Why should you take legal action if you have contracted mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure?

When most people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it comes as a blow to them and they are shattered. They are unable to collect their senses and think logically and practically. They become deeply & emotionally upset. Therefore, they fail to take any legal action as they feel all this will add more to their pain and suffering. It is very important that all these people realize that taking legal action upon contracting mesothelioma, due to asbestos exposure, is their right.

What are the rights of the mesothelioma patients?

The mesothelioma patients who have contracted the disease due to asbestos exposure have the following rights:

1. Right to receive medical treatment at cancer centers irrespective of the cost involved

2. Right to be compensated for the pain and suffering

3. Right to peace of mind about the welfare of dependents after death.

4. Right to take action against those responsible for bringing the patient to such a condition.

Dangers of asbestos

Asbestos is a wonder mineral. This fibrous substance is heat-resistant, fire-resistant, chemical-resistant and flexible. It can be mixed with cement and paint, woven to make fireproof clothing and can also be used in ship building industry. However, in the 1900s itself, the medical fraternity started to slowly wake-up to the harmful effects of asbestos. They realized that people who worked in asbestos related industries had severe lung problems. Slowly in the 1930s the diseases caused by asbestos, like asbestosis, fibrosis, asbestos warts and so on were recognized and named. But it was only in the 1940s that mesothelioma was clearly identified. After that, asbestos has been banned or restricted in most of the countries.

Mesothelioma and asbestos

When asbestos is mined, manufactured or used, a lot of asbestos fibers and asbestos dust are released into the atmosphere. Since these are light and invisible, humans easily inhale them. Once they are inhaled they enter the body and travel around. Many body organs like the lungs, abdomen and heart have a covering called as mesothelium lining. When asbestos comes into contact with this lining, the mesothelium cells start dividing rapidly. Also, they start to outlive the other normal cells. This causes tumors in that part, which may also spread to other parts soon. This condition is called as mesothelioma.

Selfish attitude of Industrialists

Most of the asbestos-related industries' owners knew about the harmful effects of asbestos. However, their selfish attitude made them to try and cover up the harmful effects of asbestos. They tried to bribe researchers, hide the truth, cover-up facts and continue production. They did not provide any safeguards to the employees. The poor and ignorant workers were not even warned about the dangers of asbestos. No precaution was taken to safeguard the laborers. The short-term economic gains made the rich businessmen blind to long term health hazards.

This makes it clear that it is your right to take legal action if you have contracted mesothelioma, due to asbestos exposure.

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