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More cases of mesothelioma expected

July 6, 2014 By

Mesothelioma Explanation

According to Dr. Sanjay Popat, consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden hospital in London, most of the cases of mesothelioma which he sees, are those of the cancer of the lining of the lung cavity, although it can also present in the abdomen.

Mesothelioma is primarily due to exposure to asbestos and has a very long time lag, anything from 15 to 60 years with the average being around 45 years. Patients will have no idea they have this silently growing cancer until they begin to feel short of breath, and unable to carry out daily tasks without breathlessness. They may also experience weight loss.

Diagnosis begins with listening to the chest to see if there is any fluid present, which is then followed by a chest x-ray.

Treatment is usually by chemotherapy, to shrink the cancer and keep it under control by improving quality of life, or alternatively using radiotherapy when a particular area can be targeted.

Given the time lag of the disease, more cases are expected to emerge over the next few years.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

Filed Under: California Mesothelioma

How Is Asbestosis Different From Other Asbestos Diseases?

June 29, 2014 By

Most people have probably heard of the fact that asbestos can cause such deadly illnesses as asbestos related lung cancer and mesothelioma. However, another asbestos related disease is called asbestosis. This illness also results from prolonged exposure to asbestos and can have serious quality of life implications on the victim.

Asbestosis

In mild cases of asbestos is the victim may be able to live a relatively normal life. More severe cases, however, the victim may suffer from debilitating injuries and even need consistent oxygen fortification just a brief period in the worst cases of asbestosis the victim will ultimately succumb to the disease and die.

Unlike asbestos related lung cancer and mesothelioma, asbestosis is not a cancer. Asbestos related lung cancer kills about 4800 people per year, which represents about 4% of all lung cancer related deaths.

Many people are still unaware that asbestos continues to be used in a variety of industrial and manufacturing applications across the country. In other words, this deadly substance is not banned. If you or someone you know has suffered the results of asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Treatment Option for Mesothelioma Sufferers

June 22, 2014 By

Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma likely have a series of difficult decisions before them. Because the illness has no known cure, doctors often pursue an aggressive treatment regimen which may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.

As can be seen in the following video, a person’s treatment options for their mesothelioma will depend on a variety of factors including:

  • The stage of the cancer
  • Whether or not the cancer has spread
  • The person’s age
  • The person’s lifestyle (activity level)

Mesothelioma has been shown to be caused exclusively by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring substance which was used for decades in industrial and manufacturing applications. Those suffering from the illness should seek a qualified oncologist immediately for assistance in treating the disease.

Also, as many people who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in ways which violate the law, such as when employees are not given proper protective gear before handling the substance. Many mesothelioma sufferers are rightfully entitled to monetary compensation to help cover the costs of fighting the disease, and the pain and suffering it causes.

If you or someone you know has suffered the results of asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

Filed Under: california asbestos

Asbestos Is Legal and Currently Used in U.S. Manufacturing

June 15, 2014 By

Asbestos has been in the news as a deadly cancer causing substance for decades. For this reason the average American could be excused for thinking that asbestos has been outlawed. But, as the following Reuters investigations video shows, asbestos is not illegal, and in fact continues to be used in the manufacture of countless products in the country.

http://youtu.be/RZm7u6z6tLI

The reason asbestos continues to be used in industrial settings, according to the video include:

  • Physical strength
  • Thermal resistance
  • Chemical resistance

The debate surrounding dangers posed by different forms of asbestos, and whether or not the substance should have a future in American industry, continues. Those who have fallen ill from asbestos related diseases, and the survivors of those who have died from such diseases, understandably would prefer that asbestos be completely removed from American manufacturing processes, or at least be significantly reduced.

However, as can be seen in the video, there are those who continue to downplay the dangers of some forms of asbestos and advocate the continued use of these so-called less dangerous incarnations of the mineral.

If you or someone you know has suffered the results of asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

Filed Under: california asbestos

Survivors of Actor Ed Lauter Name Several Big Corporations as Defendants

June 8, 2014 By

The survivors of prolific actor Ed Lauter have named several prominent corporations as being at least partially responsible, after Lauter died of asbestos-caused mesothelioma recently. His survivors claim that he was exposed to the substance during his decades’ work with various corporations including:

  • CBS Corporation
  • Ford Motor Company
  • General Electric Company
  • Georgia-Pacific LLC
  • Honeywell International, Inc.
  • Ingersoll-Rand PLC
  • John Crane, Inc.
  • Union Carbide Corporation

These companies represent just some of the over one dozen businesses that Lauter’s survivors claim exposed him to the asbestos which ultimately led to the disease which to took life. Such asbestos related cases, where a prominent figure’s estate names multiple high profile companies as defendants, is highly unusual. This case has the potential to set various precedents, including bringing Hollywood studios into the conversation as it relates to having exposed actors and employees to deadly levels of asbestos.

If you or someone you know has suffered the results of asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

Filed Under: California Mesothelioma

Raw Video Show Realities of Mesothelioma

June 1, 2014 By

When hearing about the terrible effects of asbestos exposure, and a diseases which may result from it – such as mesothelioma – it is easy to relegate such worries as belonging to only a small group of unfortunate people. This may reflect some people’s tendency to not bother with the suffering of others. But, in order to truly appreciate how devastating such infirmities as can be, it is necessary to allow yourself to see the suffering and agony brought about by these diseases.

In the following video, which chronicles the ultimately losing fight physician Bill McQueen had with mesothelioma, you will get a sense for just how unsettling the entire process can be. The video, which follows McQueen for the final year of his life, documents the ups and downs of battling mesothelioma, and how the effort, until now, has proven futile.

Mesothelioma is a preventable disease which virtually should not exist. It is only because of greed and corporate profits being put ahead of the welfare of workers that mesothelioma is even known to modern medicine.

If you or someone you know has suffered the results of asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation

Filed Under: Asbestos and cancer, California Mesothelioma

Appeals Court Rules that “Second Hand” Asbestos Suit Can Proceed

May 25, 2014 By

Asbestos related diseases are caused by exposure to the substance, which lodges itself in an individual’s lungs and overtime causes the lungs to become inflamed and develop cancer. Asbestos is a light, malleable, and breathable substance, and hence can be carried on a person’s clothing, only to be breathed or inhaled by another person at a later time. In recent years businesses have been held responsible for their having used asbestos in common products, but not warning consumers, vendors, and contractors who would come in contact with these products. But companies have resisted efforts which would see them implicated in the illnesses suffered by these individuals’ families as a result of being exposed to those who had been exposed to asbestos.

Recently an Appeals Court ruled that an asbestos related lawsuit, in which a 49 year old truck driver claimed that his exposure to his uncle, who worked with asbestos, caused his own asbestos related cancer, could proceed. The court ruled that, though the company could not be held responsible for the asbestos related illnesses of everyone who came in contact with those who work in asbestos heavy fields, the company could potentially be held responsible for people who live in their homes and “who are likely to be affected by toxic materials brought home on the worker’s clothing,”

This ruling, by the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco, is yet another indication that the courts are sensitive to the fatal diseases stemming from asbestos.

If you or someone you know has suffered the results of asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

Filed Under: california asbestos, California Mesothelioma

Asbestos Exposure – A History of Deceit -video-

May 16, 2014 By

How would you react if you found out that governments across the world were aware that a deadly substance was being incorporated in thousands of different products, but did very little to stop the process? Or what if you were informed that major corporations continued to use such substances, despite mountains of evidence that the substance caused deadly and irreversible diseases? If this sounds to you like something out of a big budget Hollywood movie, no one could blame you. But the fact is that this is exactly what happened in the case of asbestos and the way it has been treated by governments and corporations in modern history.

As can be seen in the above video asbestos has killed millions of people in the past 100+ years. Companies sought to devise legal arguments which could protect them from the most damaging claims related to asbestos exposure, but eventually these arguments failed as asbestos was shown to be absolutely deadly.

If you suffer from asbestos related disease, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma, you should know that your exposure to the substance was likely the result of a decision which was made by higher ups in corporate America. They did not tell you what is that you were being exposed to the substance, but there is a high likelihood that they knew the risks.

In order to seek the compensation they deserve please contact  the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

Filed Under: asbestos coverup

-video- How Asbestos Causes Fatal Lung Diseases

May 8, 2014 By

Most Americans probably know that asbestos can cause deadly respiratory illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. But while this fact is widely known, the way in which asbestos damages the human body remains a mystery for the vast majority of the population. In this video we see an explanation of how asbestos interacts with the lungs and causes irreparable will damage.

Asbestos fibers are easily inhaled by humans. When the fibers reach the lungs, they accumulate and irritate the sensitive lung tissues. Over time, as the lungs attempt to remove the foreign objects, the presence of the asbestos causes the lungs to scar. This scarring, can eventually cause asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

As can be seen in this video, officials have known for decades that asbestos is extremely toxic and deadly to humans. But the substance continued to be used because of its otherwise useful properties, and the fact that business people were profiting so handsomely from its applications.

If you or someone you know has suffered the results of asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

Filed Under: california asbestos, California Mesothelioma

Asbestos Around the House

April 29, 2014 By

In the past several decades and asbestos was used in the manufacture of thousands of different kinds of products.  Many people with older homes likely have asbestos in their residences, though depending on the location and form of the substance, there may or may not be much to worry about. Take a look at this video for more information. It was produced for the Australian market, but contains tons of valuable information nevertheless.


While it is not possible to give a full accounting of all the likely places you will find asbestos, take a look at this list of some of the more common products which may have been manufactured with or treated with asbestos.

  • Acoustical plaster
  • Asphalt floor tiles
  • Base flashing
  • Brake linings
  • Brake pads
  • Carpet mastic
  • Ceiling panels
  • Ceiling texture (Popcorn texture)
  • Ceiling tile mastic
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Chimney flue lining
  • Clutch plates
  • Ducts
  • Felt
  • Fire blankets
  • Fire curtains
  • Fire doors
  • Floor tile mastic
  • Pipes
  • Shingles
  • Siding
  • Spray-on fireproofing
  • Tar or “Black Jack”
  • Vapor barriers
  • Vermiculite
  • Vinyl floor tiles
  • Vinyl sheet flooring (linoleum)
  • Wall panels

Brayton Purcell, LLP – (800) 598-0314  – Contact us online for a free consultation regarding getting you the compensation you deserve.

Filed Under: california asbestos
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