Syracuse Mesothelioma Lawyer, New York Asbestos Claims, Mesothelioma Attorney, Mesothelioma Legal Help

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims exposed to asbestos on the job have asbestos fibers lodged in the pleura (the lining of the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma) or abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). Each year another 2,500 to 4,000 mesothelioma victims are diagnosed in the U.S.

Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. Many of the corporations that manufactured and profited from the sale of asbestos-containing products were aware of the deadly hazards of this fiber, but chose to recklessly use it in products from the 1920s through the ‘70s and ‘80s. Manufacturers did not begin warning workers about asbestos-related illnesses until the mid-60s, and the warnings were terribly inadequate. The result is that many Americans have unnecessarily and tragically contracted asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, other cancers and asbestosis, a scarring of the lung or pleural tissue.

The Syracuse mesothelioma lawyers of Belluck & Fox, LLP concentrate on representing the asbestos claims of workers and their families throughout New York State, including those in the cities of Buffalo, Syracuse, Massena and Finger Lakes, New York. To talk to a New York mesothelioma law firm now, complete our online contact form or call (877) NYLAW09 (695-2909).

Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose, primarily due to the non-specific nature of patient symptoms, which are also associated with other medical conditions. Early mesothelioma symptoms are often similar to pneumonia, abdominal pain or chest pain, and develop very slowly—sometimes not appearing until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

The following symptomatic responses may be caused by mesothelioma or by other less serious medical problems. This information is provided for your information only and should not take the place of a full medical diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, consult your doctor right away:

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Effusions—One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma, a pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. As the volume of fluid increases, shortness of breath and sometimes pain may occur.
Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)—A buildup of fluid in the pleural area of the lungs, and/or the presence of a tumor(s) in the pleural lining, can restrict the proper functioning of the lungs, resulting in difficulty breathing. This difficulty manifests as a shortness of breath.
Chest or Back Pain—Fluid building up in the pleural lining of the lungs can create a feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of localized pain in the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain occurs more often on the right side of the body, as mesothelioma affects the right lung 60% of the time. Only 5% of patients have mesothelioma in both lungs.
Chronic Hoarseness, Difficulty Swallowing, Coughing up Blood—Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing, or the feeling of a “frog in the throat”), hemoptysis (coughing up blood or lung tissue) and chronic hoarseness are symptoms exhibited in less than 1% of undiagnosed mesothelioma sufferers.
Swelling—Facial edema (swelling) and/or swelling of the face and arms can indicate cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Abdominal Pain or Swelling—Ascites, or a build-up of fluid in the abdomen, can cause pain and/or swelling in the abdomen.
Bowel Obstruction—A peritoneal tumor can exert increasing pressure on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and distention.
Weight Loss and Anemia—The pressure exerted by the presence of asbestos-related tumors can lead to a loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, anemia (iron deficiency), and other wasting symptoms.

The non-specificity of mesothelioma symptoms can delay detection and diagnosis. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor right away. Make sure that your physician is aware of any previous NY asbestos exposure and asbestos occupational risk factors.

Syracuse mesothelioma cases and other asbestos-related illnesses are debilitating, aggressive conditions. It is important that you file a claim within a specified time period from the date that you receive your mesothelioma diagnosis. If you fail to pursue NY asbestos litigation within the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to seek damages.

Belluck & Fox, LLP has won a number of major personal injury cases involving asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent mesothelioma claim that settled for over $12 million. To contact the mesothelioma law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP call toll-free at (877) NYLAW09 (695-2909) or use our convenient online contact form.

For more information, contact Belluck & Fox, LLP.