Exposure to asbestos can lead to severe, life-threatening diseases including asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Overview

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral derived from the Greek word inextinguishable. It was formerly used for making incombustible or fireproof articles. Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength.

Common products containing asbestos are brake pads, pipe coverings, boilers, furnaces, roofing material, and building insulation.

Occupational risks of asbestos exposure are shipbuilding, mechanics, building, demolition, and utility workers.

All forms of asbestos are hazardous, and all can cause cancer. Between 1940 and 1979, over 27 million people were exposed to asbestos. Since the 1980s, many countries have banned asbestos. Asbestos was banned in US in the 1970s for commercial use.

Asbestos Related Diseases

There are several different kinds of diseases that are related to exposure to asbestos fibers. The two main diseases are asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Asbestosis: is a non-cancerous disease affecting the lungs. The symptoms of Asbestosis include:

• Shortness of breath
• Respiratory failure

Mesothelioma: is a malignant form of cancer that most commonly affects the lungs. The symptoms of mesothelioma include:

• chest wall pain
• pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
• shortness of breath
• fatigue or anemia
• wheezing, hoarseness, or cough

Do I Have an Asbestos Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Asbestos induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Asbestos, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Tort Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.