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.
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What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is the protective sac or lining around the body's vital organs. Mesothelioma mostly affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 2,000-3,000 new cases of Mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. The survival time for those who suffer from Mesothelioma is generally low after the onset of symptoms. The survival time is estimated at approximately 1-2 years.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

According to the National Cancer Institute, the primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Those people who work with or near asbestos, such as construction workers or factory workers, are the most susceptible to mesothelioma. When individuals inhale asbestos fibers, the fibers may damage the cell lining of the lungs, which may lead to pleural mesothelioma. Malignant tumors may form on the pleura, which is the sac or thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and protects the lungs. Asbestos fibers that are swallowed may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, which may cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

It may take as long as 35-40 years after exposure to asbestos before the onset of mesothelioma symptoms and malignant tumors develop. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose early on as symptoms may be similar to other health problems. Mesothelioma may cause fluid to collect around the lungs or the abdomen, which may be the cause of some side effects including breathing problems and abdominal pain. Some early symptoms of mesothelioma may include shortness of breath, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, lumps in the abdomen, abdominal swelling, and chest and abdominal pain. Symptoms may vary between pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs, and periotoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdominal organs.

Questions and Consultations

If you or a family member has been exposed to asbestos and exhibited mesothelioma symptoms, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on mesothelioma 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 mesothelioma. 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.