Mesothelioma is a serious concern for people in Illinois, especially those who previously worked with asbestos on the job. The rare cancer of the lining of the lungs or other major organs can develop years or decades after the initial exposure. Of course, mesothelioma is not the only serious condition linked to workplace asbestos use. Despite growing awareness of the dangers of the substance, many corporations continued to employ workers to handle it with minimal protections. Because mesothelioma often arises many years after initial exposure, new cases of the disease continue to develop, even though most traditional asbestos handling jobs ended long ago after widespread public exposure of its dangers.
Mesothelioma rates declining slightly
Between 2007 and 2017, overall mesothelioma rates declined slightly, although cases in women have shown a smaller decrease than those in men. Many people are diagnosed with mesothelioma only when the cancer has already reached an advanced stage. Symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, swelling of the limbs, sweating and fevers, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. Given the now well-known connection to asbestos exposure, physicians may be more likely to suspect mesothelioma in patients with a history of working with asbestos.
Cancer victims may seek compensation
While the incidence of mesothelioma is decreasing slightly, according to studies, more patients diagnosed with this cancer are opting to pursue compensation through litigation. The link between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure is widely publicized, and asbestos litigation has made clear that many companies knowingly exposed workers to serious health dangers.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or are experiencing troubling symptoms years after asbestos exposure, you may also suffer from the effects of dangerous corporate negligence. Mesothelioma patients may contact a personal injury attorney to discuss the potential of pursuing a claim for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
