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Each year, thousands of Americans die as a result of exposure to asbestos, and those in certain industries—particularly Navy, construction, power plant, and railway workers—may be at a higher risk. Though asbestos has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer for decades, it can also cause other lung conditions and diseases like asbestosis. In this article, we explain more about the various harms that asbestos exposure can cause, as well as the options available if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung disease or lung cancer after occupational exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos-Related Lung Disease
One of the most common asbestos-related lung diseases is asbestosis, a condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which scars the lungs. And unfortunately, those who develop asbestosis as a result of asbestos exposure can also be at a higher risk of asbestos-related lung cancers.
Some symptoms of asbestosis include:
- Shortness of breath
- A dry cough that persists for months or years
- Weight loss caused by loss of appetite
- Widening and rounding of the fingers and toes (clubbing)
- Chest pain or chest tightness
Although the damage to one’s lungs due to long periods of asbestos exposure can be serious, there are options available to lessen your symptoms and improve comfort. And if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestosis, you may be entitled to compensation.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancers
Who is at risk of lung cancer due to asbestos exposure?
Exposure to asbestos can often occur during the demolition or remodeling of older houses or buildings, many of which used asbestos insulation, floor tiles, cement, and other asbestos-containing products. Those who work in certain occupations are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure, including:
- Power plant workers
- Navy workers
- Shipyard workers
- Railroad workers
- Assembly workers
- Electrical workers
- Maintenance workers
- Auto mechanic workers
Because asbestos is naturally corrosion-resistant and flame-retardant, it was an incredibly popular building material for decades. However, asbestos is no longer produced or used in the U.S., and it hasn’t been used in construction since the mid-1970s.
How asbestos causes lung cancer
Cancer develops when cells are genetically damaged, causing out-of-control growth. As tumors form, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the lymph nodes. When someone inhales enough asbestos fibers to cause chronic lung irritation, these fibers can damage the cells enough to cause them to become cancerous.
Most asbestos-related lung cancers will begin to form between 15 and 35 years after exposure began. The level of asbestos exposure can also determine when cancer will develop; heavy exposure generally causes cancer to develop sooner, while those who had light exposure near the beginning of their career may not develop cancer for decades.
Some risk factors of asbestos-related lung cancers include:
- The length and level of asbestos exposure
- Genetic risk of cancer (especially lung cancer)
- History of smoking or tobacco use
- Weight, blood pressure, and overall health
For those who have a history of asbestos exposure and smoke (or smoked in the past), the risk of lung cancer can increase significantly. Smoking reduces the ability of one’s lungs to filter asbestos fibers, which can increase the impact these fibers have on lung health. If you’re a smoker or former smoker who has been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with lung cancer, you may be entitled to financial damages.
Understanding Asbestos-Related Lung Cancers
Although lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the U.S. (and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths), relatively few cases of lung cancer occur due to asbestos exposure. However, lung cancer is so common that asbestos-related lung cancers on their own are responsible for about 6,000 deaths each year.
The symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancers are similar to those of asbestosis. They include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic cough
- Coughing up blood
- Unintended and unexpected weight loss
- Excessive fatigue
Types of asbestos-related lung cancers: pleural mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer
Mesothelioma is the most well-known type of asbestos-related lung cancer; however, it’s not the only type. Plural mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that develops in the mesothelium—the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma is caused only by asbestos exposure, while lung cancer may be caused by asbestos exposure, tobacco use, radon exposure, or some combination of multiple factors.
Asbestos lung cancer develops inside the lung rather than in the mesothelium. Often, cancer with asbestosis may be detected, which is one reason it’s so important for those with asbestosis to see a pulmonologist regularly for screenings and lung function tests.
Both mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer can take decades to develop. However, once cancer cells can be detected, it may be a short time before they metastasize or spread to other parts of the body, making treatment more challenging.
Treatment Options for Asbestos-Related Lung Cancers
Unfortunately, the lung damage caused by asbestos can’t be reversed. However, if lung cancer or mesothelioma is detected early, there are treatment options that can limit the spread of cancer and improve your quality of life. These include:
- Surgery (including a lung transplant)
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted gene therapies
Some mesothelioma and lung cancer sufferers aren’t diagnosed with the disease until it has spread enough to cause noticeable symptoms. For those whose lung cancer isn’t detected until after it spreads to the lymph nodes or other organs, treatment options will be focused not only on targeting the cancer, but also on reducing pain and providing comfort. Certain types of radiation may slow tumor growth, while prescription pain medications and breathing treatments may help you remain mobile and maintain your quality of life.
Our Asbestos Lawyers Can Help You Fight Back
The Ferraro Law Firm has helped injured people stand up to asbestos manufacturers and large employers for decades. Large construction companies and manufacturers often try to hide behind their legal teams when those injured by their products or policies stand up to them. Few law firms have the skills and resources that it takes to challenge these corporations: but The Ferraro Law Firm does.
For over 30 years, our asbestos attorneys have helped consumers seek justice against corporations for manufacturing asbestos or allowing workers to be exposed to asbestos without appropriate protective equipment. They are prepared to do the same for you. If you’ve been harmed by asbestos, you may be able to recover financial damages to help compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the other consequences you’ve suffered as a result of asbestos exposure.
Contact our asbestos lawyers today for a free legal consultation. Our services are free unless you win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
How do I know if I need a mesothelioma lawyer for my case?
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease—or suspect that you were exposed to asbestos in a work setting or through asbestos-containing products—speaking with a mesothelioma lawyer can help clarify your legal rights. At Ferraro Law, we assess the details of your situation, identify companies responsible, and explain the legal process so you can determine if pursuing a claim aligns with your needs.
02.
What can I expect from working with a mesothelioma law firm?
A reputable mesothelioma law firm like Ferraro Law offers more than legal advice—we provide empathy, transparency, and a strategic approach tailored to your circumstances. Our attorneys will gather evidence, consult with medical experts familiar with asbestos-related illnesses, and explore options such as asbestos trust funds. Throughout the legal process, we remain committed to open communication, ensuring you feel informed and supported.
03.
Will I need to go to court if I’m seeking compensation for asbestos exposure?
Not all asbestos cases require a trial. Many mesothelioma lawsuits lead to settlements that fairly address medical expenses, lost income, and other hardships. However, if a settlement isn’t possible, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to represent you in trial. Ferraro Law’s priority is to help you pursue compensation that encompasses your full experience, whether it’s achieved through negotiation or litigation.
04.
How long does asbestos litigation usually take?
Every case is unique. Timelines depend on factors like the complexity of your mesothelioma diagnosis, how quickly we can identify liable parties, and the responsiveness of the defense. While some matters resolve in months, others may take longer. At Ferraro Law, we keep you informed at every turn, providing realistic expectations and ongoing guidance so you never feel lost in the legal process.
05.
How can a mesothelioma law firm help me handle the financial burdens of my illness?
From paying medical bills to lost wages, patients diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease often face significant financial pressure. Our legal representation focuses on securing the resources you need, whether through mesothelioma settlements, compensation from asbestos trust funds, or, if necessary, court-awarded damages. By holding companies responsible for unsafe conditions and negligence, we strive to ease your financial burdens so you can focus on your health and treatment.
06.
How do I know if my asbestos exposure is connected to my mesothelioma diagnosis?
Establishing a link between asbestos exposure and a mesothelioma diagnosis often involves examining your work history, living conditions, and any direct contact with asbestos containing products. At Ferraro Law, our team will gather evidence, review employment records, and consult with medical experts to confirm exposure sources. This thorough investigation helps us demonstrate the role asbestos-related factors played in your illness, which is essential for building a solid legal claim.
07.
Is it too late to file a mesothelioma claim if I was diagnosed years ago?
Each state has its own statute of limitations affecting how long after an asbestos-related diagnosis you can file a claim. Even if years have passed, it may still be possible to pursue asbestos lawsuits or tap into available asbestos trust funds. Ferraro Law’s attorneys stay informed on these deadlines and will assess your case to determine the best path forward, ensuring you don’t miss an opportunity to seek compensation.
08.
What if I’m not sure which companies are responsible for my asbestos exposure?
Identifying companies responsible for your asbestos exposure can be complex, especially if decades have passed since you were first exposed to asbestos. We conduct in-depth investigations, consult industry records, and utilize established databases on known asbestos companies. By pinpointing all liable parties, we can build a case that reflects the full scope of their responsibility and work to achieve a favorable outcome.
09.
Can a mesothelioma law firm assist if my loved one passed away from asbestos-related illness?
Yes. If your family member died due to asbestos related disease, including conditions like mesothelioma cancer, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Ferraro Law’s empathetic attorneys understand the emotional toll this situation places on families. We’ll guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and pursue compensation that acknowledges both the personal loss and financial burdens you’ve endured.
10.
How do mesothelioma settlements differ from other forms of compensation?
Mesothelioma settlements are agreements reached between your mesothelioma law firm and the liable parties’ representatives. Unlike a trial verdict, which involves a judge or jury, settlements are negotiated resolutions. They often provide a more predictable and timely way to cover your medical bills, living expenses, and other losses. At Ferraro Law, we negotiate from a position of strength, aiming for a settlement that genuinely reflects your needs. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, our seasoned trial attorneys are prepared to seek justice in court.
11.
Will hiring a mesothelioma lawyer add to my financial strain?
We understand the financial worries that come with asbestos exposure and a serious diagnosis. Ferraro Law operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we achieve a successful outcome. This arrangement removes immediate cost barriers and allows you to focus on your well-being, knowing you have dedicated, risk-free legal representation on your side.
12.
Can Ferraro Law handle my case if I live outside of Florida?
Absolutely. We represent clients nationwide. Our extensive experience in complex litigation and specialized claims means that we can effectively advocate for your rights, no matter where you live.
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When individuals and families face the challenges of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure—coping with complex treatments, escalating costs, and emotional strain—they turn to Ferraro Law for clarity, guidance, and steadfast support. Through meticulous case preparation, empathetic counsel, and strategic representation, our attorneys build compelling cases that secure meaningful settlements to cover medical expenses, provide financial relief, and offer a path toward stability during difficult times.
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If you need an attorney that operates at the highest level, that attorney is Daniel J. Di Matteo.
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Ferraro Law is wonderful and I am forever grateful to them. My attorney Daniel Di Matteo fought like a tiger for me against a multibillion dollar corporation and obtained a substantial settlement for me. This settlement is life changing for me. If you need an attorney call Ferraro Law and if you’re lucky Daniel will take your case.
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