Oklahoma City Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer caused by asbestos. While other risk factors can increase the chances of developing mesothelioma, asbestos is the only scientifically proven cause of the disease. The onset of mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos can take anywhere from 15 to 45 years. The first symptom is usually a constant pain in the chest and is accompanied by shortness of breath and pain or swelling in the abdomen. Other symptoms include persistent coughing, coughing blood, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
Mesothelioma & Asbestos
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In the most common scenario, asbestos fibers are inhaled and eventually become embedded in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, causing harmful inflammation that eventually leads to the formation of tumors. In some cases, swallowing asbestos fibers could contribute to a type of mesothelioma that forms in the abdomen, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos may also travel through the lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the pericardium, the mesothelial layer surrounding the heart.
Additional Causes & Contributing Factors
Asbestos is the most significant cause of mesothelioma, with at least 80% of mesothelioma patients having a known history of asbestos exposure.
However, studies have shown that there are a few other environmental risk factors that can contribute to a mesothelioma diagnosis, including:
- Asbestos-like minerals
- Simian virus 40 (sv40)
- Smoking
- Radiation exposure
- Carbon nanotubes
Filing an Asbestos-Related Claim
Asbestos is a dangerous substance that has been linked to a number of often-deadly diseases, including but not limited to mesothelioma and asbestosis.
As a result, claims generally rely on several key pieces of information, including:
- How were you exposed to asbestos?
- How long did the exposure occur?
- How did the exposure affect your health, quality of life, and ability to work?
Do You Have Questions About Injuries Related to Mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos or any of these other risk factors, or if you have any other concerns that you are at risk of developing mesothelioma, we encourage you to consult with our team as soon as possible. With our extensive knowledge and expertise, you can rest assured that you will have legal representation you can trust. All initial consultations are free, and we don’t charge any up-front fees for representation. We handle all fees on a contingency basis, meaning that unless we’re successful, you don’t have to pay us.
Please contact our lawyers at (405) 433-7414 for a free consultation. Hablamos español.