Phoenix Mesothelioma Attorneys
Attorney Representation in Phoenix, Arizona Since 1996
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that attacks the membranes around the lungs, the heart and the abdominal cavity. It can metastasize to other organs as well. The primary etiology is occupational exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos dust in the clothing and hair of asbestos workers puts others in the household at a higher risk of asbestos related diseases. Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult because, like other fast-growing cancers, the symptoms are associated with those of a number of other medical conditions. Further, the symptoms do not become apparent for a period of 15 to 50 years or longer after exposure to asbestos. While latency is lengthy, the duration of exposure to asbestos causing mesothelioma can be as short as 30-90 days.
The disease is not unique to the United States. Asbestos was one of the most common industrial materials used globally. In the U.S. alone, studies show that 27.5 million people had exposure to asbestos between 1940 and 1979. The asbestos exposure occurred in many construction sites, shipyards and industrial plants. The military used asbestos for fireproofing and insulation, which led to exposure among those serving from World War I through the Vietnam War. Over the last two decades, the number of deaths per year in this country increased from 2,000 to 3,000, and medical professionals issue that same number of new mesothelioma diagnoses each year.
One would think that Arizona is a hotbed for mesothelioma and asbestos related illnesses given its history with asbestos. The mining and wide commercial use of asbestos began in the late 19th century. The first discovery in the U.S. of chrysotile occurred in 1872 in Arizona. Chrysotile is the white asbestos accounting for approximately 95 percent of the asbestos in the U.S. It is a human carcinogen. A 2007 report from the United States Geological Survey lists 106 naturally occurring asbestos sites in the state. Of those, 96 are predominantly composed of chrysotile asbestos. There were an estimated 75,000 tons of asbestos minerals mined commercially in Gila County, AZ. Mining ended in 1982, and the U.S. banned asbestos in any form by the mid-1990s. Surprisingly, Arizona ranks as 26th in the number of deaths relative to mesothelioma, which shows that every state has had many fatalities from this disease. Sadly, the total death toll will continue to rise for years to come.
Lawsuits filed against asbestos manufacturers and employers began as far back as 1929. The liability assessed to asbestos manufacturers and employers has reached billions of dollars. If you have mesothelioma or if you are seeking justice for the loss of a loved one, call The Breyer Law Offices for a free case evaluation. You and your family have legal options and deserve compensation from the asbestos manufacturers and employers who negligently disregarded the safety of workers. Our Tucson construction injury lawyers have the experience and resources necessary for a successful litigation.
