Are You Suffering From An Asbestos-Related Disease?
At Savinis, Kane, & Gallucci, our team of litigators offers tough, effective legal representation for people who have been harmed by exposure to asbestos.
Since the 1930s, manufacturers were well aware of the link between asbestos exposure and diseases such as asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Despite this knowledge, manufacturers did nothing to protect or warn people of these dangers. In fact, these materials were used in a variety of products, including:
- Insulation
- Fire-retardant materials
- Gaskets
- Floor tiles
- Cement
- Shingles
Asbestos was not regulated until the 1970s, although certain products, such as brake pads, contained asbestos until the 1990s. People who worked in many different industries were at risk for asbestos exposure.
For example, people working in shipyards, steel mills, power stations, railroads and other locations were exposed to asbestos for years. Secondhand exposure to asbestos can also lead to serious diseases. For instance, workers who unintentionally bring home asbestos fibers in their clothing from work could have exposed their spouses and loved ones to asbestos.
What Are The Health Effects Of Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction, manufacturing and industrial settings due to its heat resistance and durability. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, microscopic fibers can become airborne and inhaled. These fibers can lodge in the lungs and other tissues, causing serious and often irreversible health conditions.
Workers in Pennsylvania shipyards, steel mills and power stations, as well as family members exposed through contaminated clothing, remain at risk for asbestos-related diseases like these:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers over time. It leads to scarring of lung tissue, resulting in shortness of breath, persistent coughing and increased risk of respiratory failure. There is no cure, and symptoms often worsen with age.
- Lung cancer: This cancer may develop after prolonged asbestos exposure, especially among individuals who smoke. The disease may remain undetected until advanced stages, making early diagnosis and legal intervention critical.
- Laryngeal cancer: Affecting the voice box, laryngeal cancer has been linked to asbestos exposure through inhalation. Symptoms include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and persistent throat pain. Treatment often involves surgery or radiation.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and has a poor prognosis. Legal claims often focus on mesothelioma due to its strong link to occupational exposure.
- Ovarian cancer: Studies have shown a connection between asbestos exposure and ovarian cancer, particularly in cases involving contaminated talc products. This form of cancer can be difficult to detect early and may require extensive treatment.
- Pleural disorders: These disorders include pleural plaques, thickening and effusions. Pleural conditions affect the lining of the lungs and often cause chest pain, breathing difficulties and increased vulnerability to other diseases.
Understanding the health effects of asbestos exposure is essential for individuals seeking justice and compensation. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, legal guidance from a skilled lawyer can help protect your rights and secure the financial support you and your family deserve.
You Deserve A Strong Advocate On Your Side
If you or a loved one is suffering from an asbestos-related disease, it is vital that you have skilled legal counsel on your side. Our Pittsburgh asbestos and disease victim lawyers have taken asbestos claims for people in a variety of professions in Pennsylvania and nationally.
Asbestos lawsuits can proceed on a theory of negligence or strict liability. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our lawyers can readily determine what is the most effective strategy in your asbestos lawsuit. We fully understand all strategic aspects of your case such as where to file an asbestos claim and how to file an asbestos claim.
Contact Savinis, Kane, & Gallucci ∙ Free Initial Consultation
Call 412-903-9620 or complete our contact form to get in touch with our law firm. Our Pennsylvania asbestosis and lung cancer attorneys accept all cases on a no-recovery, no-fee basis. You will not pay attorney’s fees unless we are successful in your case.