Mesothelioma diagnosis may warrant workers’ compensation

On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Workers’ Compensation on Thursday, October 10, 2013.

Mesothelioma is a cancer which lines the inside of the lungs, often times developed from exposure to asbestos. A person who is diagnosed may experience fear and confusion, especially if they were not aware of ever having touched or inhaled asbestos at work.
Failure to provide safety precautions and appropriate gear to Illinois employees that are handling the toxic compound may enact legal workers’ compensation action on behalf of the victims. A Mesothelioma diagnosis may warrant workers’ compensation if the patient was exposed to asbestos from work or from a family member’s exposure at work.

The Mesothelioma Victims Center has reported that second hand exposure to asbestos is a frequent cause for Mesothelioma. Family members who have regular contact with a person bringing home asbestos on their clothes can suffer from contact, just as the person working in the unsafe environment. The American Cancer Society believes that certain occupations may heighten a person’s risk to asbestos exposure, possibly leading to a lung cancer diagnosis. Mining, insulation manufacturing or installing, railroad work, ship building, construction and automotive are some of the industries listed. Workers’ compensation benefits may be available for a person who thinks they may have been exposed.

The Center for Disease Control reported they expect between 2,500 and 3,000 new Mesothelioma diagnosis this year alone. In addition, they named states that have a higher number of patients with this cancer which included Illinois. Of those facing this deadly illness, many are elderly when the cancer is first detected. Knowing how to pursue a workers’ compensation claim for a workplace injury from years before may be confusing and could benefit from legal help.

Finding out you or a loved one has cancer can be devastating and surprising, especially when a previous employer may have had the opportunity to prevent the root cause and failed to do so. Exposure to asbestos is preventable when a place of employment provides proper safety guidelines and protection. A Mesothelioma diagnosis may warrant workers’ compensation if it is discovered that the workplace did not provide adequate protection against the toxic compound.

Source: consumerelectronicsnet.com, Mesothelioma Victims Center Issues New Warning to Families: Second Hand Exposure to Asbestos is Possible Via Clothing from Family Members Exposed While at Work, No author, Oct. 8, 2013