Exposed to Asbestos at Work
Asbestos is a dangerous group of minerals that, when airborne can cause great risks to individuals exposed to asbestos dust.
Attorney Charlie Contrada is the only mesothelioma lawyer in Northwest Ohio who has handled cases for over 25 years for individuals who have been exposed to asbestos. When someone is exposed to this dangerous group of minerals, there is a chance that they may develop cancer as a result.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is only caused by asbestos exposure. This rare cancer affects the membranes that line the organs in the chest and abdomen, resulting in symptoms that include the following:
- Chest pain
- Painful breathing
- Ongoing Cough
- Fluid build-up
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
How are you exposed to asbestos?
The exposure to asbestos occurs when the minerals are disturbed and released into the air. Those who work in certain industries are at an increased risk for asbestos exposure due to the duties performed at work and the processes in place. Exposure to asbestos can also occur while making products containing asbestos, when working with insulation that contains asbestos, or during construction projects that include demolition or renovation.
Individuals are exposed to asbestos in essentially two ways. The first occurs in the installation of products. This normally happened years ago. The other situation in which people are exposed to asbestos is when materials containing it are taken out or disturbed (i.e. renovation projects). People who changed brakes on their cars could be exposed both putting them on and taking them off.
How does asbestos get into your system?
When asbestos is disturbed, it is released into the air as dust. The inhalation of these minerals puts the individual at risk, as some of the tiny particles can remain within the lungs. According to the American Cancer Society, when the asbestos particles accumulate within the lungs, they can cause scarring and inflammation. The build-up of this scarring and inflammation can then lead to a number of different diseases including the development of mesothelioma.
Latency Period
One of the distinguishing factors of asbestos disease is the long latency period between exposure to the dust and the appearance of symptoms, with the normal range being 25-40 years. The advice that attorney Charlie Contrada gives to individuals who believe that they have developed asbestos disease is that “you are your best witness.” Your personal memory is very important to help find the answers related to your case, including where you may have been exposed to asbestos. Specifics such as where you worked in the past or where you lived can help your case.
Once you begin to have symptoms of asbestos disease, it is critical to contact a mesothelioma lawyer immediately. Doing so will allow them to work with you on your case and increase the chances of you and your family receiving a settlement.
Can I file a mesothelioma claim?
There are two components to a mesothelioma case:
- You have been diagnosed with mesothelioma by a pulmonologist, pathologist, or other specialist.
- You can prove the particular manufacturer of asbestos to which you were exposed.
Attorney Charlie Contrada is the only local mesothelioma lawyer in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan who has handled hundreds of cases the past 25 years. Our law firm has access to a database involving Ohio and Michigan job sites, allowing us to identify whether or not you have been exposed to this dangerous group of minerals. The experience within this area of law has also allowed attorney Contrada and counsel to form relationships with national resources and experts that can provide the necessary evidence to support your mesothelioma claim.
To speak with attorney Charlie Contrada about the asbestos exposure that you experienced at work, call 419.841.4400. You will have the opportunity to have a conversation with attorney Contrada, explain your personal experience, and learn the legal options that you have.