Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is toxic to us humans.  Believe it or not, you may be inhaling small quantities right now as it can be found soil and rock and in small doses, it isn’t harmful.  The minerals the put off asbestos are in demand due to their properties in a wide array of manufacturing and construction applications.  

Until regulations on the use of asbestos came into play in the 1970’s, asbestos was widely used in everything from floors and ceilings in buildings and ships to brake pads and heating systems in vehicles.  The military also used asbestos in its bombers and fighter planes adding additional risk to our fighting forces and putting the long-term health of our warriors at risk.

When handled, asbestos effective sheds fibers into the air which end up getting inhaled by nearby workers.  Over time, these fibers built up and lead to serious illnesses.  People who worked in the industrial sector (Mining, Shipbuilding, Construction and some Manufacturing) have been at higher risk to asbestos exposure and the ailments it causes.

Unfortunately, even though regulations put a stop to the use of asbestos in the 70’s there are still installations and older building that may have this toxic material present.  Also unfortunate, the impact of asbestos exposure may not be evident for decades as these small inhaled fibers slowly damage the soft tissue of the lungs and do not necessarily show up as symptoms until much time has passed.  Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest pain and coughing.  Some of the serious and debilitating diseases that asbestos can cause are:

Mesothelioma – You’ve almost seen commercials on the television about this form of cancer that impact the cardio-pulmonary system.  Mesothelioma is aggressive and ultimately impacts the core of the human body with difficulty breathing, fatigue, and constipation.

Asbestosis – This is less known about than mesothelioma and is a chronic condition that can mean permanent lung damage with coughing and shortness of breath as leading symptoms.  In some cases, the impacted person’s finger or toenails may look extra wide or round.

Pleural Plaques – This is a thickening of the lining of the lung fiber and often can exist without symptoms.

Lung Cancer – Is cancer or growth of malignant cells in the lungs that come with chest pain and shortness of breath.  Sufferers may first notice respiratory infections before cancer is found.

If you worked in the industrial sector or served in the military and feel you may be disabled due to asbestos exposure, get us on your team to protect you and your family.

Disability is a serious issue that can substantively impact your life.  Insurance policies don’t make this any easier and they often require a lawyer just to make sense of them.  The disability lawyers of Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP represent clients who have become disabled and need a partner in their fight against insurance providers.  Our practice is exclusively focused on this critical area and we are the trusted subject matter experts in disability insurance law. We will study your policy and situation so that we can advise you on your best options. We are located in Philadelphia and serve clients, throughout the state of Pennsylvania and across the United States.

To arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced disability attorney in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-731-9900, toll free 800-887-4529 or contact our Philadelphia disability insurance law firm online.