How Likely is it to Get Mesothelioma from Asbestos?

Truthfully, it is not very likely to get mesothelioma from asbestos. But the fact that their illnesses are statistical anomalies is a very small comfort to asbestos exposure victims. The physical effects of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, are bad enough. The psychological impact is even worse. Since mesothelioma has such a long latency period, many of these victims are blindsided by a completely unexpected diagnosis late in life.

A nationwide mesothelioma lawyer cannot go back in time, alter the past, and prevent asbestos exposure. No one can do that. But a lawyer does the next best thing, which is to obtain the compensation that these victims and their families need and deserve. This compensation usually includes money for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering. Substantial punitive damages are usually available in these matters as well.

For many years, industrial exposure victims dominated the news headlines. These victims still suffer and die today. Going forward, most asbestos exposure and mesothelioma victims may be ambient (environmental) exposure victims.

Asbestos, a fireproof and soundproof mineral that also doesn’t conduct electricity, was a go-to ingredient in building materials like:

• Attic insulation,
• Drywall,
• Electrical wire insulation,
• Floor tiles,
• Plumbing insulation, and
• Ceiling tiles.

The workers who handled these materials contracted mesothelioma at an alarming rate, as did the workers who pulled asbestos out of the ground and worked at asbestos-laced commercial facilities.

Although China and other countries still export asbestos-laced building materials and other products to the United States, the number of industrial exposure victims dropped significantly after the EPA forced a phase-out in 1980.

The commercial phase-out had little or no effect on ambient (environmental) exposure, specifically talc-asbestos. Although Johnson & Johnson executives knew the talcum powder was laced with asbestos, the company continued aggressively selling this product, mostly to nonwhite women.

Asbestos fibers in talcum powder could cause mesothelioma. These fibers could also migrate through the fallopian tubes and cause cervical cancer.

Before its demise in the 1980s, the asbestos industry convinced lawmakers to add some procedural hurdles in this area. For example, many states have a statute of repose that cuts off construction defect claims after seven or ten years, even if victims did not know they were sick until decades later.

A nationwide asbestos lawyer has a Plan B in these situations. This plan usually involves Social Security Disability or workers’ compensation.

Frequently, VA disability is Plan A in military asbestos exposure cases. These victims must only prove their mesothelioma or other disease has a service-related connection.

Of all service branches, the Navy was the most notorious asbestos user, especially after the mid-1960s. Around that time, the Navy doubled down on asbestos in shipbuilding, after onboard fires killed several hundred sailors.

Other service branches used asbestos, too, mostly in construction projects. This fireproof mineral was used for other purposes as well, such as asbestos blankets that covered ammunition dumps. Asbestos use was so widespread in all branches that a disproportionate number of mesothelioma victims are military veterans.

These victims may also pursue civil claims against the company that provided asbestos-laced materials, at least in most states.

Mesothelioma victims need and deserve significant compensation. For a confidential consultation with an experienced nationwide mesothelioma lawyer, contact the Throneberry Law Group. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we start working for you.