Many unionized workers exposed to asbestos were led to believe they have no legal options after that they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is not true.
The St. Louis Labor Tribune, the largest trade union newspaper in the country to 0,000 paid subscribers, published an article in the edition May 5 informing their readers about this misconception. Simmons Hanly Conroy and myself, were presented in the article, entitled "Decades later, asbestos still haunts unionized workers and families."
Thousands of Missouri and Illinois commercial workers have died of mesothelioma, and, as a journalist Kevin Weaks wrote, "all they did was take a deep breath."
So what do you do if you believe you have been exposed to asbestos? There are some precautions you can take.
First, ask about asbestos and mesothelioma. It is a complex subject and the Internet as much misinformation as it has correct information. Some reputable places to start include the Foundation Mesothelioma Applied Research andthe Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. I have included other links below for government records and studies.
Then make a recording of one of your potential past exposures. The many companies knew the dangers of asbestos. In the region of Saint-Louis alone, there are dozens of sites where asbestos exposure could have occurred. If you have records that you worked on a construction site and used product that contained asbestos, which is important information.
Third, take it back to your doctor before to do something else. Have an open conversation about your past exposure with him or her. They can help you assess your medical risk and make the best recommendations on what to do next.
Mesothelioma, while one of the most deadly consequences of asbestos is not the only disease related to these exposures. Asbestos can increase your risk of lung cancer, asbestosis, a noncancerous lung disease, and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.
No amount of money will give you back your health, and society as a partner Chris Guinn said in the article above, "We tell our clients that the most important thing is to focus on their treatment. "
Finally, consider your legal options. To learn more about the process of filing a lawsuit asbestos, I invite you to browse around our website, starting with our section mesothelioma and asbestos practice area.
