Asbestos and Mesothelioma in NJ

If your family has suffered from asbestos exposure and has been injured, you need a lawyer... Call Kenneth Vercammen & Associates, PC At the turn of the last century, asbestos was considered an ideal material for use in the construction industry. It was known to be an excellent fire retardant, to have high electrical resistivity, and was inexpensive and easy to use. The problem with asbestos arises when the fibers become airborne and are inhaled. Because of the size of the fibers, the lungs cannot expel them. They are also sharp and penetrate tissues. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos_and_the_law Health problems attributed to asbestos include: 1 Asbestosis - A lung disease first found in naval shipyard workers, asbestosis is a scarring of the lung tissue from an acid produced by the body's attempt to dissolve the fibers. The scarring may eventually become so severe that the lungs can no longer function. The latency period ( meaning the time it takes for the disease to develop) is often 10-20 years. 2 Mesothelioma - A cancer of the mesothelial lining of the lungs and the chest cavity, the peritoneum (abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac surrounding the heart). Unlike lung cancer, mesothelioma has no association with smoking.[4] The only known cause is from exposure to asbestos or similar fibers. The latency period for mesothelioma may be 20-50 years. The prognosis for mesothelioma is grim, with most patients dying within 12 months of diagnosis. 3 Cancer - Cancer of the lung, gastrointestinal tract, kidney and larynx have been linked to asbestos. The latency period for cancer is often 15-30 years. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos_and_the_law Thousands of cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States every year. The cause is usually occupational exposure to asbestos, such as with asbestos insulation workers, but can also be contracted through environmental exposure. According to many experts, merely coming into contact with asbestos-infected clothing, for example, can lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take several decades to manifest. Once it appears, it progresses very rapidly. Those who suffer from mesothelioma can experience symptoms such as lower back pain, chest pain, weight loss, nausea, and shortness of breath. Asbestos was a commonly-used insulating material for many years, and numerous buildings still contain asbestos insulation. If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, or if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, you need an experienced attorney to represent your interests. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or believe you may be suffering from asbestos exposure, call Kenneth Vercammen & Associates, PC. If we cannot handle the case, we may be able to refer you to another attorney who will handle the case on a contingency basis, with no fee unless recovery.