What Companies Knew About Asbestos Exposure And Mesothelioma

In the early days of mesothelioma diagnosis, patients often thought that their affliction was unavoidable. Many companies that worked with asbestos and employed workers to handle asbestos claimed that they had no idea of its dangers, and that there was nothing they knew suggesting that the workers needed protection. Companies managed to create a common perception that this story was the truth, and many workers believed it and did not seek legal compensation for mesothelioma.

But in fact, the story the companies told was pure fiction. It saved them from facing asbestos cancer damages lawsuits that they wouldn't be able to win. Why? Because it is now clear that malignant mesothelioma could have been prevented, and that the companies had a working knowledge of the dangers of asbestos. They knew what needed to be done to protect workers from malignant mesothelioma, and they knew the risks of using the material. Unfortunately, they just didn't do anything about those risks.

At Belluck & Fox LLP, we help clients afflicted with malignant mesothelioma fight back against the companies that failed to protect them. Whether you are newly diagnosed and don't know what to do, or have only recently decided to hold the negligent company responsible, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about possible compensation.

What Makes Asbestos so Dangerous

The first recorded use of asbestos is during the 1890s. The fibrous material, sourced from mines throughout Canada, saw widespread distribution. It was used in almost every industry, installed somewhere in almost every building, and added to compounds that would eventually be sanded during maintenance. Our website offers an extensive list of different compounds that commonly contained asbestos. If you were exposed to any of these compounds up until 1970, then you may be at risk for asbestos cancer and should consider getting a malignant mesothelioma screening.

It is the fibers of asbestos that attack the body and ultimately cause asbestos cancer. These fibers easily become airborne, and once floating they tend to remain in the air for days. This means that not only does the person working directly with the asbestos become exposed, but also the others on the site. If asbestos is transported, those on the vessel are at risk. Anyone cleaning up at a site where asbestos had been used was also in danger, as the material would be kicked up during the sweeping process where it would be inhaled again.

But most tragically, the companies put workers' families at risk. Only a few particles of asbestos are necessary to cause malignant mesothelioma, and so the men and women left at home were often exposed indirectly. But even this less extreme exposure caused asbestos cancer, leaving many families confused and struggling.

Malignant Mesothelioma defined

Malignant mesothelioma is asbestos cancer. It is a cancer that affects the lining on the outside of many bodily organs, particularly the heart, lungs, and stomach. Cancer causes tumors to pop up within the lining, stopping effective functioning and causing pain. Sometimes the tumors manifest as one large tumor, but they also manifest as a large number of smaller tumors.

Asbestos cancer is most commonly found in the lining around the lungs. In this form, it is called pleural mesothelioma. However, it should not be confused with lung cancer: although it can easily metastasize and spread into the lungs or other surrounding organs, it isn't lung cancer by itself. Apart from pleural cancer, peritoneal cancer is the most common form of the disease. The peritoneum is the lining around the stomach as the pleura is the lining around the lungs, and again peritoneal cancer should not be confused with stomach cancer.

How Workers Were Not Protected By Companies

The companies learned about the dangers of asbestos and risk of malignant mesothelioma and asbestos cancer as early as 1920, only 30 years after the initial introduction of asbestos as a building material. Yet there were no warnings at all, from any company, until the 1970s. And even still some companies did not issue warnings then, when the dangers had been known for over 50 years. Because warnings were not issued, your company may be liable for your exposure to asbestos and the harmful, painful malignant mesothelioma that resulted. Even if your asbestos cancer can't be traced to a clear source of exposure, you are often still able to prove your case: you just need the right resources to trace your history and expose the source of asbestos.

Can Workers Fight Back?

If you have a recent asbestos cancer diagnosis, or know of a family member who does, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your legal options. Once you know your rights, you can proceed wisely and hold companies accountable for withholding information and failing to protect you from the dangers of asbestos.