Many victims of asbestos exposure are fighting back with the help of a qualified Wilmington mesothelioma lawyer. Shipyards, steel foundries, and chemical and machinery companies were once a part of Wilmington’s economy. Asbestos use was and continues to be an issue in these industries.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Lung cancer, characterized by malignant cell growth inside the lungs, has several known causes, with asbestos being a significant one. This dangerous substance, once widely used in construction and manufacturing, poses severe health risks when its fibers are inhaled.
Asbestos exposure, particularly when combined with smoking, significantly heightens the risk of developing lung cancer. Smokers who have been exposed to asbestos face a greatly increased chance of developing this disease, as the two factors work synergistically to damage lung tissue.
It’s important to note that lung cancer can take many years or even decades to manifest following asbestos exposure. This prolonged latency period can make it difficult to connect the presence of cancer with past exposure, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding the risks associated with asbestos is crucial for protecting your health and seeking appropriate legal recourse. If you believe your lung condition is linked to asbestos exposure, it is essential to explore your legal options to secure the compensation you deserve. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about top Wilmington mesothelioma lawyers, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more.
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Understanding Mesothelioma and Its Seriousness
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue covering several internal organs, primarily affecting the lining of the lungs, heart, and abdomen. What sets this disease apart is its aggressive nature and complex treatment challenges.
Why is Mesothelioma Considered Serious?
- Aggressive Nature: Mesothelioma is notorious for its rapid tumor growth and metastasis. This aggressive behavior makes it one of the most challenging cancers to manage.
- Rare and Complex: As a relatively rare condition, it demands specialized medical expertise and often, customized treatment plans. The complexity stems from its tendency to spread quickly within the body.
- Strong Link to Asbestos: Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor, with symptoms sometimes taking 30 to 50 years to manifest. This delay in onset can lead to late-stage diagnosis, complicating efforts to treat the disease effectively.
- Treatment Challenges: The combination of its stealthy progression and rapid spread often results in limited treatment options, reducing the likelihood of successful outcomes.
In summary, mesothelioma is considered particularly serious due to its aggressive development, complex treatment requirements, and close ties to asbestos exposure, which often delays detection until the disease has significantly advanced.
Delaware Asbestos Facts
- Nearly 1,300 people in the small state of Delaware died from asbestos-related diseases between 1999 and 2017.
- Chemical companies like DuPont and Hercules Powder contributed significantly to asbestos exposure in and around Wilmington.
- A recent exposure incident during the demolition of an old General Motors plant highlights the ongoing risk of asbestos to the community.
Understanding the Types of Asbestos
When discussing asbestos, it’s essential to recognize that it comprises six distinct types. These can be divided into two main families: serpentine and amphibole.
1. Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
Chrysotile is the sole member of the serpentine family, distinguished by its curly fibers and layered crystal structure. It has been the most employed type of asbestos in industries due to its versatility and heat resistance.
2. Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
From the amphibole family, amosite features straight, needle-like fibers. Known for its strength and resistance to heat, it has commonly been used in insulation materials.
3. Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
Crocidolite, another amphibole, also displays needle-like fibers. It’s noted for having the highest heat resistance among all asbestos types but is considered one of the most hazardous due to its thin fibers, which are easily inhaled.
Other Less Common Types
- Actinolite
- Anthophyllite
- Tremolite
These three types are less frequently found in building materials, typically occurring as trace contaminants. Despite their rarity, they are nonetheless dangerous and carry similar health risks.
Health Considerations
All asbestos types are deemed hazardous and carcinogenic. Recognizing their presence in older construction materials is crucial for ensuring safety and proper handling.
When Do I Need a Wilmington Mesothelioma Lawyer?
You should contact a local asbestos or mesothelioma lawyer as soon as you get a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Nearly every mesothelioma case was caused by negligent asbestos exposure in the workplace. This rare and aggressive form of cancer is almost exclusively linked to asbestos, a material once commonly used in construction and manufacturing.
Mesothelioma often takes decades to develop, with symptoms appearing 30-50 years after the initial exposure. This lengthy latency period makes early detection challenging. Additionally, mesothelioma is notoriously resistant to medical treatment, complicating efforts to manage the disease effectively.
Understanding the dangers of asbestos and the importance of workplace safety is crucial in preventing future cases and protecting workers’ health.
You can hold companies accountable for the harm they caused in exposing you to asbestos, but you need the help of an experienced asbestos attorney. Here’s how they can help you:
- Evaluate your case for free to answer your questions and provide guidance
- Investigate your exposure and determine which companies are negligent
- File a lawsuit against the companies that exposed you to asbestos
- Negotiate a settlement that maximizes the compensation you receive
- Litigate your case in court if the defendants refuse to settle and provide compensation
- File a successful claim with asbestos trust funds
A lawyer can also help you if you are a veteran. Veterans have high rates of mesothelioma due to the heavy use of asbestos by the military. They can help you file a lawsuit or seek VA benefits.
Top-Rated Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers in Wilmington
When you’re ready to take action against the companies that made you sick, start with an experienced asbestos attorney. Asbestos cases are complex and difficult to settle and litigate. You need a lawyer who has expertise in this area of the law and has won for asbestos victims.
Look for a Wilmington lawyer who is part of a large asbestos firm. Large firms have resources and nationwide reach. These are necessary to win asbestos cases that often involve multiple defendants and are often filed in other states.
How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Wilmington?
Asbestos exposure can occur in various ways, primarily through inhalation and ingestion, and Wilmington’s industrial history presents several scenarios where residents and workers might encounter this hazardous material.
Inhalation Exposure in Wilmington
The most common way people are exposed to asbestos is by breathing in its fibers. These microscopic, glass-like particles can be released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during construction, renovation, or demolition activities. In Wilmington, several industries and job sites have been historically associated with such exposure.
DuPont Chemical
Headquartered in downtown Wilmington, DuPont has been operating since 1802. Because of the company’s previous high use of asbestos, it has faced several lawsuits over the years.
In 2009, three lawsuits were filed by workers in Argentina after they became seriously ill after working for prolonged hours around asbestos.
According to the lawsuits, Du Pont knew of the dangers of asbestos since 1964, but employees at the Mercedes plant in Argentina were still coming into contact with asbestos in 2004. All three workers developed asbestosis and two developed lung cancer.
While Du Pont stopped using asbestos in Delaware in the 1970s, it continued using the hazardous mineral in Argentina.
Hercules Powder
Hercules Powder Company, a spin-off company of Du Pont, was a large chemical company headquartered in Wilmington. Hercules expanded rapidly and became a major part of the Wilmington economy, employing thousands.
As a chemical company, Hercules relied on asbestos in its machinery, equipment, and facilities to resist high temperatures and heat. In addition, the workers wore clothing and protective gear with asbestos for protection and insulation.
Hercules expanded its plant operations in several states, including Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and more.
Several lawsuits against Hercules surfaced recently as more and more people developed the dangerous illnesses linked to asbestos exposure, including asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma.
Other Job Sites and Buildings in Wilmington Associated with Asbestos Use
In addition to the well-known chemical companies, several other buildings and workplaces in Wilmington have contributed to asbestos exposure:
Schools
- Bancroft Elementary School
- Delcastle Technical High School
- Lancashire Elementary School
- Thomas McKean High School
- Mount Pleasant High School
- Springer Middle School
- St. Mark’s High School
- St. Mary Magdalen School
Hospitals
- Christiana Hospital (Wilmington Hospital)
- Pelleport Hospital
- Riverside Hospital
- St. Francis Hospital
Construction Companies
- Chestnut Run Construction
- Cohen and Son Construction
Shipyards
- Dravo Shipyard
- Pusey & Jones Shipyard
Chemical Companies
- Atlas Chemical Industries, Inc.
- Wilmington Chemical Corporation
- DuPont Research Center
Other Public Buildings
- Chester Bethel Church
- Church of the Holy Child
Ingestion Exposure through Drinking Water
Another concern is the ingestion of asbestos fibers through drinking water. This can occur when asbestos fibers leach into the water supply from corroding asbestos cement pipes, which are widespread and carry water to many cities and towns across the country. In Wilmington, the presence of these pipes raises potential risks, especially if the infrastructure has aged or deteriorated.
By understanding the various ways in which asbestos exposure can happen, residents and workers in Wilmington can be more vigilant about their surroundings and take preventive measures to protect themselves and their families.
Understanding Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. When these tiny fibers are breathed in, they can embed themselves deep within the lungs, particularly in the air sacs. Over time, the lodged fibers trigger the development of scar tissue in the lung tissue, a process known as fibrosis. As this scarring spreads, it can severely impact lung function, making it difficult for individuals to breathe normally.
Symptoms of Asbestosis
People affected by asbestosis often experience:
- Shortness of Breath: Even everyday activities can become challenging as lung capacity diminishes.
- Persistent Cough: A chronic cough is common as the lungs attempt to expel the irritating fibers.
In severe cases, the escalating damage from asbestosis can lead to significant disability, and it may even be life-threatening. Early detection and management are crucial to improving quality of life and preventing further complications.
Understanding Pleural Plaques and Their Impact on the Body
Pleural plaques are areas of localized thickening and scarring on the pleural membrane, which surrounds the lungs. These changes are most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals once widely used in construction and other industries.
What Causes Pleural Plaques?
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can embed themselves in the lung tissue. Over time, these fibers can irritate the pleura—the thin layer of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity—leading to the formation of plaques. Although pleural plaques themselves are not cancerous, they are an indication of asbestos exposure, which is medically significant.
Effects on the Body
While pleural plaques are generally considered benign, they can lead to some health complications:
- Breathing Challenges: The thickening of the pleural tissue may sometimes restrict lung expansion, making breathing more difficult.
- Risk Indicator: The presence of pleural plaques suggests prior asbestos exposure, which may increase the risk of developing more serious conditions, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma, later in life.
Key Takeaways
- Non-cancerous: Pleural plaques themselves do not turn into cancer.
- Indicator of Exposure: They are a reliable marker of past asbestos exposure.
- Potential Risk: Individuals with pleural plaques should be monitored for potential lung-related diseases.
In summary, pleural plaques are mostly a concern because they highlight a history of asbestos exposure, which can have serious long-term health implications.
Recent Asbestos Exposure at General Motors Plant
Although routine use of asbestos in workplaces and construction is in the past, lingering asbestos materials still cause harm. The recent demolition of Wilmington’s former General Motors plant halted and resulted in fines to a foreman and asbestos subcontractor.
In a video taken by a worker, asbestos particles can be seen floating in the air. The state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control issued penalties totaling $66,000.
-Jingjing Z.
People in this company are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They quickly answered all my questions and patiently walked me through the case and any open issues. I so appreciate their diligence and patience during this challenging time.
Getting Medical Help Near Wilmington
Medical experts recommend that victims of asbestos-related diseases seek treatment from physicians and care centers offering comprehensive cancer care. Although there are no comprehensive cancer care centers in Wilmington, the following are among a few close-by facilities:
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center: 4710 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE, 19713, 302-623-4500
- University of Pennsylvania Cancer Care Center: Abramson Cancer Center: 38th and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, 800-789-7366
Getting Legal Help in Wilmington
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to compensatory damages. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
