Asbestosis or Mesothelioma? “Do I have a Lawsuit?”

Asbestosis is a chronic long-term lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos dust over a prolonged period. However, asbestosis is only one of a number of conditions caused by exposure to asbestos. The condition is most common in men over 40, usually those who have worked in asbestos-related industry. The primary symptom of asbestosis is slow onset of shortness of breath on exertion. Clinically, patients present with dry inspiratory crackles, clubbing of the fingers, and a diffuse fibrotic pattern in the lower lung lobes (where asbestosis is most prevalent). Smoking together with asbestosis is a lethal combination and those with asbestosis who smoke have a 55% greater chance of developing mesothelioma, than non-smokers. The fibrosis associated with asbestosis is normally detected with an X-ray. The first step a doctor usually takes in diagnosing asbestosis is to listen for a crackling sound in the patient’s lungs.

Prevention of further exposure to asbestos following diagnosis of asbestosis is important, as further exposure increases progression. If asbestosis is advanced, the whole lung may be affected, giving it a honeycomb appearance. Coping with asbestosis is extremely unpleasant. Although the condition is not cancerous, asbestos exposure can also cause lung cancer or mesothelioma and, of course, having asbestosis is an indicator of higher risk of contracting other asbestos-related diseases. Whilst no cure for asbestosis is currently available, a number of treatments are available to alleviate
symptoms.

If you intend to litigate, a mesothelioma attorney is essential when you decide to file a mesothelioma lawsuit for compensation due to asbestos exposure. The contingency payment structure (no fee if the case is lost) is best, because the patient is not responsible to pay any legal fees if the mesothelioma attorney is unsuccessful in securing compensation.

The attorney is responsible for mesothelioma settlements involving the firm or the corporation responsible for development of the condition in sufferers. And the goal of a mesothelioma attorney is to prove their client’s exposure to asbestos occurred at the fault of someone else - usually their employer.