Florida Asbestos Lawyers
What are the dangers of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos exposure can cause several terminal diseases and other illnesses including:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Throat cancer
- Larynx cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Colon cancer
- Asbestosis (pulmonary fibrosis)
- Pleural disease
- Benign tumors in the mesothelium, reproductive organs, and other parts of the body
Does everyone who is exposed to asbestos get sick?
No, but anyone who is exposed to asbestos may eventually develop an asbestos-related illness. Although it is believed that a single asbestos fiber can cause mesothelioma, it is also a fact that the more you are exposed the greater your likelihood of developing and as asbestos disease.
Age is another risk factor. In most cases, mesothelioma and asbestosis symptoms take decades to develop after asbestos exposure. The younger you were when you were exposed, and the older you live to be, the greater your chance of developing asbestos illnesses.
I thought asbestos was banned years ago. How can people still be getting mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses?
First of all, the asbestos ban is a myth. In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did pass a rule to ban and phase out asbestos use, but it was overturned two years later.
Had the ban remained, we would still be seeing new cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos illnesses for many years because it takes so long for these diseases to develop.
Are mesothelioma and asbestosis contagious?
No, but they can appear to be. Multiple family members, people who have lived in the same household or visited each other frequently, people who worked together, and other clusters of people often develop mesothelioma or asbestos. This can be due to the fact that they all shared the same exposure setting or that one person carried the asbestos on their clothing, hair, and personal items and exposed other people on a regular basis.
For instance, women and children whose household duty was to do the laundry for a person who was exposed to asbestos at work often develop mesothelioma later in life.
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.