Secondhand Exposure to Asbestos: Risks and Legal Recourse for Lung Cancer Patients
While the medical community has done extensive research establishing a link between direct asbestos exposure and a variety of cancers, there is much less research telling us the risks of secondhand exposure. Even secondhand asbestos exposure can result in serious health issues, including lung cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer following secondhand asbestos exposure, you may have a legal right to compensation.
Understanding Secondhand Asbestos Exposure
First-hand asbestos exposure occurs when a person has direct contact with asbestos, often through work in construction or manufacturing industries. Secondhand exposure can happen in a few ways. The most common way is when a person comes into close contact with the person directly exposed. For example, if your spouse works in construction and has asbestos fibers embedded in their clothing or hair, you may inhale them when in close contact. Another way a person can have secondhand exposure is by living near an asbestos-contaminated building or asbestos mines.
Asbestos fibers are microscopic; even though you can't see them, they can be present. Because of their minuscule size, it can be hard for someone working with asbestos to minimize exposure or sufficiently rid themselves of the fibers before entering their home.
Risks of Secondhand Exposure to Lung Cancer
It may seem that because secondhand exposure involves much less contact with asbestos than direct exposure, the health impacts would be minimal. Still, life-threatening illnesses such as lung cancer are a very real consequence. Mesothelioma, a cancer beginning in the tissue lining the lungs, is particularly common. Just like those directly exposed to asbestos, if you or a loved one develops lung cancer following secondhand exposure, there may be legal options available for you to obtain compensation.
Legal Recourse for Lung Cancer Patients
If you believe your or your loved one's lung cancer diagnosis may be linked to secondhand asbestos exposure, you may be able to get compensation from the responsible parties. Responsible parties often include employers who did not implement proper or legally required safety measures to prevent asbestos exposure, manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, or asbestos-contaminated property owners who permitted exposure to occur. Filing a lawsuit against these parties can result in obtaining compensation to help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Proving Secondhand Asbestos Exposure
It can be challenging to prove exposure and liability in secondhand asbestos cases. To prove your lung cancer was caused by secondhand asbestos exposure, your Madeksho Law attorney will gather evidence, including witness testimony, employment records, and medical records, and retain an expert to provide testimony on the link between secondhand asbestos exposure and lung cancer development.
Retain Experienced Asbestos Attorneys
The Madeksho Law team of experienced asbestos litigation attorneys has represented victims of asbestos exposure since 1972. Our goal is to seek the best possible compensation for all our asbestos victim-clients. Call us at 888-910-MESO (6376) or online to schedule your free initial consultation. Our team will walk you through our process to hold those responsible for your lung cancer accountable and pursue financial compensation.
