Mesothelioma is a very serious but rare form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. The most common forms of Mesothelioma affect the lining of the lung (the pleura) or the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). Approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma in the United States each year.

Even a brief or minimal exposure to asbestos can cause Mesothelioma. For example, in several cases we have represented the wives and children of workers who unknowingly brought asbestos dust into their homes on their work clothes. Mesothelioma is also a "dose response" disease. This means that the more a person is exposed to asbestos, the greater the risk he has for developing the disease.

Mesothelioma has a long latency period. This means that victims of Mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos many years before the cancer developed. The average latency period for Mesothelioma is approximately 30 years, but can be shorter than 15 years or longer than 40 years.

Victims of Mesothelioma may also have another asbestos-related disease such as asbestosis or pleural disease. These non-cancerous conditions, although caused by asbestos, are medically separate and distinct diseases from Mesothelioma. Therefore, a disease such as asbestosis does not "develop" into Mesothelioma. Because asbestosis has a shorter latency period than Mesothelioma, some Mesothelioma victims also develop asbestosis many years before developing the cancer. Many medical experts believe that less than 15% of asbestosis victims will ever develop Mesothelioma. Also, a person can develop Mesothelioma but never have asbestosis or any other asbestos-related disease.

If you have mesothelioma, you were likely exposed to asbestos. Many asbestos manufacturers and distributors have known for years that asbestos was hazardous. These companies were well aware of the health implication of their products yet they made the business decision not to warn the public and their customers of those hazards. You may have a right of recovery against those manufacturers because these companies are now being held responsible for compensating mesothelioma sufferers and their families. This could help defray the costs of treatment and provide compensation for you and your loved ones for your pain and suffering.

We are currently focusing our efforts on aiding persons who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. We will review mesothelioma claims anywhere in the country.

More Information

Asbestos Injuries - Mesothelioma Overview