Asbestos cases have been common in the United States since the 1980s. Asbestos typically does not cause harm to human beings when it is in the form of a solid. However, asbestos often fractures into small pieces that can be inhaled by people who are near these small pieces.
These pieces become lodged in the lungs and can cause medical problems years later. Asbestos exposure cases are some of the most complex personal injury cases that occur in the United States. A South Carolina asbestos exposure lawyer can help guide you and your family through this difficult time. Our skilled Summerville personal injury lawyers are ready to help you get the compensation and recovery you deserve.
The Most Common Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is dangerous, and the following are some of the most common signs that someone has been exposed to asbestos:
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic cough
- Mesothelioma
- Respiratory inflammation
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Organ failure
- Lung cancer
Asbestos may go undetected in the body for years before it produces discernible symptoms. Unfortunately, it is difficult to treat the conditions that asbestos exposure causes in human beings.
The Workplace and Asbestos Exposure
Numerous industries have histories associated with asbestos and other chemicals. During specific periods from 1900 to 1990, asbestos was used in the automotive, ship construction, and textile industries. The following industries are commonly associated with past asbestos use:
- Paper mills
- Pipe coverings
- Corrosive chemical containers
- Insulation
- Coatings and sealants
- Laboratory materials
- Engine components
- Electrical companies
- Automotive manufacturing
- Cement piping
- Boiler construction
Workers who were employed in these industries during the twentieth century may have medical complications due to asbestos exposure. It can be difficult to diagnose yourself, and if you are seeking an asbestos exposure attorney, then you need to seek medical treatment immediately to ascertain whether asbestos exposure has caused your symptoms.
Common Household Products and Asbestos Exposure
Before 1980, many household products contained asbestos. The following are some of the most common products from the past that featured asbestos as an ingredient:
- Kitchen appliances
- Portable heating devices
- Irons
- Portable hair dryers
An item may contain asbestos, but this does not mean that slight exposure will lead to medical complications. Many appliances that contained asbestos would not have exposed individuals to asbestos unless the appliance was dismantled.
Friable Asbestos
Many products imported into the United States before 1980 may have contained asbestos. The following products manufactured before 1980 may contain friable asbestos:
- Fireproof items for stoves
- Electric blankets
- Yarn
- Crayons
- Artificial snow for Christmas trees
- Duct tape
- Covers for ironing boards
- Blackboards
It can be difficult to determine which products contain asbestos without utilizing the resources of a laboratory. If you have questions about possible exposure to asbestos, then you should speak to a Summerville asbestos exposure attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. Sometimes it may take as long as forty years after being exposed to asbestos for the negative effects of the exposure to become discernible.
Any type of exposure to asbestos is potentially dangerous. All types of asbestos are injurious to human health. Also, any person who has had contact with asbestos may suffer serious bodily injuries. Documenting your asbestos exposure and your symptoms is critical to any civil lawsuit that you bring against a defendant.
Illnesses Caused by Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a long-lasting and durable component. The fibers individuals inhale may remain in the lungs for long periods of time. The following lung problems may be caused by asbestos exposure:
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma may affect the inner body cavity of the body and the lungs. Oftentimes mesothelioma will be present in the inner lining of the abdomen. Asbestosis may be an early sign of mesothelioma.
The Most Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma
It is necessary to determine if you are experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma. If you can detect mesothelioma early, then you are more likely to seek out medical treatment that may prolong your life. The following are some of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma:
- Weak muscles
- Chronic fatigue
- High fever
- Rapid weight loss
- Wheezing
- Dry cough
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Respiratory problems
Physical examinations conducted by a physician are often the best way to detect early signs of mesothelioma. Blood work and x-rays may also be able to pick up on signs that you are suffering from mesothelioma. These early symptoms can alert you about other underlying medical problems that may be caused by asbestos exposure.
Report to Your Employer if You Were Exposed to Asbestos at the Workplace
Individual employees who work in particular industries may be more likely to experience asbestos exposure. You need to notify your employer if you think you have been exposed to asbestos at the workplace. Do not delay if you suspect that you are experiencing physical symptoms due to your asbestos exposure.
An employer needs to know immediately if asbestos is located at the workplace. You should notify your employer of any workplace injuries you suffered as well. It may be that you do not know if you have been exposed to asbestos at your place of employment. Asbestos exposure does not typically cause immediate symptoms.
If many years have passed since your asbestos exposure, then you may need to speak to an asbestos exposure lawyer in Summerville about filing legal claims against the party responsible for your exposure.
Seek Out the Advice of a Physician
It is also necessary to seek out the professional advice of a physician as soon as possible after you notice any symptoms that may be related to asbestos exposure. Your doctor may want to keep track of your developing symptoms to make sure that your physical condition does not deteriorate.
Receiving medical treatment for your injuries is essential to your asbestos exposure case. Also, you need to make sure that you provide your attorney with access to the medical records that document the treatment you received.
Contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has years of experience representing clients who suffered injuries due to asbestos exposure. Many asbestos exposure cases are technical, complex, and lengthy. Our experienced attorneys can answer your questions and protect your legal rights. Call an asbestos exposure attorney in Summerville to schedule a consultation today.
