Brayton Purcell, LLP - 222 Rush Landing Road, PO Box 6169, Novato, CA 94945

Asbestos Q&A

April 22, 2014 By

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a term used to refer to a group of naturally occurring minerals which have been used for thousands of years due to their ability to easily be separated into thin fibers which are resistant to heat and fire, and are not electrically conductive.

How is Asbestos Used?

Asbestos has been used in a variety of manufacturing industries in America since the 1800s.  It has been added to cement and plastics as a strengthening and insulation agent, been used in various different fireproofing products, and been used in various insulation products products as well.  Asbestos can also be found in some older garden products and even older crayons.

Where is Asbestos Found?

There are currently millions of buildings and products which are contaminated with asbestos in the United States.  No one knows exactly how many buildings in the U.S. are contaminated with the substance, but it is widely known that many people continue to unknowingly work in such buildings.

What Diseases Does Asbestos Cause?

Asbestos leads to a number of diseases including:

Asbestosis – This non-cancerous, chronic, respiratory disease causes its victims to have shortness of breath and a crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling.

Lung Cancer – Asbestos exposure is known to increase a person’s likelihood of developing lung cancer by at least five times.  Lung cancer is a very serious disease and is often times deadly.

Mesothelioma – All cases of mesothelioma are related to asbestos exposure.  This rare cancer is extremely debilitating and deadly.

What is My Likelihood of Developing Asbestos Related Disease?

Researchers say that every person will be exposed to some level of asbestos during their lifetimes, as the substance is found in the air, water, and soil.  However, the vast majority of people will never come into significant enough contact with the substance to become ill from it.  Usually, those who fall ill from asbestos related diseases have been exposed to the substance on a regular basis over a significant period of time.

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

Filed Under: Asbestos and cancer

After Ed Lauter Will Other Hollywood Actors Claim Studio Asbestos Link?

April 15, 2014 By

The death of prolific character actor and stand-up comedian Ed Lauter, which was caused by mesothelioma, has opened the eyes of the world to the toxicity of asbestos.  Lauter’s widow is now suing TV studios in which he worked, claiming that he had been exposed to asbestos when working on set.

The revelation that Lauter died from mesothelioma, which can only be caused by exposure to asbestos, has opened up an interesting line of inquiry in the ongoing process of sorting out asbestos related claims.  Considering the fact that Lauter was undoubtedly on set with dozens of other actors, the question naturally arises if other actors may have been similarly exposed.

It will be interesting to see, in the coming months and years, if the families of actors who were colleagues of Lauter’s, or who acted in the same era on the same sets as he did, also come forward and claim that their loved ones had been affected by asbestos.  For now, Lauter is the highest profile actor to have contracted mesothelioma as a result of his having worked at films studios.  But, given the toxicity of asbestos, it would not be surprising if others were also similarly affected.

The extent of asbestos use in the U.S. is mind boggling. Now, even TV and movie studios are being implicated. If you or anyone you know has developed mesothelioma, call the attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, now at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online for a free consultation regarding getting you the compensation you deserve.

 

Filed Under: California Mesothelioma

Two California Men Sentenced for Improper Asbestos Clean Up

April 7, 2014 By

As the country continues to clean up millions of buildings which have been treated with cancer causing asbestos, stories of abuses among contractors and other people in positions of power continue to trickle out.  One of the most recent cases involves contractors who were working at a former Air Force base in California.

In order to safely remove asbestos from buildings, significant protective equipment is recommended.  This equipment includes protective gear for the face, special suits to protect the body – called Tyvek suits, and even footwear coverings.  So when two men, operators of a nonprofit called Firm Build, used high school students and subcontractors to help them help them remove 1000 feet of piping – which contained asbestos – from a former Air Force base, they were supposed to ensure that all the workers wore the required protective gear.  But, in failing to do so, not only did they put the workers’ health in jeopardy, but they also violated Federal law.  Now the men have been sentenced to prison for their crimes.

The former president of Firm Build was sentenced to 27 months in prison, while its former administrative officer was sentenced to 24 months in prison.  To a third man, who was also involved, has yet to be sentenced.

As can be seen, companies continue to act irresponsibly when it comes to handling asbestos. If you or a loved one has become sick or injured as a result of asbestos exposure, call the attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, now at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online for a free consultation regarding getting you the compensation you deserve.

Filed Under: california asbestos

Asbestos and Lung Cancer – The Frightening Truth

March 31, 2014 By

Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance which has been used for centuries. Recent commercial applications have included making products containing asbestos which take advantage if its fire resistance and insulation properties. When people are exposed to asbestos, it can cause serious cancers to develop in their lungs due to its ability to be inhaled and become trapped in the respiratory system. Because asbestos particles are hard to remove from the lungs, through coughing for example, they tend to accumulate over time. This process causes scarring and inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to the development of specific asbestos related diseases and cancers.

According to the National Lung Heart and Blood Institute, the symptoms of asbestos related lung cancers include:

  • Cough that won’t go away
  • Worsening coughs
  • Continuous chest pain
  • Coughing up blood
  • Lung Infections
  • Fatigue

Asbestos related lung cancer is a very serious condition and can be fatal. If you have been exposed to asbestos, and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you see a physician immediately. They have several techniques available, including chest x-rays, which they use to detect asbestos related illnesses.

Asbestos related lung cancer is a life changing disease. If you or a loved one have developed this condition, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Call the attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, now at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online for a free consultation regarding getting you the compensation you deserve. 

Filed Under: Asbestos and cancer, Uncategorized

Mesothelioma

March 10, 2014 By

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer. It is caused by asbestos exposure. The majority of mesothelioma patients live less than 18 months after diagnosis, but survival rates continue to improve as detection and treatment methods improve. One reason that the prognosis is so poor is that the disease is typically not detected until it is very advanced, decades after exposure to asbestos. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the San Francisco asbestos attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the protective membranes which surround your internal organs. It is categorized by the area of the body which is affected. There are four types:

  • Pleural – in the membrane which surrounds the lungs
  • Peritoneal – in the lining of the abdomen
  • Pericardia – in the protective sac around the heart
  • Gonadal – in the membranes surrounding the testicles

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, and is often confused with lung cancer because it affects the lungs.

If you or someone you love has developed mesothelioma, in San Francisco, please call the San Francisco asbestos accident attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online today. We are here to help you and your family.

Filed Under: Uncategorized
« Previous Page