Exposure to asbestos has been linked to an increased risk of a number of serious and potentially deadly illnesses, including mesothelioma cancer and asbestos lung cancer.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos on the job – as well as their spouses and children – may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer years after they were exposed.
However, because of the long latency period between exposure and the first symptoms of an asbestos illnesses, many workers and their families may have questions about the link between their symptoms and asbestos exposure, including questions about their legal options after diagnosis.
The attorneys at our law firm, Hissey Mulderig & Friend, have prepared the following guide to help workers who were exposed to asbestos and their families get answers to their questions and find out what they may need to know about asbestos exposure, mesothelioma and lung cancer diagnosis, and their legal rights.
If you or your family have more questions, or would like to talk with a lawyer to explore your legal options, contact our law firm by calling our office toll-free at 1-855-500-3734, or send us a message using the contact form on the left side of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Exposure & Litigation
Is mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure from years ago?
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma cancer. In the overwhelming majority of cases, workers and their family members who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos cancers only begin to develop symptoms of their illness decades after they were first exposed to asbestos.
How long after asbestos exposure can mesothelioma develop?
The first symptoms of mesothelioma cancer typically develop 20-50 years after asbestos exposure occurs. Workers who were exposed to asbestos in the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s may have only recently begun to develop symptoms of mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases.
Can asbestos exposure from the 1960s or 1970s cause cancer today?
Yes, individuals who were exposed to asbestos in the 1960s or 1970s may have only recently begun to develop symptoms of mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other cancers linked to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the body, causing inflammation that could eventually lead to cancer or other illnesses.
How long does asbestos stay in the body?
Asbestos fibers that were inhaled or otherwise ingested can remain inside the body for decades – and sometimes for a lifetime. This is because the body has no way to break down asbestos once it enters the body. Depending on where these asbestos fibers are located – including the lungs, abdomen, or other areas – they can cause several different types of mesothelioma to develop.
Can one exposure to asbestos cause mesothelioma?
Although the risk of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos cancers increases depending on the length and the amount of exposure, even a single instance of exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma symptoms to develop. In other words, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure: even a single asbestos fiber lodged in the body can lead to cancer.
Can I sue if I was exposed to asbestos decades ago?
Workers who were exposed to asbestos decades ago may still be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit. Our law firm, Hissey Mulderig & Friend, has handled numerous asbestos lawsuits on behalf of workers who developed mesothelioma or lung cancer after asbestos exposure that occurred in the 1980s, 1970s, 1960s, or even earlier.
Can family members file a mesothelioma lawsuit?
The surviving spouses and adult children of workers who were diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease may also qualify to file an asbestos lawsuit or bankruptcy trust claim. Family members who were exposed to asbestos that was carried into the home on clothing or protective equipment and were later diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease may also qualify to receive compensation.
Is it too late to file an asbestos lawsuit?
In most cases, the deadline for filing an asbestos lawsuit – known as the statute of limitations – begins at the time of diagnosis, not exposure. For this reason, workers and their loved ones who were exposed to asbestos decades ago may still be able to file an asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuit and pursue compensation.
How long do I have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?
The statute of limitations to file a mesothelioma lawsuit varies by state. Typically, workers who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease have 1-3 years after they were diagnosed in order to take legal action. You can contact an asbestos attorney for more information about how these statutes of limitations may affect your ability to file a claim.
Contact Us For More Answers or to Start Your Claim
If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos before 1982 and have been recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, asbestos lung cancer, or other illnesses linked to asbestos exposure, you and your family may be eligible to take legal action and pursue compensation.
Workers and their family members who believe they may have developed symptoms of an asbestos health condition can also contact our law firm to receive a free asbestos health exam courtesy of Hissey Mulderig & Friend to confirm whether their symptoms may be caused by asbestos.
Individuals who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer – as well as their surviving spouses and adult children – may be able to file an asbestos lawsuit, or a compensation claim with one of the asbestos bankruptcy trusts designed to compensate victims of asbestos exposure.
For more information about filing an asbestos lawsuit or to schedule your free asbestos health exam, contact the lawyers at Hissey Mulderig & Friend by calling our office toll-free at 1-855-500-3734.
You can also send us a message by filling out the free contact form, located at the top of this page. After we receive your message, one of our staff members or attorneys will contact you for more information about your situation and to discuss your legal rights and options.
