The Maune Raichle Law Firm

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos has long been known to be a carcinogen and has been linked to many serious illnesses including mesothelioma. The vast majority, an estimated 90% of cases of mesothelioma, are directly caused by asbestos exposure. The majority of those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in their jobs, decades prior to developing cancer. Because of the subtleness of early symptoms and the fact that it takes decades to develop, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed but when the diagnosis is confirmed it is almost always determined that the mesothelioma was caused by asbestos.

Asbestos was used in many industries in the US prior to the mid 70's and is still in use in many parts of the world and in a few products in the US. An asbestos ban in the mid 70's effectively stopped the use of the easily inhaled versions of asbestos, but because of the decades it often takes to develop mesothelioma, new cases are being diagnosed every day. Asbestos was known to be a carcinogen and thought to contribute to many illnesses prior to its being banned. Many companies had information about the health effects of asbestos but did not share it with their workers who were in direct contact with the substance.

Courts in many nations, including the US, have ruled that many employers are liable for the illnesses their employees suffered as a result of asbestos exposure. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma are often in the 50's to 70's and are often unaware of the link between their previous asbestos exposure and their mesothelioma. The amount of time available to those diagnosed with mesothelioma to file a lawsuit against their previous employers is limited and many individuals died prior to exploring their legal options.