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Missouri Mesothelioma Lawyer

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Mesothelioma is the cancer of the mesothelium the thin lining that surrounds the lungs, heart, body cavities, and abdominal organs. The cancer is most commonly found in the thin body cavity that surrounds the lungs called the pleura. When pleural mesothelioma sets in, this cavity can fill with fluid, putting painful pressure on the lungs and making it very difficult to breath. It is important to note, however, that the cancer can strike anywhere that mesothelium exists many cases of abdominal and pericardial (the mesothelium around the heart) mesothelioma have been reported.

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a relatively common mineral that can be mined from the earth. In fact, the Ozark Mountains are a source of naturally occurring asbestos in Missouri. The mineral was, for a very long time, considered to be an extraordinarily useful construction material. It's fibrous make-up enables it to be easily woven into fabrics, so it can be used in a number of different ways. Additionally, it is a very good insulator, so it can withstand extremely high heats, protect against cold temperatures, and resist fire and electricity. It was therefore often used as insulation for pipes, boilers, wiring, and other hot surfaces. Any workers that installed asbestos insulation, or worked in construction sites where asbestos was being used faced the risk of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos can often be found in manufacturing plants and power plants, where it is used for insulation. Missouri is home to many such plants, especially the heavily populated St. Louis area. These include the Mack truck plant and the Zonolite plant. Workers in any of these plants are at risk of asbestos exposure if the material is ever disturbed as long as the fibers aren't airborne, they aren't coming in contact with the lungs, so they can't cause cancer. Of course, workers in any plant that manufactured asbestos are at highest risk of developing mesothelioma.

Asbestos has been banned from being put into new buildings or materials. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that some 700,000 public and commercial buildings were built with asbestos containing materials. A relatively small number of these buildings have been torn down or have had the asbestos removed. Again, the asbestos is not a threat as long as it remains undisturbed. However, if a renovation or demolition does kick some asbestos into the air, construction workers can be exposed to dangerous amounts of the fibers. These workers need to protect themselves by ensuring they have the proper gear. If an employer or contractor fails to notify workers of the risk of asbestos exposure, they are at fault for any harmful effects occur.

If you have come down with Mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure then it is time for you to contact a lawyer. Here are just a couple of things that a lawyer can do to help make your life better:

Provide Support: A mesothelioma lawyer can provide support during the trial. It is difficult for some employees to accuse their employers of exposing them to asbestos. A good mesothelioma lawyer will be able to guide you through the lawsuit process so that you experience as little stress as possible.

Provide Skills: Mesothelioma lawyers will have an exceptional independent working ability. Many mesothelioma patients are in the hospital or are prescribed bed rest and can only make minimal appearances in court. A good lawyer will be able to use the information you have given them to adequately represent you in court and get you the compensation you need to be able to afford you medical expenses.