How Has Mesothelioma Affected Illinois Families And Individuals?

Many people assume they no longer need to worry about asbestos exposure, only to be shocked when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is slow to progress and can take 10 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. What can you do to obtain justice if you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma?

You do not have to face this fight alone. The law firm of Satterley & Kelley PLLC has vast experience representing clients suffering from mesothelioma. Our attorneys fight for justice for each client, and have won tens of millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlements nationwide. Allow us to resolve this legal challenge so you can focus on your health and family.

Defining Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the protective lining, or mesothelium, of certain organs. Exposure to asbestos causes this cancer as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. There are several types of mesothelioma, and symptoms may vary, depending on the organ affected. Early signs of the disease often include:

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Chronic fatigue
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors rely on different types of imaging scans, biopsies and blood tests.

How Are People Exposed To Asbestos?

No one deserves to suffer through an illness like mesothelioma. Governmental entities and companies have known about the dangers of asbestos for over a century, but many companies  chose to manufacture, sell and use it anyway because it is strong, flexible and fireproof.

Although many places stopped using asbestos by the 1970s, the U.S. has not banned products containing asbestos. Industries that still exposed workers to asbestos include:

• Autoworkers – Auto mechanics work with broken or worn parts that may contain asbestos. Manufacturing of brake parts, clutches and transmissions often included asbestos until recently.
• Military – Despite facing criticism after World War II for exposing sailors to asbestos on their ships, the Navy continued using it to build ships, tanks aircraft and barracks. In some cases, manufacturers hid information about asbestos content.
• Plumbing – Pipefitters and those who work with boilers, pipe insulation and furnaces can be exposed to asbestos.
• Construction – Ceiling, floor and wall tiles have contained asbestos, as well as wiring, insulation and plumbing materials. The risk of asbestos exposure is especially high during demolition.

Although asbestos-related illnesses are much more common among people who worked directly with or around asbestos, workers frequently unknowingly  exposed their family members by bringing it home on their work clothing. In addition, some household products contained asbestos.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Anyone who has suffered from or lost a loved one to an asbestos-related illness may have a right to compensation. Even if you are not sure where your asbestos exposure came from, Satterley & Kelley PLLC can help you develop your case. We understand how to investigate these issues and hold the proper parties responsible.

Satterley & Kelley PLLC Is Here For You

Find out how we can help by scheduling a free consultation. You can call our Louisville, Kentucky, office or fill out our online form. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis. This means we do not charge you a fee unless we recover compensation for you.