Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to the asbestos mineral - a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was commonly used in the 1900's in the construction of buildings, brake pad linings, and a variety of other industries. These bundles of fibers tend to break easily into a dust composed of tiny particles that can float in the air and stick to the clothes. These fibers may be easily inhaled or swallowed, becoming deeply embedded in the lungs and other organs. This can cause serious health problems and even death.
Generally, persons who develop these conditions show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years for symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease to appear.
Millions of Americans exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Millions more of their family members were unknowingly exposed when asbestos fibers were carried home on work clothes, boots, shoes and tools. This"secondary exposure" to asbestos fibers by family members, especially children, is equally deadly and can lead to the later development of mesothelioma.
What are common sources of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos has been used in many industries including the building and construction industry, the shipbuilding industry, and the automotive industry. More than 5,000 products contain or have contained asbestos, including the following:
- Asbestos cement sheet and pipe products used for water supply and sewage piping, roofing and siding, casings for electrical wires, fire protection material, electrical switchboards/components, residential and industrial building materials such as pipe insulation
- Friction products for automobiles such as brake linings, clutch facings, gaskets, and for industrial friction materials (i.e. grinders, sanders)
- Products containing asbestos paper, such as table pads and heat-protective mats, heat and electrical wire insulation, industrial filters, and underlying material for sheet flooring
- Asbestos textile products, such as packing components, roofing materials, and heat-and-fire-resistant fabrics (including blankets and curtains)
- Miscellaneous products such as caulking and patching tape, ceiling and floor tile, paints, coatings, adhesives, taping compounds, vermiculite-containing consumer garden products, plastics, artificial ashes and embers for use in gas-fired fireplaces, and some talc-containing crayons
Contact an Experienced Civil Litigation Attorney
Mesothelioma and asbestos litigation are among the most complex types of civil litigation. The lawyers and staff at Kershaw, Cutter and Ratinoff are actively engaged in the discovery and litigation of cases involving mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases both in California, and across the nation.
Kershaw, Cutter and Ratinoff has provided responsible representation for thousands of injured people with cases involving difficult medical and procedural issues. In addition, our firm and its attorneys are nationally recognized experts in complex mass tort litigation, class actions, medical malpractice, dangerous drugs (pharmaceuticals), andmedical device litigation.
We have "leveled the playing field" for the individual, winning verdicts and settlements against big business, industrial and corporate giants.
If you think you have been injured by exposure to asbestos, please fill out and submit the contact form on this page or call us toll-free at (888) 285-3333.