How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Cancer? 2024

Most people are aware that asbestos can cause mesothelioma, but it is natural to wonder how much asbestos exposure causes cancer. The reality is that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure; any amount has the potential to cause mesothelioma. If a person has been exposed just one time, asbestos particles that enter their body can cause mesothelioma to develop over a period of years or even decades.

Taking steps to prevent exposure to asbestos is crucial, but it is also vital to know what you can do if you or a loved one has been exposed and developed a medical issue. Early detection is crucial for symptom management and extending lifespan, but knowing your legal options is critical as you can potentially secure substantial compensation for medical bills and other damages if you can prove another party is responsible for your exposure.

How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was previously used in a wide range of manufacturing and construction projects. Years later, after asbestos had been widely used throughout the United States, it was discovered that exposure to this substance can cause mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer.

Asbestos fibers are very small, very sharp, and light enough to remain suspended in still air for days at a time. These fibers can be ingested or inhaled, and once they enter the body, they will be embedded in various tissues, where they will begin to cause mesothelioma to form. Many workers in factories that produced asbestos products suffered these effects, as did many people living and working in buildings that used asbestos for insulation.

It takes years for mesothelioma to cause noticeable symptoms, and when these symptoms begin to appear, they are often mistaken for less serious medical issues. This, unfortunately, means that by the time many people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, their conditions have already deteriorated to critical levels, and their treatment will focus on comfort and symptom management during their remaining time.

The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the pleura lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers are inhaled where they embed in lung tissue, causing the disease to form and eventually cause a host of difficult respiratory symptoms. When fibers are ingested, they can cause peritoneal mesothelioma to form, which affects the abdominal cavity and causes nausea and other symptoms that will gradually worsen over time.

Legal Options for a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is understandable to have many questions and concerns about your diagnosis and your legal options. Depending on how and where you were exposed to asbestos, you may have grounds for legal recourse against another party, such as a current or former employer, a property owner, a business, or a manufacturer.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine fault for your condition and, if fault is established, hold that party accountable for the harm they have caused. Mesothelioma can incur substantial medical expenses, prevent you from working, and cause severe physical and psychological distress. If another party is responsible for these damages, you have the right to seek accountability and compensation for the losses you have suffered.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does Asbestos Take to Cause Cancer?

A: Asbestos can take a long time to cause cancer. If asbestos particles enter the body through inhalation, they can be embedded in the lungs, and if they are ingested, they can embed in the abdomen. Over time, these embedded particles cause mesothelioma to develop. It can take many years for the disease to progress to the point where the victim starts experiencing symptoms, and sometimes this can take decades.

Q: Can I File a Lawsuit for Asbestos Exposure?

A: Yes, you can file a lawsuit for asbestos exposure if your exposure has caused you to develop mesothelioma or another illness. You must prove how, when, and where you were exposed to determine which party is liable for your condition. Once you have established fault, you can claim compensation for all related damages, such as your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Q: Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Asbestos Exposure at Work?

A: Yes, you likely qualify to file a workers’ compensation claim if you were exposed to asbestos at work. If the exposure has caused any negative health effects that diminish your ability to perform your job duties, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may provide medical expense coverage along with disability benefits during the time you are unable to work. Note that every state has different workers’ compensation laws, and not all employers carry this insurance.

Q: How Do I Prove Where I Was Exposed to Asbestos?

A: Proving where you were exposed to asbestos can be one of the most challenging aspects of this type of case. Due to the long incubation period of mesothelioma, it is possible for a person to start noticing symptoms years or even decades after they were exposed to asbestos. An experienced attorney will know which records you need to review to help you determine exactly when, where, and how you were exposed.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Resolve an Asbestos Case?

A: The time required to resolve an asbestos case can vary greatly from case to case. Once you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related medical condition, it is important that you work with a skilled attorney who can help you accurately prove the exact source of your exposure. This may require an extensive review of building records, your work history, past hygiene item usage, and much more.

The team at Wallace & Graham, P.A., has years of professional experience handling a wide range of complex asbestos-related civil claims, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you. If you have developed cancer from asbestos exposure, trust our team to help you ensure accountability. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about the legal services we offer.