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Oklahoma Mesothelioma Lawyer

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a malignant from of cancer, which usually infects the lungs. However, the cancer can develop virtually anywhere in the body. Aside from the lungs, the abdomen is the most commonly infected area. Most bodily organs are surrounded by a membrane called a mesothelium, which serves as protection and promotes mobility of certain tissues. Certain toxins can contaminate these tissues, causing various forms of cancer. Individuals who have had long-term exposure to high levels of asbestos are at high risks for developing mesothelioma. When asbestos materials are disturbed, such as during installation or construction, the asbestos can disintegrate into a particulate made of millions of microscopic fibers. These fibers can easily lodge themselves into the mesothelium. Over time, usually 20 to 30 years after initial exposure, an individual may be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Once symptoms appear, a patient usually only has several months months to live.

How do I Know if I Am At Risk for Mesothelioma?

Those who are most at risk for contracting mesothelioma are those who would have been exposed to it at high levels, or for a prolonged period of time, at the workplace. As a result, mesothelioma has been dubbed an occupational disease because it is less likely to develop otherwise. Workers most as risk include shipyard workers, vinyl floor installers, installation installers, contractors, factory workers, steel mill workers, and those in the field of construction. The disease usually develops in individuals who have worked at the same location for a number of years.

Secondary exposure to asbestos can occur at home. For example, spouses of those employed at a high-risk facility can ingest or breathe in asbestos dust, which can cling to clothing and hair. Also, houses built before 1980 are likely to be contaminated with asbestos, and you may need to have an inspector asses your home and remove the toxic minerals. Roof shingles, pipes, and paint have all been known to contain asbestos.

How At Risk Are Oklahoma State Residents for Mesothelioma?

Between the years 1979 and 2000, there were approximately 232 deaths as a result of mesothelioma. There was a total of 336 deaths due to asbestos-related diseases. Many cases of mesothelioma have not yet been detected. It is estimated that these diagnoses are likely to grow in numbers in the next 10 to 20 years. Federal regulations have required employers to provide safety equipment for mesothelioma prevention, but many ignore these guidelines until it is too late. As a result, negligent employers are facing lawsuits. Most of these deaths occurred in people residing in Oklahoma County, where oil refineries are located. Flame retardant clothing warn by factory workers contained high levels of asbestos, and over the years, these workers developed mesothelioma. Although this is not the most at-risk state for mesothelioma, these statistics should still be cause for concern.

How Can I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

There are countless attorneys available in the state of Oklahoma who are more than willing to assess your claims and review your medical history, usually free of charge. If an attorney determines that your case is feasible, and he or she can prove your place of employment was directly related to the onset of the disease, you may have sufficient evidence for filing a claim. Moreover, if your employer did not take appropriate measures to protect you from asbestos, you are may be able to claim negligence. If you have suffered from the loss of a loved, unlawful death charges are likely to be pursued. There are countless lawyers available to handle your case and can be contacted on the Web. It is important to act quickly to ensure you receive compensation you deserve.