Diseases Caused by Occupational Exposure to Asbestos

Asbestos-related diseases are typically caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which can damage the lungs and other organs. Some diseases caused by occupational exposure to asbestos include:

• Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue called the mesothelium that covers your internal organs. Mesothelioma is categorized based on what part of the mesothelium is affected. Most cases of mesothelioma affect the tissue around the lungs and are classified as pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma ranks among the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer. Although multiple treatments have been tried, most mesothelioma patients succumb to the disease.
• Lung cancer – Asbestos fibers that get trapped in the lungs greatly increase the risk of developing lung cancer, particularly for persons who have smoked. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, particularly when cancer metastasizes, or spreads to other parts of the body. Whereas mesothelioma is a cancer of the covering over the lung, lung cancers are found inside the tissue of the lung itself. Treatments focus on reducing symptoms and increasing the longevity of life.
• Laryngeal cancer – While most people think about the dangers of inhaling asbestos fibers, most exposed people also swallowed microscopic asbestos particles as they worked. Asbestos also is a known cause of cancer of the larynx, the part of the throat under the voice box.
• Asbestosis – Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibers. Symptoms usually don’t begin to manifest until years after the first exposure. The severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe. With continued exposure and as the disease progresses, the asbestos fibers in the lungs cause further scarring of the lung tissue. The lungs may become too stiff to expand and contract normally, making breathing difficult.
• Pleural plaques – Pleural plaques are often the first type of asbestos damage seen on X-rays or CT scans of the lungs. Plaques are generally hardened tissue of the covering of the lung, called the pleura. Plaques are often not disabling but can be if they cover a large area of the lung. While pleural plaques don’t become cancerous, they clearly indicate extended exposure to asbestos.
• Pleural effusion – Pleural effusion is a disease involving the build-up of excess fluid on the tissues surrounding the lungs. Those tissues normally contain small amounts of fluid and serve to facilitate the process of breathing. Pleural effusion has many different causes. Exposure to asbestos is one of the rarer causes. Sometimes, individuals have fluid that continues to accumulate in the pleura. These are called “recurrent pleural effusions” and can indicate mesothelioma.

Types of Potential Claims for Workplace Asbestos Exposure

Individuals exposed to asbestos at work may be able to pursue compensation for their illness from multiple sources. Here are some of the most common types of potential claims for workplace asbestos exposure:

• Asbestos bankruptcy trust funds – Asbestos bankruptcy trusts include funds set up by hundreds of companies that filed for bankruptcy over the past few decades. The bankruptcies were due, at least in part, to asbestos-related liability. Persons who develop asbestos-related diseases due to products manufactured by these companies can turn to these funds to recover compensation. However, even if a plaintiff can prove a claim against a company that took part in the bankruptcy trust, the trust funds typically only pay cents on the dollar for the company’s liability. There are, however, billions of dollars in these asbestos trusts. That money is dedicated to paying individuals with asbestos diseases with appropriate proof of disease and exposure.
• Asbestos settlements and litigation – When solvent and operating companies bear liability for a person’s asbestos-related disease, the injured party can pursue a claim directly against the company. These claims often trigger fierce settlement negotiations and litigation over the company’s liability. Those companies may claim that an injured party cannot prove the company contributed to the injured victim’s asbestos-related disease. Highly experienced asbestos attorneys can address these defenses in the appropriate case.
• Workers’ comp benefits – People exposed to asbestos on the job who developed illnesses as a result may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. North Carolina law provides benefits for lost wages and medical bills in some cases as well as compensation for a spouse or next-of-kin in the case of the death of an exposed person.
• SSD and veterans’ benefits – Many asbestos-related diseases are considered totally disabling medical conditions. As a result, affected individuals may be entitled to file a claim for Social Security Disability benefits. Persons whose asbestos exposure primarily occurred during military service may be entitled to file a claim for benefits with Veterans Affairs. VA benefits can include monthly payments and a lifetime right to receive health care from any facility in the VA network.