Between the years 1999 and 2005, over 18,000 individuals died from mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is usually caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos while in a workplace or living environment. Unfortunately, asbestos-related symptoms do not generally begin to show until years or even decades after an individual has been exposed for a long period.
This last fact explains why it took U.S. construction and housing companies so long to realize that exposure to asbestos was dangerous. Despite the fact that workers had been exposed to asbestos throughout the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, it wasn’t until the late 1960s when the connection was finally established. New cases of mesothelioma are still being discovered to this day. Statistics state, in fact, that approximately 2,000 to 3,000 malignant mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and has suffered as a result, your family may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the company the victim worked for while they were exposed. It took years for most companies to implement asbestos protection policies even though new research was constantly being released regarding the dangers of exposure. These companies had a legal obligation to protect their employees and failed to do so in many cases.
Nebraska workers who suffer from mesothelioma and feel it was caused by exposure to asbestos are strongly urged to get in touch with an Omaha, NE mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible. Filing a lawsuit against the guilty company or building corporation may allow your family to receive financial compensation that can be used to cover medical bills, loss of wage costs, and more.
Learn the Facts about Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Nebraska
Residents of Nebraska have a long history of asbestos exposure. Many of our state’s power plants, chemical plants, construction sites, steel mills, oil refineries, and manufacturing plants were originally built using materials containing asbestos. Asbestos has been found in many of our state’s older plants, state and county buildings, and homes. Asbestos has even been found in some of Nebraska’s water systems since some of our water pipes used to be created with asbestos cement.
Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma when asbestos fibers are inhaled and eventually become embedded in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This can lead to inflammation and tumors—some of which may end up cancerous. Not all workers who are exposed to asbestos end up with mesothelioma, but those who do are generally diagnosed anywhere from 10-50 years after their initial exposure.
Some types of asbestos are more likely to cause mesothelioma than others. Crocidolite, one of six common types of asbestos, has been shown to be about 14 times more potent than other types of asbestos in regards to causing cancer. Asbestos is by far the number one contributing factor (by over 80%) to being diagnosed with mesothelioma, but the cancer can also rarely be caused by other elements and factors.
Get Help from an Omaha Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you feel asbestos exposure may have played a role, you deserve peace of mind. There’s a good chance your employer knew about the implications of asbestos exposure yet didn’t enforce protection protocols due to monetary factors. A company should always prioritize the health and safety of its workers, however. To do otherwise is simply unlawful and wrong.
At Welsh & Welsh, we care about the health and safety of Nebraska workers and will not rest until we can help workers get the financial compensation they deserve. Help your family recover by getting in touch with our office today. We can pair you with an experienced Omaha, NE mesothelioma lawyer who can provide a no-cost consultation and tell you if filing a claim is in your best interest.
