Asbestos News: Philadelphia Asbestos Verdict $25.2 Million The jury in the case of Baccus v. Crane Co. recently awarded James Baccus’ Estate $25.2 million in compensatory and punitive damages.; Navy Firefighter Awarded $2.6 Million for Asbestos Related Cancer David Fortier was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October of 2006, and died in June of 2008. He filed a lawsuit shortly after his diagnosis, but he did not live to see his case decided.; Asbestos Plaintiff’s Body Subpoenaed, Taken from Graveyard Just Before Burial Harold St. John's body was never laid to rest when a court issued a subpoena for his body to collect tissue samples. Chrysler, one of the defendants in the lawsuit, maintains that the proceedings were necessary to obtain additional information about the way Mr. St. John died.

What is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a condition caused by the inhalation and accumulation of asbestos fibers in the lungs. Asbestosis may lead to severe breathing problems and disability or even death when there is extended exposure to asbestos fibers. These asbestos fibers are typically small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, and the normal immune system response in the lungs to remove foreign substances is not able to remove them. Extended exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to the accumulation of these fibers in the lungs. Through the process of fibrosis, the accumulation of fibers can lead to scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue making breathing difficult as the lungs cannot expand and contract in a normal fashion. The severity of a case of asbestosis may depend on the amount of asbestos fibers inhaled and the length of time that asbestos exposure occurred. Certain groups of individuals are more susceptible to asbestosis as they frequently work with or near asbestos fibers. Some of these groups may include firefighters, miners, pipe fitters, factory workers, shipbuilders, and construction workers. Asbestos exposure may also lead to other lung problems such as malignant mesothelioma, pleural plaques, pulmonary hypertension and an increased risk of developing lung cancer in those who smoke.

Asbestosis Symptoms

Asbestosis is difficult to diagnose early on as symptoms may not fully develop for as many as 20 to 30 years after exposure to asbestos fibers. The primary symptom of Asbestosis is a gradual onset of shortness of breath as the condition worsens. Chest pain, coughing, and decreased tolerance for physical activity may occur over time. This is because asbestos fibers remain in the lungs permanently. They activate the lung's immune system, and an inflammatory response persists, causing scarring. This scarring prevents oxygen and carbon dioxide from being absorbed by the lungs and into the blood stream. At this time there is no cure for asbestosis. The treatments that are available are aimed at relieving the symptoms of asbestosis and preventing the condition from getting any worse. Patients who suffer from asbestosis may receive oxygen treatments to deal with the shortness of breath. Some patients may also have fluid drained from their lungs to assist in breathing. In the most serious cases, lung transplantation may be needed.

Questions and Consultations about Asbestosis

If you or a family member has been exposed to Asbestos and exhibited Asbestosis symptoms, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on asbestos lawsuits, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP's experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning asbestos. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.

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