Multiple reports over the past several years claimed that the number of deaths from mesothelioma was decreasing, but a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contradicts those reports, concluding that the number of mesothelioma deaths has actually increased. According to the data compiled by the CDC, the number of people who die from malignant mesothelioma has continued to show a steady increase each year over the past two decades. On average, the number of new victims who are diagnosed each year is approximately 3,000 and the number of victims who die each year is approximately 2,600.
Asbestos-Related Illness
For years, asbestos was heralded as an incredible building material that could prevent the spreading of fires, thereby keeping buildings – and those inside – safer. Asbestos was used in multi-family homes, commercial buildings, schools, and other structures.
Asbestos was used in building products for decades, even though there was evidence that it caused malignant cancers. It wasn’t until the early 1970’s – more than 30 years after the links to cancer were discovered – that asbestos was finally banned.
Certain occupations have reported high rates of mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers, including construction workers, building demolition, machinists, and mechanics. Railroad workers are particularly susceptible to mesothelioma because of all the asbestos they were exposed to for years.
Asbestos was used in multiple products that railroad workers used and were exposed to every single day, including insulation for brake shoes, ceilings, gaskets, and steam pipes. Railroad workers also routinely handled sheets of asbestos, cutting and fitting the sheets onto items that they were repairing. Workers had no idea they were being exposed every day to such deadly material. But railroad officials knew and for decades, they put profits over the lives of their workers.
In addition to mesothelioma, other asbestos-related diseases that victims can develop years after they have been exposed to asbestos include:
- Asbestosis
- COPD
- Diffuse pleural thickening
- Laryngeal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pleural plaques
Contact a Virginia Mesothelioma Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancers or conditions, it is critical that you do not delay in contacting a Virginia asbestos attorney because of the stringent statute of limitations that are in place for filing a claim.
The attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have extensive experience in representing victims suffering from asbestos-related conditions. We understand how devastating a diagnosis of mesothelioma is and have earned a solid reputation for our compassion for victims and their families, as well as our aggressive advocacy to get them the financial compensation they deserve.
Call our office today for a free and confidential consultation. Our personal injury firm has written a free, downloadable in-depth legal guide exploring asbestos exposure and mesothelioma that you may find helpful.
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