Pittsburgh Mesothelioma Attorney

About Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the lining of internal organs such as the lungs and heart. Nearly 100% of the time it is caused by exposure to asbestos and, even if detected early, is almost always fatal. If you or a loved one are suffering from mesothelioma and suspect that the cause was negligent asbestos exposure, you need the immediate legal assistance of our firm.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a set of six silicate minerals found in nature that found their niche in commercial and industrial building. Around the end of the 19th century, they became increasingly popular for their physical properties which made them ideal for manufacturers – namely, its strength, heat resistance and low cost. This made it highly demanded for use in a wide variety of products.

It started out as insulation in the late 19th century and later transitioned to items like concrete, bricks, cement, pipe insulation, drywall an more in the mid 20th century. This, however, was short lived as during the prime of its usage, researchers began to notice a correlation between early deaths and lung problems in towns where it was mined.

In 1924, the first diagnosis was made of asbestosis – an inflammatory and fibrotic lung disease. Within the next two decades, medical professionals began to take note of "mesothelioma" and tied it to exposure to these asbestos. Currently, it is held that asbestos exposure "indisputably" causes mesothelioma, affecting not only those who directly worked with the material, but also those who live near it, as well as family members who may be exposed by something as small as dust released when washing clothing. There has also been concern about exposure through building materials.

Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Pittsburgh

One out of every 125 deaths of people over age 50 in the U.S., mostly men, is due to asbestos-related mesothelioma, caused by someone else's negligence. Individuals who are exposed to asbestos do not become ill immediately; however, prolonged contact with the particles may facilitate the growth of malignant cells over a period of 20 to 50 years that develop into mesothelioma. Some of the occupations that present the most danger include:

• Carpenters
• Auto mechanics
• Insulators
• Longshoreman / merchant marines
• Asbestos removal workers
• Demolition workers

Cases involving mesothelioma can be exceptionally complex because the act of negligence may have been decades earlier – making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause and who is exactly responsible. Despite the complications, the law office of Frank Walker is not afraid to take on these cases; our Pittsburgh personal injury attorney understands the ramifications of this negligent exposure and we are prepared to do everything possible to help our clients fight for the just compensation that they deserve.

We believe that while nothing can bring back your health, you deserve to be justly compensated for your losses. We will only accept cases on a contingency basis, meaning that you do not pay a fee unless we win. If hired as your counsel, we pledge that we will do all that is possible to help you receive the outcome you deserve. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you.