St. Louis Mesothelioma Lawyer – Free Case Review

The dangers of asbestos were well-known as early as the 1930s, yet asbestos companies continued using it extensively through much of the 20th century.

Many of these same asbestos companies lobbied successfully to overturn EPA rules in the 1980s that banned the importation and use of asbestos. As a result, to this day, asbestos is not banned in the United States as it is in just about every other first-world country.

Asbestos companies willingly put profits ahead of the health and well-being of workers, their families and the public.

Asbestos exposure is, unfortunately, far too common. Asbestos is a known cause of mesothelioma, a malignant and often deadly cancer of the lungs and abdomen. If you or someone you love has developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation.

Call the St. Louis mesothelioma lawyers at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse today for a free case evaluation and to discuss your options – (314) 350-1900.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen. It is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral used in construction and other industries. Mesothelioma can take years to develop, so it is not always immediately clear what caused the cancer.

Often, mesothelioma is discovered during a routine medical exam or after someone has started experiencing symptoms. Symptoms of mesothelioma can include:

• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Fever

If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor immediately.

That’s because a mesothelioma diagnosis is very serious. There is no cure. The life expectancy for someone with mesothelioma varies depending on the stage of the cancer, but in most cases, it is very short.

In most cases, people with mesothelioma only live for a few months or years after being diagnosed.

Where was asbestos most commonly used?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was commonly used in construction and other industries throughout the 20th Century.

Asbestos was commonly used in building construction as recently as the 1980s, when its health risks were finally recognized. It was used because it is a strong and durable material that is resistant to fire and corrosion. Asbestos was used in many different types of construction, including:

• Roofing
• Insulation
• Walls
• Ceilings
• Flooring
• Tiles
• Gaskets

Asbestos can be dangerous if it becomes airborne, which can happen when it is disturbed or damaged.

Asbestos usage was particularly common in the St. Louis area due to the presence of a number of asbestos-manufacturing plants. The Asbestos Textile Institute, an industry group, estimated that there were at least seventy-five asbestos companies in the St. Louis area by the early 1970s.

Many of these companies operated factories near residential areas, putting workers, their families and the public at risk of exposure.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

There are two primary types of mesothelioma: pleural and peritoneal.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, accounting for about 75% of all cases. It affects the lungs. 

Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common, accounting for about 20% of all cases. It affects the lining of the abdomen.

Pleural mesothelioma stages and symptoms

There are four stages of pleural mesothelioma:

• Stage 1 is the earliest stage. At this point, the cancer is still confined to the lining of the lungs.
• Stage 2 is when the cancer begins to spread to the outer layers of the lungs.
• Stage 3 is when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes or chest wall.
• Stage 4 is when the cancer has spread to other organs in the body, such as the liver or brain.

As a cancer that primarily affects the lungs, symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can include:

• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Fever

Peritoneal mesothelioma stages and symptoms

There are four stages of peritoneal mesothelioma:

• Stage 1 is the earliest stage. At this point, the cancer is still confined to the lining of the abdomen.
• Stage 2 is when the cancer begins to spread to the outer layers of the abdomen.
• Stage 3 is when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes or chest wall.
• Stage 4 is when the cancer has spread to other organs in the body, such as the liver or brain.

Peritoneal mesothelioma primarily affects the abdomen, so common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Responsibilities of property owners and asbestos companies in mesothelioma cases

Property owners and managers have the responsibility to notify guests of any asbestos present in the building. Guests should be made aware of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and they should be advised to take precautions when entering any area where asbestos is present.

If a property owner is aware of any asbestos in their building or job site, it is important to take steps to mitigate the risk of exposure. This may include sealing off the area or posting warning signs to alert guests of the presence of asbestos.

Property owners and managers who do not take steps to mitigate asbestos exposure may be at risk for legal action if a guest or employee of the property contracts mesothelioma as a result of exposure.

In addition to property owners, asbestos companies may also be held liable for injuries. Asbestos companies are responsible for the safe handling and removal of asbestos, and they are required to take steps to mitigate the risk of exposure.

If an asbestos company fails to take these precautions, victims may be able recover damages from them.

How a St. Louis mesothelioma lawyer can help with your asbestos exposure case

Choosing a lawyer to represent you in your asbestos case can be as important to your family’s future as selecting the right doctor to treat your mesothelioma or lung cancer.

If you were exposed to asbestos and you got sick as a result, you have a right to make a claim for compensation. You and your family have a right to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills and pharmacy bills
• Lost wages from lost time at work
• Pain and suffering
• Scars and disfigurement from surgery
• Loss of intimacy with your spouse
• Loss of companionship with your family members
• If you’ve lost a loved one, the wrongful death of that person.

In some instances, mesothelioma victims may even be awarded punitive damages that will serve to punish and deter the asbestos companies that injured you or your loved one.

Peace of mind in your mesothelioma case

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be feeling overwhelmed and anxious. You may be wondering what the future holds and how you will cope with this diagnosis.

You may be feeling scared and alone. You are not alone. There are people who can help you through this difficult time.
The doctors and nurses who are treating you will be able to answer your questions and help you understand your diagnosis. There are also support groups available for people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

And finally, your personal injury lawyer will do the heavy lifting to ensure your case is handled quickly and fairly. We will:

• Meet with you to discuss your case and evaluate the merits
• Gather evidence, including medical records and employment history
• Contact past employers to find out where you were exposed to asbestos
• Negotiate a settlement or take the case to trial if necessary

Contact the St. Louis mesothelioma lawyers at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse today to review your case – (314) 350-1900.