Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer of the lining of the lungs or the lining of the chest.
Mesothelioma is considered to be exclusively related to asbestos exposure.
HGD partner, W. Lee Gresham III,
has experience in and focuses on personal injury
litigation related to exposure to toxic substances
and environmental pollutants, particularly asbestos.
Lee has provided legal counsel to plaintiffs suffering from asbestos-related diseases
for many years. HGD represents hundreds of individuals who have been
diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer and other cancers resulting
from asbestos exposure.
If you or someone you
know has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related
cancer, please contact HGD toll free at
1-866-550-MESO.
Q & A with Lee Gresham
(PDF version)
Q: What diseases can result from exposure
to asbestos?
A: In addition to asbestosis, which is a progressive scarring
of the lungs leading to dangerously decreased breathing
function, exposure to asbestos has been proved to
cause mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs
or the lining of the chest. Mesothelioma, considered the
“signature” asbestos-related cancer, often manifests itself, as with other asbestos-related diseases, 30 to 40 years
after exposure. Tragically, mesothelioma is often fatal
within less than one year from diagnosis. Other proven
asbestos-related cancers include lung cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer and stomach cancer.
Q: Where do people encounter asbestos
in the environment?
A: While most asbestos-related illnesses are caused by
industrial exposures in the workplace, many who suffer
from asbestos-related diseases also encounter asbestos containing
dust from sheetrock and joint compound used
in home improvement projects and from friction products, such as brake shoes and clutch plates, used in automobile
repair work. Secondary exposure can also cause asbestos-related
diseases. Secondary exposure is exposure to asbestos-
containing dust from the work clothes of another.
Q: What is the current climate surrounding
asbestos litigation?
A: Despite numerous attempts in recent years by
corporate-backed politicians to eliminate asbestos
litigation, individuals who have been diagnosed with one
of the asbestos-related cancers still may be entitled to
compensation.
Q: What is the goal of personal injury cases
involving asbestos exposure?
A: We believe the legal system should hold the
manufacturers and the distributors of asbestos-containing
products accountable for knowingly exposing countless
individuals to this deadly substance. We will continue to
pursue the remaining viable asbestos defendants as well
as file bankruptcy claims against those companies that
have filed for bankruptcy protection.
Q: What should someone do if they suspect their
cancer is asbestos-related?
A: If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with
an asbestos-related cancer, please contact HGD at
(205) 326-3336 or toll-free 1-800-241-9779.
Click here for more information about Asbestos exposure.
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