North Carolina Asbestosis Lawyer

Asbestosis is a devastating illness, even more so because while it may take decades to slowly manifest, the sudden onset of severe symptoms can be extremely painful. Asbestosis can also be challenging to treat, and the cost of this treatment could be incredibly costly.

If you suspect you have asbestosis or have been diagnosed with the disease, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

The North Carolina asbestosis lawyers at Ward Black Law have spent years helping people with asbestos-related illnesses recover the money they deserve. Asbestos cases are one of our firm’s core focus areas, and that proficiency has helped our clients claim significant compensation for their injuries.

While we are based in North Carolina, we can assist individuals who have had asbestos exposure or developed mesothelioma outside of North Carolina as well. Our expertise and commitment to helping those affected by asbestos-related diseases extend beyond state lines.

To find out more about how we can help you, contact our office for a free initial consultation.

What Is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a respiratory condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestos exposure is usually related to the workplace. When workers handle asbestos or products containing it, tiny fibers can break off and cling to the skin, clothes, and other surfaces. From there, these fibers can be ingested or inhaled.

Although the federal government regulated the use of asbestos decades ago, the effects of asbestos exposure are still seen today.

Asbestos causes such serious illnesses when ingested or inhaled because our bodies can’t break these fibers down. Asbestosis is one illness that can result from the inhalation of these fibers. After the asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can damage and scar the tissue on the inside of the lungs. This scarring can cause the tissue to harden, making it difficult for patients to breathe and other complications.

Asbestosis Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of asbestosis include:

How is Asbestosis Diagnosed?

It can take a long time from the initial asbestos exposure for someone to develop asbestosis. Like mesothelioma, asbestosis can take decades to fully manifest, even while asbestos fibers continue to damage the lungs.

Once symptoms have begun, a doctor will likely ask a suspected asbestosis patient about their work history and whether they have had to work near asbestos or asbestos-containing products. A doctor may use a stethoscope to listen to a patient’s lungs and listen for the telltale crackling sound that often indicates someone has asbestosis.

If a doctor isn’t completely sure of their diagnosis, they may order additional tests to confirm whether the patient has asbestosis. These tests could include X-rays, CT scans, and further breath tests. If the asbestosis diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will outline a course of treatment.

Asbestosis Treatment and Prognosis

Asbestosis can be challenging to treat because the lungs may have already suffered extensive damage by the time someone has been diagnosed. Furthermore, there’s no cure for the condition, so treatment options are generally aimed at helping improve patients’ quality of life and slowing the spread of the illness.

Some potential treatment options include:

• Medication — Asbestosis can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, making it difficult for patients to breathe and causing pain when coughing. Certain medications can help drain the fluid in the lungs or minimize how much is secreted, making it easier for patients to breathe and stay comfortable.
• Supplemental oxygen — Many asbestosis patients are prescribed a portable oxygen tank to help them breathe more easily. While portable oxygen does not treat the underlying illness, it makes life more comfortable.
• Exercise therapy — A carefully designed exercise regimen can help asbestosis patients improve their lung function, which helps their quality of life.
• Surgery — By carefully removing damaged tissue in the lungs, doctors can help mitigate the spread of the disease.
• Lung transplant — A lung transplant is the only treatment for asbestosis that can reverse its effects. However, a lung transplant is a complicated procedure, and it can take a long time to find a suitable donor.

Asbestosis vs. Mesothelioma: What Are the Differences?

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos, but some key differences between the two diseases include:

• Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, but asbestosis is not — This is a huge difference, as mesothelioma can spread aggressively if it metastasizes. While asbestosis can cause severe lung damage, it will not spread beyond the lungs.
• Different treatments — Treatments for mesothelioma include many therapies commonly used to treat cancer, such as radiation and chemotherapy. The treatments for asbestosis are generally less invasive and have fewer side effects.
• Long-term prognosis — Someone diagnosed with mesothelioma typically has only a few months or years to live because of how quickly the disease can spread once it manifests. But an asbestosis patient may be able to live for a long time with the illness if it’s caught early enough and they get proper treatment.

Filing an Asbestosis Lawsuit in North Carolina

Because asbestosis can take years or decades to manifest, it can be challenging to recover compensation from the liable parties. But as long as you file a lawsuit within three years of your diagnosis, you should be able to pursue compensation for your injuries. An attorney can help you identify how you were exposed, who may be liable for your illness, and what you may be able to recover in compensation.