South Dakota Mesothelioma Attorneys
Asbestos exposure can cause cancers and non-cancerous respiratory illnesses. All of these asbestos-related illnesses can be fatal. In most victims the symptoms do not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos. If you believe that you have developed an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. Our South Dakota mesothelioma attorneys are here to help.
Asbestosis and Asbestos Pleural Disease
Asbestosis and asbestos pleural disease are non-cancerous illnesses, but they can still kill you. Asbestosis affects the lungs. Asbestos pleural disease affects the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs.
Asbestosis is pulmonary fibrosis caused by asbestos. Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of the lungs. In asbestosis this scarring is progressive. Asbestos fibers are tiny, sharp, and irritating. They cannot be broken down or removed by your immune system. Your immune system attacks the fibers, causing inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, but the fibers remain. As the immune system keeps trying to do its job, more scar tissue is formed reducing lung capacity.
Asbestos pleural disease develops in the same way, but occurs when asbestos fibers work their way out of the lungs and into the pleura.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane which surrounds the internal organs. This membrane is called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers, which were inhaled or ingested, work their way into the mesothelium. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining around the lungs, is the most common type of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma kills most of its victims within a year of diagnosis. It is a very painful form of cancer.
Other cancers
Besides mesothelioma, asbestos can cause cancer throughout the body. Other types of cancer which have been associated with asbestos exposure include:
- Lung cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Colon cancer
- Throat cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Larynx cancer
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma or any asbestos-related illness, please call or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if our South Dakota mesothelioma attorneys agree to handle your mesothelioma claim, they will work on a contingent fee basis, which means they only get paid for their services if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before the expiration of the statute of limitations. Please call our South Dakota mesothelioma attorneys right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.