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Texas Mesothelioma Lawyer

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Mesothelioma is a rare but extremely aggressive form of cancer. It occurs in the thin layers of cells lining the internal organs, otherwise known as the mesothilium. These cells become cancerous and divide rapidly, therefore thickening the membrane and the formation of tumors. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, 3,000 new cases of asbestos-related mesothelioma are reported each year. The average age of a mesothelioma patient is 65 years of age, and that's because the disease can have a latency period of 20 to 50 years.

Once asbestos is inhaled through the mouth or nose, the fibers enter the body and embed themselves within the cavities of the lungs. Not only are workers who handled asbestos placed at risk, but also people in the direct vicinity where asbestos fibers were circulating in the air. The human body is unable to process or break down a substance like asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used throughout the 20th century because of its natural resistance to heat and fire. It was often used as insulation in buildings, and it is estimated that it can be found in 700,000 buildings nationwide, therefore allowing for a whole new generation of workers to be placed at risk for exposure to asbestos. New generations are at risk when proper safety procedures are not adhered to whenever there is an incident where asbestos insulation is disrupted, such as in the demolition of a building or removal of original asbestos.

The cancer can take decades to develop, and thus the symptoms are not evident until the cancer is onset. Other signs of mesothelioma are a dry cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, a thickness of the lungs, mineral deposits in the lungs and fluid surrounding the chest, heart, or abdomen. Mesothelioma can occur within the chest, abdomen, heart, or lungs. Typically, it is a challenging type of cancer to diagnose because in the beginning it takes on the properties of other types of cancers. This type of missed or failed diagnosis can lead to individuals not receiving the proper type of treatment. The survival rate for mesothelioma is so low because it usually is not diagnosed until it has reached advanced stages in development.

Workers who were placed at the highest-risk for asbestos exposure were those employed at mines, construction sites, manufacturing facilities, factories, railroad facilities, the railroad, and shipyards. Other types of workers who may have handled asbestos products are roofers, masons, sawyers, plumbers, and carpenters. Asbestos was once considered the perfect product for construction purposes. Asbestos was banned in the United States around the mid-1970s. Long-term exposure obviously increases the possibilities of cancer; however, short-term exposure to large amounts of asbestos can also produce mesothelioma. In addition, individuals that smoke, as well as have a history of asbestos exposure, have an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

It is critical for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos to contact an attorney. The average length of survival after diagnosis is 10 to 11 months, meaning you and your family do not have time to waste. If you were the victim of occupational asbestos exposure, your career may have endangered your life. Everyone deserves a safe working environment, and you also deserve to stand up for your rights. A Texas attorney can assist you through this difficult time and give you the information that you need. If you are a resident of the state of Texas and have been exposed to asbestos because of an occupational hazard, please do not hesitate to contact a lawyer. A lawyer will be able to discuss your rights and options with you.