Since the industrial revolution the useful nature of asbestos has made it a common component in many consumer and industrial products.  Workers in different industries and trades from consumer products to industrial manufacturing may have been unknowingly placed in contact with asbestos.  The microscopic particles in asbestos are inadvertently digest or inhaled, impairing lung functions and slowly poisoning the individual.  The United States department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), stated that it is aware of no case in which exposure to a toxic substance has more clearly demonstrated deleterious health effects than has asbestos exposure.  Chicago Asbestos Attorney, Steven J. Grace offers free consultations regarding many issues relating to asbestos and mesothelioma.

Asbestos

From 1940-1970 an estimated 27.5 million Americans have been exposed to Asbestos in their workplace.  Each year 10,000 workers die from this completely avoidable problem. Diseases related to asbestos exposure include but are not limited to:

  • Asbestosis
  • Heart Disease
  • Lung Cancer
  • Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma cancer is the result of prolonged exposure to microscopic asbestos fibers usually affecting a person who has worked extensively with Asbestos products.  These fibers cause a rare form of cancer, resulting in the formation of a protective lining that can envelope the lungs and the heart.  The symptoms of mesothelioma do not present themselves immediately and usually continue to remain undiagnosed until years after the asbestos exposure.  There have been no other causes attributed to Mesothelioma besides asbestos, and this includes smoking. Chicago's cold weather and position as a national industrial hub has regrettably  made asbestos the insulation of choice for many employers and developers.  There have been 600,000 liability claims against businesses that placed their employees in contact with asbestos since 1970.   The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimated that 1,291-2,201 Illinois residents died from Mesothelioma between 1979-2,000.  Since the federal government began tracking cases of mesothelioma this number has continued to rise.

If you or family member have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other medical problems as a result of asbestos exposure you are entitled to compensation for your emotional and physical suffering.

Call (312) 493-6912 to speak with an attorney immediately and to explore your legal options.