Florida Asbestos Lawyers

While mesothelioma and asbestosis get the most press, they are not the only illnesses caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is most likely to harm your lungs, but it can affect other parts of your body, too. Most asbestos-related illnesses do not produce symptoms until 20 years or more after exposure and after there is significant damage. If you have developed and asbestos illness, please talk to our Florida asbestos lawyers right away.

Pleural Disease

The pleura is the lining of the lungs. It is a part of the body which is often harmed by asbestos exposure. Non-cancerous diseases of the pleura, which can be caused by asbestos include:

Pleural effusion – build-up of fluid in the pleura
Pleurisy – inflammation of the pleura
Pneumothorax – escape of air from the lungs into the pleura causing lung collapse

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, but the one most often associated with asbestos. It occurs in the mesothelium, the protective membrane which surrounds your internal organs. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the pleura, and is often confused with cancer of the lung itself.

Because mesothelioma is caused almost exclusively by asbestos, a diagnosis of this type of cancer serves as evidence of asbestos injury.

Other Cancers

Asbestos exposure can lead to other types of cancer including cancers of the:

Lungs
Throat
Esophagus
Larynx
Kidneys
Colon
Gallbladder

Since there are many possible causes of these types of cancers, it is more difficult to prove that asbestos exposure was the culprit, especially if there is no mesothelioma or asbestosis diagnosis along with these cancers.

Benign Tumors and Cysts

In addition to cancers, asbestos can cause the formation of non-cancerous tumors and cysts. They typically form in the mesothelium and reproductive organs.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is scarring of the lungs. It is not a form of cancer, but often precedes mesothelioma. Asbestosis is debilitating and can be fatal.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by asbestos exposure in Florida, please call the Florida asbestos lawyers of Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our asbestos lawyers is free, and if we agree to represent you, we will work for a contingent fee, which means we won’t get paid for our services unless you receive a settlement or an award. In Florida, an asbestos injury lawsuit must be filed before the expiration of the statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.