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Illinois-Asbestos-Attorney-Mesothelioma.jpgA recent study by the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University reveals disparities in the treatment given to elderly lung cancer patients, including those fighting mesothelioma and other deadly cancers. The study shows why it is so important for all mesothelioma patients, regardless of their demographic, to educate themselves and be proactive in their cancer treatment to improve their prognosis and maximize their survival term.

According to the study, which surveyed over 12,000 lung cancer patients at least 80 years old, African American patients were 20% less likely to receive chemotherapy and radiation to treat their condition. Furthermore, the research revealed that patients that lacked a high school education were 15% less likely to receive the same treatment as those with more education.

Another interesting trait uncovered in the study is that men are 40% more likely to receive chemotherapy and radiation treatment than women. The survival benefit associated with combination therapy persisted even after accounting for factors like age, sex, race, income, and individual tumor characteristics.

Jury selection has begun in the first talcom powder asbestos cancer lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey, with opening statements expected to be made a few days later. Legal experts across the country will be keeping an eye on the case after a California jury sided with the defense in a similar case alleging that Johnson & Johnson’s asbestos-contaminated talcum powder products caused a female plaintiff’s mesothelioma cancer.

According to the mesothelioma cancer lawsuit, filed in Middlesex County Superior Court, the plaintiff developed mesothelioma as a result of using Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products, Baby Powder and Shower to Shower. The plaintiff claims that she inhaled asbestos fibers from the contaminated products produced by the defendants and that they knew the products to contain asbestos but chose not to warn users.

In their response to the lawsuit, the defendants denied liability for the plaintiff’s injuries, claiming that faulty tests on their products revealed false positives showing the presence of asbestos. Johnson & Johnson recently had a successful defense of a similar asbestos talcum powder cancer claim in California and the plaintiff’s attorney secured a substantial $22 million jury verdict against Imerys Talc America, Inc. and Vanderbilt Minerals, LLC in California state court.

Last year was a particularly destructive hurricane season. Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, Jose and Maria spread destruction through the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean. The process of recovering from the damage is ongoing, and probably will be for a long time. Cleanup workers have already started clearing damaged structures and rebuilding entire neighborhoods.

Cleanup personnel face unique hazards when it comes to working with the damage from hurricanes. One of the biggest risks is exposure to asbestos. When it comes to cleaning up in the wake of a hurricane, you should be aware of the potential exposure to asbestos as well as your employer’s responsibility to protect you.

The risks of hurricane cleanup

A parent purchasing a fun item for their child expects it to be safe. That’s why many were shocked to hear that about a retail chain store recently recalled several products after concerns about asbestos were brought to light.

Claire’s Stores Inc. recalled at least nine make-up items last month from their shelves following claims that some of their children and teen products contained traces of asbestos. A concerned Rhode Island mother voiced the concern that was confirmed by a lab test. She also happens to be an employee of a law firm that deals with asbestos-related cases.

The mother says that she decided to take some of the makeup she had bought for her daughter to a lab for testing, and to her surprise, the glittery makeup had traces of asbestos. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that known to cause cancer. If inhaled or swallowed, the detected asbestos can lead to both lung damage and cancer. This type of asbestos is also known to cause mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer.

A Missouri Appeals Court recently transferred what could be a precedent setting mesothelioma cancer claim to the state Supreme Court after the court determined that the two sides presented constitutional challenges to Missouri’s 2014 law governing mesothelioma workers’ compensation claims. Filing on behalf of her deceased husband, the plaintiff seeks over $500,000 in benefits under Missouri’s new law for herself and children as dependents while the defendants argue that because the victim’s asbestos exposure took place before the new statute took effect it should not be liable to pay benefits.

According to documents filed with the Missouri Court of Appeals, for 30 years the victim worked as a vinyl tile installer and was repeatedly exposed to asbestos using a material called “cut back,” which is a vinyl adhesive. Many years after retiring, the victim suffered a serious coughing fit in November 2017 and was hospitalized with what doctors ultimately diagnosed as complication from mesothelioma cancer.

In February 2015, the victim filed a workers compensation claim against his employer but succumbed to the diseased while the outcome was still pending. The victim’s spouse then filed an amended complaint listing herself as a dependant and eight children as survivors to receive his benefits. The plaintiff filed her claim under Section 287.200.4 of the Missouri Code which is “for all claims filed on or after January 1, 2014, for occupational diseases due to toxic exposure which result in a permanent total disability or death.”

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