesothelioma and the hardest to treat with traditional methods.

If you were exposed to asbestos in Alabama while you were at work, and suspect you may have any of these forms of mesothelioma, contact your doctor right away. He or she will be able to run the necessary diagnostic tests in order to make an accurate diagnosis and get you the help you need.

If you have not contacted an Alabama mesothelioma lawyer regarding a possible lawsuit against your former employer or the persons responsible for your asbestos exposure, it is important that you do so as soon as possible. There is only a limited amount of time you have to file a claim and start legal action. If you are able to find a good lawyer to represent you, there is no reason why you shouldn't be afforded damages and compensation for your condition.

The asbestos exposure issue has been the largest tort in American history, with over 600,000 asbestos and mesothelioma cases already fought and tried around the country. There are many experienced lawyers who have been a part of these trials, and who know how to fight and win for you. Contact a local Alabama mesothelioma lawyer/attorney today, and give your family financial stability for the future. Do not let these big companies win fight for your rights as an employee and as an American.