Mesothelioma is an aggressive and uncommon cancer that affects 2,000 to 3,000 U.S. citizens each year1 – but where does it come from? Mesothelioma is rooted in asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they are able to penetrate and damage the cells within the membrane that lines the pleural cavity where your lungs are, known as the mesothelium. If damage occurs, irregular cell division can progress into a malignant tumor – mesothelioma.
Of the thousands affected each year, it is estimated that seventy-five percent of all mesothelioma patients are senior citizens2. Can you guess why? Asbestos use peaked in the twentieth century, ensuring asbestos exposure among workers of all sorts up until the 1970s. Construction workers, auto mechanics, and Navy shipbuilders are just some of the occupations in which laborers were exposed to asbestos every day.
It is important to note that mesothelioma does not take a short time to develop. In fact, it can take decades for those asbestos fibers to damage an individual’s mesothelium and progress into a fatal tumor. It is for this reason that senior citizens make up seventy-five percent of today’s mesothelioma cases. Those exposed to asbestos during the peak of its use — now-retired construction workers and auto mechanics, Navy veterans, and more — are feeling the effects the most.
Are you a senior citizen with mesothelioma? Different patients find different ways of coping with their mesothelioma diagnosis, but many do not know that they could be compensated for their asbestos exposure, which could help pay for medical bills, assistance, and more. The Mesothelioma Victims Center urges victims and their families to reach out to the top mesothelioma attorneys in the nation3, and that is where Brayton Purcell LLP comes in.
Combining the experience of 50 highly skilled lawyers, the dedication of 220 seasoned support personnel and the diligence of an in-house investigative team, the Northern California-based law office of Brayton Purcell, L.L.P., devotes its vast resources to pursuing the best outcome and maximizing compensation for clients from throughout the country. For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer regarding first- or secondhand exposure to asbestos, please contact us.
Senior Citizens Day takes place this Wednesday, August 21! Take part by spreading awareness of mesothelioma amongst senior citizens by sharing this blog post, or simply spend time with your favorite elderly friend on this special day.
Sources: 1, 2