11.29.2007

mesothelioma statistics

Mesothelioma Statistics

According to statistics, more than 30% of Americans suffering from mesothelioma-a deadly asbestos-induced lung cancer-were exposed to asbestos while serving their country. Veterans and shipyard workers face the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma or similar diseases because of the extensive use of asbestos in military equipment and products, buildings, ships, and submarines. This is especially true for veterans who served during or after World War II and before the1970s when the government began regulating use of asbestos.


Sadly, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of American veterans have suffered exposure to asbestos, putting them at higher risk of developing asbestosis, mesothelioma, or other illness.


Veterans who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-induced lung cancer such as mesothelioma have legal rights and may be able to recover compensation for their losses and suffering. Only an experienced mesothelioma lawyer will know if you have a valid legal claim.


Navy Veterans at Risk


Asbestos-induced lung cancer is a significant problem among Navy veterans, particularly because the use of asbestos was so very extensive on ships. Virtually no area on a Navy ship built before the 1970s is safe including: • Fire and engine rooms

  • Boiler rooms

  • Navigation rooms

  • Mess halls

  • Sleeping quarters Additionally, commonly used products such as gaskets, cables, insulation, adhesives, valves, and numerous others contained asbestos. Navy veterans, like other veterans, were prone to carry asbestos dust home on their clothes, thereby exposing their loved ones to the dangerous fibers.


Rights of Veterans


Veterans groups across the country have started taking action to ensure their rights are protected. For instance, some veterans organizations have called on Congress to fund early lung cancer detection programs, which is especially important given the long latency period for mesothelioma--usually 30 to 50 years. Individual veterans, and, in some cases, their families, are filing legal claims to hold responsible parties accountable for the suffering caused by asbestos-induced lung disease.


About the Author: If you or a loved one is a veteran who has been diagnosed with asbestos-related disease or illness, please contact an experienced Chicago Workers Compensation Lawyer at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C., serving residents of Chicago, Rockford, Aurora, and surrounding areas of Illinois.

mesothelioma patients

Mesothelioma Patients

Most of the mesothelioma patients are ignorant and innocent. They do not know about the rights of action available to them. Ignorance about their legal rights makes it easy for the evil industrialists to prosper, harm and escape.


Mesothelioma patients should first realize that mesothelioma is a preventable disease; it is caused exclusively due to exposure to asbestos fibers. The industrialists involved in the mining, manufacture and use of asbestos products was well aware of the harmful effects of asbestos. The short-term economic gains from asbestos made blind to the long-term harmful effects from asbestos. Because of this, millions of people around the World suffered while these few amassed fortunes. They did nothing to protect the workers, their families and the society. In fact, they caused much harm by trying to conceal important research reports on the harmful effects of mesothelioma. They tried to bribe authorities and threatened researchers to safeguard their profitable positions. Therefore, mesothelioma patients worldwide have a right to file suit against these evil people to compensate them for their medical expenses, pain and suffering.


Legal Rights: The law gives the following rights to mesothelioma patients against these people who have caused them harm. Every mesothelioma patient has a right to be compensated for all his or her medical expenditure. They do not have to bear even any small part of it.


They have a right to be compensated for all the pain and suffering they have undergone. Most of the times, it is the negligence of the employer or industry that has resulted in the person contracting mesothelioma. Even if you have very little time left on earth, you can opt for a huge compensation to enjoy that little life left or to safeguard the financial situation of your dependents. Immediate action is necessary in case of a mesothelioma diagnosis. File your case immediately using expert legal help. Mostly, mesothelioma lawyers do not charge any fees if they have not won any settlement for you. If they win a settlement, they usually charge a percentage of the settlement as their fees. Make all your paperwork ready before the case appears in court. Provide it to your lawyer and brief him in as detailed manner as possible. The data has to be very comprehensive and in depth.


There may be a situation in which you have no idea about how you contracted the disease. In this case, it is best to consult your lawyer who may be able to guide you in this matter. With his guidance, you can spot the factor that contributed to your contracting this disease. Then, you can proceed in the above stated manner. You have a duty towards your family and dependents and mesothelioma makes you feel guilty that you are unable to perform your duty. The settlement that you win out of your case will help in your children' education and in your spouses old age. So, file your case as soon as you are diagnosed with mesothelioma.


About the Author: Archana Sarat ia a freelance writer and research expert at a medical research firm. to know more about mesothelioma log on to http://www.rarehope.com