When a worker is exposed to asbestos, they may not realize that long periods of working near this known carcinogen can cause devastating future medical conditions. Workers have the right to know about the potential risks they may encounter when working in areas with toxic substances, and without proper safety equipment they can develop work-related diseases.
Mesothelioma is one of the most common work-related diseases that may be caused by toxic substances found in the workplace. Throughout Virginia, construction sites, shipyards, and industrial areas are most prone to having work environments that could potentially expose a worker to asbestos – a common cause of Mesothelioma.
When a worker is diagnosed with Mesothelioma it’s not uncommon to find that they were employed in a job where asbestos was present. While asbestos exposure may not have caused them immediate Workers’ Compensation injuries, it could increase their risk of developing respiratory diseases such as Mesothelioma later in life.
Those who suffer from Mesothelioma often experience the following symptoms:
- shortness of breath;
- chest pains;
- dry cough or wheezing; and
- pleural effusion (fluid in the chest/lungs).
Treatments for Mesothelioma and its symptoms may require months of therapy, appointments, and sometimes surgery. There are very few effective treatments for Mesothelioma, as it is resistant to most common cancer treatments. It is also a fast-spreading cancer that can quickly impair other body systems.
A worker diagnosed with Mesothelioma should contact a Richmond Worker’s Compensation attorney as soon as possible to discuss whether their occupation may have caused the condition. In cases of asbestos exposure and Mesothelioma risk, it is important to have legal council if you are seeking a claim for compensation
Contact a Richmond Workers’ Compensation Attorney
When you have difficulty paying for your medical care or returning to your job after Workers’ Compensation injuries, an attorney can bear some of your burden. To get back on your feet, whether it means getting back to work or getting the workers comp settlement amounts you deserve, order a copy of our free book, the Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia, and contact a Richmond Workers’ Compensation attorney at the Injured Workers Law Firm for a no-cost consultation – 877-755-7744.
About the Author: Injured Workers Law Firm
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.