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Who Can File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

January 23, 2023

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Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. When asbestos is inhaled or ingested, fibers become trapped deep in the body’s tissues and accumulate over time, which can cause scarring, inflammation, cell damage, and cancer. Though all forms of asbestos can cause mesothelioma, not all of those who are exposed develop the disease. However, any amount of asbestos exposure is dangerous.

Asbestos is especially damaging to the lungs, frequently resulting in mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the companies responsible for the asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma lawsuits can be filed by a single individual or as part of a class action lawsuit consisting of numerous plaintiffs filing jointly. Either type of lawsuit seeks to compensate those with mesothelioma for medical bills and other related expenses while also holding companies accountable for exposing workers and consumers to the deadly effects of asbestos.

Many manufacturers and other companies that mined or used asbestos in products filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in an effort to avoid mesothelioma lawsuits. However, they were forced to create asbestos trust funds to compensate current and future claims.

Who Is At Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma are those in blue-collar jobs. Workers in the following industries, or who worked in these trades, are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma:

• Aircraft and aerospace trades and manufacturers.
• Automotive trades, particularly brake and clutch mechanics.
• Chemical, cement, and rubber plants.
• Construction, particularly during renovation and demolition of older buildings.
• Custodial and building maintenance.
• Engineering, electrical, and plumbing trades.
• Manufacturing of products containing asbestos.
• Military.
• Mining, especially asbestos and vermiculite.
• Oil trades and refineries.
• Railroad industry.
• Shipbuilding and maritime occupations.
• Steel mill manufacturers.
• Telephone industry, phone cable manufacturers, linemen, and installers.
• Textile factories and industrial garment factories.
• Warehousing industry and trades.

Military veterans have the highest rates of mesothelioma, particularly U.S. Navy veterans. Asbestos was used extensively by the naval armed forces for fire prevention on submarines, ships, aircraft, and in shipyards. Firemen and other first responders are also at risk for asbestos exposure when in older buildings and during disaster response situations.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where in the body it occurs, but commonly include:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain and burning, painful coughing.
• Unusual lumps in the chest under the skin.
• Unintentional or unexplained weight loss.
• Abdominal pain or swelling.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Swelling, a mass or lump of the testicles.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and are interested in filing a personal injury claim, you will need to provide detailed information regarding your diagnosis, such as:

• All medical records supporting your diagnosis, including doctor reports, diagnostic testing results, imaging results, and any other related records.
• Names and contact information of any doctors, specialists, or surgeons who examined you.
• Detailed notes and timelines of your symptoms and when you first noticed symptoms.
• Records of your treatment, medications, and future medical needs related to your diagnosis.

Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Fight on Behalf of Clients Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

If you have been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another type of asbestos-related cancer, our experienced Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler will assess your claim. Call us at 215-569-4000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.