The Danger of Asbestos-Related Diseases In The Workplace
Compensation for Asbestos-Related Diseases
Indiana native Steve McQueen is one of the most famous people who has suffered from mesothelioma. Before he became an American icon and actor, he cleaned asbestos insulation from pipes on a Marine ship. Only one year after being diagnosed, McQueen died from a heart attack after a surgery to remove a mesothelioma tumor. Indiana lawyers handling mesothelioma cases see this happen all the time and are dedicated to helping victims and their families recover fair compensation for their family’s loss.
Unfortunately, The King of Cool, as McQueen was otherwise known, is only one of many to suffer from asbestos-related diseases. There were 596 mesothelioma and asbestos deaths in Indiana from 1999–2008, putting the state at 17th in the nation for asbestos-related deaths.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was used before the 1980s in steel, auto, electrical parts, chemical manufacturing, rubber and coal industries for its strength and resistance to fire and chemicals. Extended exposure to asbestos is directly linked to a range of deadly diseases that take decades to appear, including:
- Malignant mesothelioma: This involves an aggressive cancer found on the outer lung surface or lining of the abdominal cavity. The average prognosis is less than one year after diagnosis.
- Asbestosis: This is an irreversible lung condition caused by extended inhalation of asbestos fibers that creates scar, making breathing progressively more difficult. The condition progresses, even though exposure ceases.
- Lung cancer: While there are many causes of lung cancer, a person who smokes and is exposed to asbestos is 55 times more likely to develop lung cancer than a person who does not smoke and is not exposed to asbestos.
If you have been diagnosed with or have recently lost a loved one to an asbestos-related disease, an Indianapolis, IN mesothelioma attorney with experience in mesothelioma cases can advocate for your right to compensation. Contact the Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation from attorneys who have been publicly recognized by peers for their high ethical standards and legal abilities.
