St. Louis Mesothelioma Lawyer

Fighting For Mesothelioma Victims in Missouri

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 attorneys 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.

Recognizing 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 & 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 & 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

Liability of Property Owners & Asbestos Companies

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 to recover damages from them.

Navigating Missouri's Asbestos Regulations

In Missouri, significant efforts have been made at both state and local levels to regulate the use and removal of asbestos, particularly given the persistent challenges posed by the numerous older buildings throughout St. Louis. Regulations are designed to safeguard public health while performing asbestos removal safely and effectively. Asbestos abatement requires a thorough assessment to identify asbestos-containing materials, and the state mandates that only licensed contractors handle such materials.

St. Louis residents should be aware of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), which sets out guidelines for how schools and public buildings must manage asbestos. Adhering to these guidelines is critical for minimizing exposure and ensuring community safety. Additionally, individuals should verify that any renovation or demolition project has undergone the appropriate environmental review and received clearance from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Identify Asbestos in My Property?

Identifying asbestos in properties can be challenging, especially since many materials do not visibly show asbestos content. It’s crucial to have suspected materials tested by a professional. Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, flooring tiles, roofing materials, and cement products. If your property was built before the 1980s, it's wise to assume asbestos may be present until proven otherwise. Licensed professionals can conduct assessments to ascertain and safely manage asbestos risks. By adhering to local regulations, property owners can ensure compliance and protect the health of occupants.

What Should I Do If I've Been Exposed to Asbestos?

If you suspect asbestos exposure, immediate medical consultation is advisable to assess health implications. Medical professionals may conduct screenings to ascertain if asbestos fibers have altered lung function. Early detection of any potential asbestos-related conditions can guide health management strategies. Concurrently, documenting where and how the exposure occurred is essential for legal purposes if pursuing compensation through legal channels becomes necessary. Working closely with knowledgeable professionals ensures both health monitoring and legal options are handled appropriately.

What Role Does a Mesothelioma Lawyer Play in My Case?

Mesothelioma lawyers assist clients in obtaining justice and seeking necessary compensation following asbestos exposure. They guide and support you throughout the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected, and any compensation aligns with the damages experienced. This includes medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Legal representation allows individuals to focus on health and recovery, entrusting the lawyers with navigating complex legal pathways. Lawyers negotiate fiercely with parties to secure fair settlements or represent clients in court if needed.

What Compensation is Available For a Mesothelioma Claim?

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.

Contact Our St. Louis Mesothelioma Attorneys Today

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.