Are you concerned you’ve been exposed to asbestos? If you have, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses and suffering.
The main cause of asbestos exposure is through work. Railroad workers, who worked prior to 1982, are particularly at risk because of its widespread use in railroad equipment, such as brake pads, brake linings, clutches, cement, and gaskets, until the 1980s.
Unfortunately, symptoms of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer don’t show up for many years after exposure. In fact, you may not have any signs of asbestos exposure until 10 to 40 years after you’ve been exposed. So, even if you have been retired for decades, you may just now be experiencing symptoms.
Despite knowing the material was hazardous, asbestos-product manufacturers continued to market and sell their products through the 1970s. It was greedy and wrong, and now they are paying for it. If you’re a retired railroader, who has been exposed to asbestos, you may be eligible for compensation. Noticing asbestos-exposure symptoms is the first step in getting the justice you deserve. Signs include:
- Difficulty breathing. Most people with asbestos exposure have lung and respiratory problems
caused by breathing in asbestos particles. If you are short of breath or hear a crackling sound when you breathe, this could be a sign of respiratory problems caused by asbestos. - Chest pain or coughing. Many affected patients describe their cough as “dry” or “wheezing.” Consistent coughing and chest tightness could be signs you have scarring from asbestos in your lungs. Smoking can make symptoms worse, but asbestos exposure could be the root cause.
- Pleural plaques. Your doctor may find thicker areas on the lining of your lungs in a normal X-ray or CT scan. This is a standard sign you’ve been affected by asbestos exposure. If it’s been at least 10 years since you’ve been exposed, you should get scanned every 3-5 years for signs of plagues and thickening.
- Digestive problems. In addition to lung and throat problems, asbestos exposure can cause harm to other major organs and processes in the body. Symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, and bowel problems have also been associated with asbestos-related diseases.
- Wider fingers or toes. Finger “clubbing” is a common sign of asbestosis exposure and related diseases, such as lung cancer and asbestosis, due to increased pressure behind the nails.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. A diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease or cancer may make you eligible for compensation for your suffering and medical expenses. Such diagnoses include mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, throat or laryngeal cancer, and other diseases related to inflammation or scarring of the lungs.
Receiving such a diagnosis can be difficult, emotionally and financially. Sammons & Berry, P.C. is committed to fighting for the rights of railroad workers who have been affected by asbestos exposure. Our lawyers can help you find out if you qualify for compensation through our FREE evaluation. Call (800) 519-1440 or contact us here to speak to a Sammons & Berry, P.C. lawyer today.
Don’t wait to take action about your diagnosis – many states require that you file a claim within a certain time period after your diagnosis (but this can vary based on your case and illness). Speak to us today to learn more.
Thank you for explaining that asbestos was sold through the 1970s. We’re planning on renovating our house and have been wondering if we might have asbestos in the drywall. It was built in the 60s, so I think we’ll get it checked to see if we need to hire someone to remove asbestos.