Mesothelioma is a devastating diagnosis — one that can leave victims and their families reeling and searching for answers. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Attorney David L. Hood is ready to advocate for you and hold the companies who put you in harm’s way accountable. While no amount of financial compensation will restore your health, working with the Law Offices of David L. Hood to file a personal injury claim can help you afford the treatments you need and restore your peace of mind regarding your family’s financial future.
Understanding the Relationship Between Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Mesothelioma is unique among cancers because it only has one possible cause: asbestos exposure, which occurs when products that contain asbestos are moved, destroyed, or otherwise disturbed, stirring up microscopic asbestos fibers that can enter the lungs.
Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The disease may not show up for years after the asbestos exposure that caused it, so many people who previously worked with asbestos develop mesothelioma later in life, even if the job-related exposure happened decades ago.
How Does Asbestos Exposure Happen?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that takes many forms. Asbestos was used in a wide variety of applications in the United States starting in the mid-1800s, and widespread use of asbestos persisted well into the 1980s. Because of its strength and fire resistance, manufacturers used asbestos to make insulation, flooring, roofing, lawn furniture, automobile braking systems, fake snow, and even cigarette filters.
The first asbestos-related death was documented in 1906, and the asbestos industry knew of their products’ health dangers by the 1930s. Because of the potential impact on their profits, though, the industry kept these dangers hidden from the public for several decades. In fact, although many Americans believe the federal government eventually banned the use of asbestos, this is not true, and U.S. companies still import, produce, and sell both raw asbestos and products made with asbestos.
Some industries whose workers are at higher risk for being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma include:
- Asbestos mining
- Construction (especially if it involves the demolition or renovation of older structures)
- Manufacturing of certain products (including some fabrics, automobile brake pads, and building materials)
- Shipping (especially if it involves dock and shipyard work)
Common signs and symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Buildup of fluid in the lung or the abdomen
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Bowel problems
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have previously been exposed to asbestos or worked in any of the industries listed above, you may have an undiagnosed case of mesothelioma, and you should contact a doctor immediately to receive a full physical examination and undergo diagnostic testing.
Contact David L. Hood If You’ve Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma in South Carolina
You’ve probably encountered other attorneys’ advertisements soliciting clients with mesothelioma. Many of these national advertisers will want to lump your case into a large group with many other victims. But when you work with South Carolina mesothelioma lawyer David L. Hood and his co-counsel, you’ll form a powerful partnership and get personalized, one-on-one legal advice from experienced asbestos exposure attorneys. At the Law Offices of David L. Hood, we understand that your case and your life are unique, and we’ll never treat you like you’re just another file number.
To get in touch with David L. Hood and schedule your free, no-risk initial consultation today, call our offices at (843) 491-6025 or fill out our quick and easy online contact form.
*Clients are not liable for any expenses, unless there is a recovery in their case; however, if there is a recovery in their case, clients will be liable for expenses. Attorney’s fees are based on a percentage of the recovery, which will be computed before deducting expenses.