Mesothelioma Information Washington DC Blog | Parker, Dumler and Kiely LLP

How Will the Illness Affect Family and Friends?

2009-07-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

Everyone involved with a patient who has an asbestos-related illness will be affected by their loved one's disease. But, because everyone is unique, no two people will respond exactly the same. The sooner you find resources for information, help and support the easier it will be for everyone to get the support they need. Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLC lists several asbestos information resources on their website.

Some of the more common experiences begin with shock and disbelief upon learning of the disease. Other responses are based on not knowing how to relate to the patient or what to do to help.

One person is facing the end of their life with an uncertain timeline, and the rest are facing the loss of a loved one. All must deal with a complete change in their lives, beginning immediately, and lasting forever. Sadly, some will distance themselves from the patient and family. This is surely an unfortunate and disappointing loss of companionship, but it may be best not to have reluctant people involved in your lives at this time.

Most people know little about asbestos-caused diseases. While some will immediately do some research, few will know many facts. They might be willing to help, but not knowing exactly the best ways to help, can create more problems than they solve. It's wise to get these people together, share information, and involve them in an organized plan so that each can make a useful contribution. In this way, each can feel that they are doing something constructive, less helpless, and that they have some control over some part of the outcome.

Coping with cancer is difficult and often unpredictable. There will be a tremendous amount of stress that will affect everyone, and those caring for the patient will need as much support as the patient will. Emotions can range from denial, to anger, grief, fear, uncertainty, confusion, depression, hopelessness, hope...basically the full spectrum of what people can feel when their lives are turned upside down. Some well-meaning people might discount your emotions, or pressure you to respond as they expect you to. Don't let their view affect you, as your feelings are yours and will not follow any defined routine.

If your life has been destroyed by one of these diseases, you will need legal help in addition to other forms of support. For a free evaluation of your case, please contact Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP, serving clients in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Public Health Emergency in Libby, Montana

2009-06-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency has declared a public health emergency. This is due to the high number of asbestos-related illnesses suffered by the population of Libby, Montana. The town will receive more than $130 million for cleanup and medical needs.

It is estimated that 200 people have died and at least a thousand more have been sickened with illnesses, including mesothelioma. The culprit is the vermiculite mine that was operated from the 1920s to 1990. Vermiculite by itself is not necessarily harmful, however, the vermiculite from the Libby mine was contaminated with asbestos.

Vermiculite is used in a variety of materials, and the vermiculite the Libby mine was mostly used in Zonolite, an insulation used in millions of homes across the country. Virtually all the vermiculite that was mined was contaminated with asbestos. This means that the small town was exposed for decades as the mining was in progress. However, while those who mined the vermiculite were definitely exposed, entire families may have also been sickened. Mine waste, called trailings, were used as mulch in gardens, as fill for driveways, and even in playgrounds and the local high school track.

The mine operator, W.C. Grace, closed the mine in 1999, but cleanup efforts have stalled time and again over the last decade. In 2008, three executives of the mining company were acquitted of criminal charges related to the town’s exposure. However, they agreed in 2008 to pay the EPA $250 million for cleanup costs.

If you or a loved one has developed an asbestos-related illness, please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers at Parker, Dumler & Kiely LLP for an initial consultation.

How Common Is Mesothelioma?

2009-06-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) there are between 2,000 to 3,000 new mesothelioma diagnoses each year in the U.S. and over 10,000 reported worldwide, annually. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, accounting for less than 5% of all cancers. Attorneys at the firm Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP have posted a variety of valuable information to help you understand this disease and how it affects you and your family.

The NCI says, "Those who worked in industries that made widespread use of asbestos are at high risk for developing mesothelioma." About 80% of mesothelioma cases are traced back to a job that exposed the victim to asbestos, even though this may have been 10-50 years earlier. Most patients aren't diagnosed until they are in their mid-60s, but this is an average age, meaning that about half are diagnosed at younger ages.

Exposure to asbestos, even in high and frequent concentrations doesn't automatically mean that a person will develop an asbestos-related disease, though greater exposure increases risk proportionately. Some patients never worked directly with asbestos, but were contaminated indirectly through industrial pollution or personal contact with someone who worked in the industry. Workers left their jobs with asbestos on their bodies and clothing, spreading the fibers accordingly.

If you develop any symptoms of mesothelioma you should see your doctor and make sure he knows of your asbestos exposure. While symptoms can appear similar to the flu, if they don't subside in a few days, ask to be tested to be sure you don't have mesothelioma.

Should you receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma, or any asbestos-related disease, seek legal counsel quickly. Statutes of limitations may affect your eligibility to claim damages. Please contact Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP, serving clients in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

What is Asbestos and Where Can It Be Found?

2009-06-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

Per the National Cancer Institute, ASBESTOS is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. These silicate compound fibers are fire retardant, heat resistant, non conductive, and resistant to chemicals making them ideal for many products and industrial uses. Unfortunately, asbestos contamination has serious health consequences.

As of 1989 all new uses of asbestos have been banned, but previous uses are still allowed. However, many products are no longer manufactured using asbestos, such as crayons, hairdryers, and kitchen appliances.

Aside from asbestos mines, asbestos can be found in minute quantities everywhere. These quantities are small enough that continued exposure is not considered to be a risk. But higher concentrations can be found in many places in addition to manufacturing plants and companies that use asbestos in their products. Asbestos usage in older homes was so extensive that many people are living in a potential disaster area.

Asbestos can be found in work places that employ laborers for many industries like welding, brake and auto repairs, and many others. Asbestos can be found in commonly used buildings such as hospitals, office buildings and schools, or industrial sites such as cement factories, chemical plants, or power plants, and many others.

Asbestos can also be found in older products and appliances that may be available in thrift stores, antique stores, basements and attics. These older products may well be in a state of deterioration, though they may look to be intact. These can be any product that generated heat or, like a potholder, protected from heat. They could include products that were fire or chemical retardant, such as children's clothing and blankets made prior to 1979.

If you believe you have an asbestos-related disease you should seek legal advice without delay. For a free, personalized consultation, please contact Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP, serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. clients with asbestos-related claims.

What Should I Do If I May Be At Risk?

2009-06-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

Most people at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease have worked in an industry that either mined asbestos or manufactured products with asbestos. Other high risk asbestos industries are those that used asbestos products, such as construction, shipbuilding, automotive industry-especially involving brake pads, cement factories and many other manual labor-intensive industries.

Also at risk are the families of these workers who have, in the past, brought home fibers on their clothing and bodies. Recent protective practices require workers to shower and change clothing before leaving a contaminated area, reducing the likelihood of exposing others by personal contact. However, prior to implementing these protections, those exposed to workers may still develop symptoms in the future.

One lesser-known industry is the do-it-yourself home remodeling and renovation sector, where people are not aware of the extent to which asbestos was used in older homes. Demolition industries create huge clouds of dust as older buildings come down, and many of these buildings contain extensive amounts of asbestos.

Because diseases associated with asbestos exposure have been found in people with little or no known exposure, and because asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that can be found in minute quantities anywhere, to a small degree we are all at risk. These diseases take from 10-50 years to develop symptoms

Take Control

If you believe you are being exposed to asbestos and are not being informed, or have not been offered protective equipment, you can speak to your employer or whoever oversees the company that is responsible for the exposure. If they do not respond with satisfactory evidence that they are not putting you at risk, you can report them to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), or contact a lawyer experienced with asbestos cases for information on other remedies.

If you are at risk for an asbestos-related disease, you may have legal options. Please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a personalized, free consultation.

What Effects Can Asbestos Have on the Body?

2009-05-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Asbestos, a known carcinogen, can have a wide range of different effects on the body, depending upon where the fibers lodge. Asbestos-related diseases can range from nonmalignant to malignant, including asbestosis, nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, lung cancer, mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium or testicular lining, and other malignant cancers. The effects of asbestos on smokers is estimated to increase the risk of disease as much as 90 times that of non-smokers.

Asbestos fibers can accumulate in body tissue with repeated exposure. Trapped fibers can cause scarring and inflammation, which in turn can cause difficulty breathing. Over time continued inflammation can cause other problems including one or more of the following:

COPD
Asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Pneumonia
Asbestosis (fibrotic tissue/scarring throughout the lungs), which restricts lung expansion and reduces its ability to function normally
Pleural plaques
Pleural thickening
Mesothelioma
Increased risk of lung cancer

Secondary to the diseases above, pulmonary effusion (fluid between the pleural layers) can develop. Fluid buildup compresses the lungs and reduces the ability to breathe effectively. This fluid can become infected, cause inflammation and scarring of the pleura, which in turn can cause adhesions in which the scar tissue binds the two pleural layers together with scar tissue.

Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause bowel obstruction, anemia, weight loss, blood clotting abnormalities, abdominal pain and swelling, fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity similar to that of pleural effusion, and fever.

According to the National Cancer Institute, some studies indicate an increased risk of colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers, cancer of the throat, kidney, esophagus and gallbladder, though the evidence is inconclusive.

If you have any of these asbestos-related diseases or symptoms, please contact the experienced asbestos lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP for a free consultation.

In Loving Memory: Losing a Loved One to Asbestos-Related Diseases

2009-05-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

The emotions one feels when receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma have been described as shocked, helpless with no control over their life, hopeless, despair and grief as though their loved one had already died, to name only a few. Much is written about coping with the disease from the patient's point of view, but equally important are the family members and friends, and how the death of a loved one from this devastating disease affects them. Asbestos attorneys Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP can help alleviate many concerns for victims of asbestos-related diseases in the Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. area.

As with the death of any loved one, family and friends will experience all of the expected phases of grieving. But when an asbestos-related disease causes death, there is more to cope with due to the fact that the death might have been avoidable. Since the majority of cases are caused by on-the-job exposure due to employer negligence in providing protection from asbestos, family often cope with lengthy litigation, stress, and prolonged involvement dealing with their loss.

Supporting one another during this time is especially important. In addition to the funeral services, holding a special memorial, joining support groups, forming support groups, and volunteering to help others who struggle with these diseases can be very healing. The feelings of helplessness and betrayal are often relieved by being able to help others learn how to relieve pain, stress, give comfort and assistance, and especially to cope with their difficult emotions.

For information on how you can recover financial damages you must act quickly to remain eligible. Please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP to schedule a free consultation. Your loss has been great enough. You should not have to suffer financial losses, too.

Nutrition for Mesothelioma Patients

2009-05-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

It isn't surprising that good nutrition for mesothelioma patients is a high priority, but the fact is that many aspects of this disease preclude patients from benefitting from mesothelioma nutritional therapy. Mesothelioma is a cancer. The nature of cancer is that it is often a factor that causes the weight loss. This is compounded by how treatments affect a patient's appetite in addition to the risk of destroying healthy muscle and organ cells. These combine to defeat the goals of maintaining a healthy weight, elevating nutrition from nourishment to an additional treatment.

You'll make many changes in your life whether you caring for yourself or you are caring for a family member with mesothelioma. Good nutrition is one of the more important ones. It is necessary to help rebuild cells destroyed both by the cancer itself and by the treatment. So it makes sense to be as well nourished before treatment begins as possible. Good nutrition as a preventive measure helps rebuild cells, prevent infection, and reduce side effects.

Nutrition for mesothelioma patients, like other cancers, means eating more protein, particularly eggs, cheese, and milk, more fat and more carbohydrates. Gravies and sauces are encouraged, not discouraged, as are snacks. Because fiber can be an irritant to side effects such as diarrhea or mouth sores, it may be better to reduce the amount of fiber in ones diet. So, while salad dressings are encouraged, salads may be discouraged, at least if they exacerbate problems.

If you are under treatment for mesothelioma you may be entitled to reimbursement and other damages, but you do need to act within the time limits set by the Statutes of Limitations. Please contact Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP, the Mesothelioma Lawyers serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., the lawyers experienced in mesothelioma claims.

Asbestos Usage in the United States

2009-05-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

When Help Harms

The Hill-Burton Act was passed to ensure that there was adequate infrastructure in place to provide medical care to all communities. Hospitals were encouraged to expand services and build new additions or modernize existing facilities. It seemed that hospital construction was going on everywhere until the mid 1980s when new building efforts began to slow down.

While facilities were under construction employees often had to travel through dusty construction areas in the course of their work. Patients often had to be moved through these areas to get treatment or diagnostic testing in an area away from their rooms. Visitors and outpatients, as well as vendors and construction workers were openly exposed to the dust. In fact, the "Pardon Our Dust" signs were a common sight during those years.

The Irony of Intervention

Who could have guessed that this was not something to be so easily dismissed? Because so many of the buildings that needed renovation were built when asbestos use was not questioned, no doubt millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos dust in more than minimal-risk measures. If you find yourself with an asbestos related diagnosis, but no idea where you were exposed, you may want to see an experienced asbestos attorney for more information.

Beware of Small Construction Projects

Recently a small, older grocery store paid about $100,000 to have their older floors sanded down to the concrete foundation according to an article the Union County Leader in Clayton, NM, March 11, 2009. Shoppers purchasing products immediately after completion of this project may have been contaminated with asbestos from the dusty cans and packages they purchased in the weeks following. Unless they washed them immediately, the dust may still be contaminating others who enter their homes, and especially those who use these products.

Home Renovation and Asbestos Exposure

As the economy tightens, and older buildings get older yet, we may see more and more home renovations and less new construction. Older buildings need more repairs and maintenance, and that creates a situation that could release asbestos fibers into the air. You can find companies that are qualified to dismantle those parts of your home that are at risk, but they won't be cheap. Knowing the risks to the health of your family you don't want just the lowest bid, but quality work by knowledgeable professionals.

It’s Not Just Employees at Risk

It’s obvious that we can't always know when we've been exposed to this deadly mineral. So, it may come as a surprise that people who are not employed in an asbestos-related field such as mining or manufacturing could be susceptible to asbestos caused diseases.

If you would like to learn more about your options, please visit the website of Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for more information, or to schedule a free consultation.

Notable Mesothelioma Class Actions

2009-04-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

James Cavette v Johns Manville

After James Cavett was awarded $3.8 million from asbestos manufacturer Johns Manville in 1982 for compensatory and punitive damages, class actions have been filed against employers in every industry that exposed its employees to asbestos. The flood of lawsuits has caused several large corporations to undergo bankruptcy reorganization. But the number of frivolous lawsuits that try to squeeze through contribute to overloading dockets and wasting money spent on lawyers, and court costs by all parties involved.

In 1995 a mesothelioma class action lawsuit was decided in favor of the plaintiffs and awarded $700,000,000. Another 750,000 individuals have joined mesothelioma class action lawsuits.

June Hancock v Turner & Newall

In a landmark U.K. case June Hancock sued Turner & Newall, the parent company of J.W. Roberts, an asbestos factory in Armley. As a child in the 1930s June played in and around the factory and attended school across the street, where enough asbestos drifted and landed that the children were able to make "snowballs" out of the drifts. Her mother died in 1983 from mesothelioma, but when she was diagnosed with the disease she decided to sue as an exposed community resident. When the court awarded her damages of £65,000 a new precedent was set establishing a duty to the community regarding the use of hazardous materials.

Whether or not you were exposed to asbestos in a work environment, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP for a free consultation.

Notable Asbestos Class Actions

2009-04-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

First Claims

Asbestos has been known as one of the most dangerous risks to employees' health since the late 1920s. In 1927 the first workers' compensation claim for asbestosis was filed. Johns Manville, a well-known asbestos company settled a 1933 claim with eleven employees, all of whom had asbestosis. The settlement was contingent upon a stipulation that the plaintiffs' attorney agreed never again to "directly or indirectly participate in the bringing of new actions against the Corporation."

The Floodgates Open

Johns Manville was again the subject of a lawsuit in 1982 in which the judgment awarded plaintiff James Cavett $3.8 million in damages. Two months later, still faced with 16,500 asbestos lawsuits The Manville Corporation filed for bankruptcy.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a flood of asbestos claims, and many of these ended up on the U.S. Supreme Court docket as class actions. Many large corporations ended up in or near bankruptcy as a result.

Tipping the Scales of Justice

Some made efforts to limit their liability by attempting to design settlements that were less than ideal. Two major faults with proposed plans were the lack of consideration for future claimants who had not yet shown symptoms of disease, and putting all of those exposed to asbestos into a single class that had no commonality other than exposure to asbestos, thus failing to account for the wide range of damages suffered by the victims.

These two plans were rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court in Amchem Prods., Inc. v. Windsor, 521 U.S. 591, 617 (1997) and Ortiz v. Fibreboard Corp., 527 U.S. 815 (1999).

With Intent to Deceive

Knowing that the Johns-Manville Corporation had a history of hiding evidence of the damages its employees were suffering as a result of asbestos exposure, Ronald Motley, a South Carolina attorney had a rather unflattering opinion of the company. He described them as "the greatest corporate mass murderer in history." One example is a memo from the company's medical director to its corporate headquarters that read:

"The fibrosis of this disease is irreversible and permanent so that eventually compensation will be paid to each of these men. But, as long as the man is not disabled it is felt that he should not be told of his condition so that he can live and work in peace and the company can benefit by his many years of experience."

In Your Defense

If you ever felt hesitant about filing a claim for the damages you and your family suffer as a result of your employer exposing you to asbestos, keep that memo in mind. You paid dearly for the opportunity to support your family, but your life and health were not part of the agreement. Please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP to schedule a free consultation.

How to Care for a Family Member with Mesothelioma

2009-04-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

Caring for a loved one who is suffering from mesothelioma is an emotionally, financially and physically demanding task. While keeping the person at home is typically the desired arrangement, the loved ones providing the attention may not be able to handle the demands of properly caring for the patient. It is important to realize that there are other options available to help make a mesothelioma patient’s life more comfortable.

Other options for care

• Hospice care at home or in a hospice center
• Hospital setting
• Nursing home setting

There are ways that caregivers can help improve the mesothelioma patient’s quality of life while also maintaining their own sanity and not losing focus of themselves. As a caregiver, it is important to:

• Solicit and accept help from others, including healthcare professionals, other family members and friends.
• Discuss options for care openly with the patient.
• Keep healthy nutrition a priority for the patient and yourself.
• Take care of your own physical and emotional needs.
• Help the patients settle unfinished issues that may help to bring peace.
• Join a support group.
• Participate regularly in a stress-reducing activity.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lease contact our mesothelioma attorneys at Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP to schedule a free consultation.

Common Asbestos Exposure Sites

2009-04-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

At one time asbestos was heralded as a miracle substance. Asbestos is an economical, lightweight mineral that is heat, water and acid resistant; non-flammable; does not conduct electricity and is impervious to pests. Unfortunately, these same phenomenal asbestos fibers can also be deadly to individuals when swallowed or inhaled.

Years ago, there were some industries with asbestos work sites that left workers especially vulnerable to asbestos exposure, including:

• Construction sites
• Shipyards
• Auto repair
• Power plants
• Oil refineries
• Railroads
• Emergency responders, such as firefighting
• Mining

People who worked in these types of settings in the 1950s or 1960s are at a risk for developing mesothelioma. Because the disease can remain “silent” for 20-50 years, many workers from this timeframe are just now realizing that they have the disease.

Today asbestos exposure is not as widespread as it was 30-50+ years ago. This is due, in part, to asbestos bans and warnings. However, asbestos still exists and can still be a dangerous force. The World Trade Center tragedy of 9/11 stirred up a great amount of asbestos into the air, which has already proven deadly to some rescue and clean-up workers.

If you or a loved one has fallen victim to an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to damages. Please contact our mesothelioma attorneys at Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP to schedule a free consultation to review your unique situation.

Financial Assistance for Mesothelioma Victims

2009-03-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

There are a variety of financial assistance options available for mesothelioma victims and their families. Our knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyers at Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP have helped countless numbers of individuals receive the maximum amount of financial assistance available to help with medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and emotional support.

Types of financial assistance

Each mesothelioma victim’s situation is unique and will require a thorough understanding of the laws and types of financial assistance available to obtain the maximum compensation. Potential resources include:

• Social security disability benefits
• Worker’s compensation
• Compensation through the asbestos industry
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance denial claims
• Lawsuits against the hazardous workplace

Time is of the essence in filing claims. Each state will have its own Statute of Limitations on the amount of time a person has to file a claim, and the failure to submit a claim in the proper timeframe could result in a forfeit of rights. Our attorneys can expedite your claim(s) and put your mind at ease.

If you are struggling with the expenses of mesothelioma, please do not wait another day to contact our mesothelioma attorneys at Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP.

Social Security Disability and Mesothelioma

2009-03-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

A person can have mesothelioma for years without showing any major symptoms of the disease. Over time those mesothelioma symptoms become more prominent as the disease progresses making daily activities difficult or even impossible to perform. As a result, victims of mesothelioma can often file for federal social security disability benefits to help cope with the financial, emotional and physical hardships this disease can invoke on the victim as well as the victim’s family.

Symptoms of mesothelioma

A person suffering from mesothelioma may experience any number of symptoms with this disease, depending on the type of cancer. Symptoms can include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Abdominal swelling and pain
• Persistent cough
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Nausea
• Feet swelling
• Bowel obstruction
• Fluid build-up
• Anemia

The treatment options for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and photodynamic therapy. These treatment options can often have additional undesirable side effects that make it increasingly difficult to perform daily functions.

It is not hard to see why mesothelioma is such a disabling disease. Social security disability benefits can go a long way to helping improve a mesothelioma victim’s quality of life.

If you or a loved one is suffering from this disease, please contact our mesothelioma attorneys at Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP to schedule a free consultation. We can assist you in filing for social security disability benefits.

Mesothelioma Misconceptions

2009-03-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

There are a variety of myths surrounding mesothelioma. One of the most common misconceptions is that only people who work directly with asbestos for long periods of time can develop the disease. The truth is that everyone is exposed to asbestos particles at some point in their life, including from:

• A work site or environment
• Drinking water
• Manufactured goods
• Air you breathe
• Natural soil
• Fibers attached to clothing

If these particles are inhaled or swallowed, they do not exit the body but rather begin their attack on the delicate lining of internal organs. As a result, even people who do not work in high risk industries can develop mesothelioma.

The facts

• Mesothelioma is not lung cancer. The disease can attack the linings of the lungs, the heart and the abdomen.
• Medical treatments for mesothelioma and surgical options are available for victims of this disease, but there is no cure.
• Smoking does not cause mesothelioma, but a person with the disease should stop smoking immediately to avoid further complications.
• All forms of asbestos, including Chrysotile, are harmful to individuals.
• Mesothelioma can lie dormant in the body for 20-50 years without generating any specific symptoms.

To learn more about mesothelioma victims’ rights, please contact our expert mesothelioma attorneys at Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP to schedule a free consultation.

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

2009-03-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that does not discriminate. Virtually anyone can become exposed to harmful asbestos particles that they inadvertently inhale or swallow.

How much asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma?

It is true that there are certain work environments that have an elevated risk of asbestos exposure, and many victims of this disease were exposed to large amounts of asbestos for long periods of time. However, in some cases it can only take a couple of months for asbestos particles to enter a person’s body and begin to do damage to the linings of vital organs.

There are also cases of people who developed the disease in a second-hand nature. For example, spouses and children of workers who brought home asbestos particles on their clothing can become victims of the disease and may pass off mesothelioma symptoms as a lesser illness.

High risk jobs

The following is a partial list of fields in which workers are at a greater danger of developing mesothelioma:

• Plumbing
• Mining
• Shipbuilding/shipyards
• Electrical work
• Steel manufacturers
• Insulation
• Firefighting
• Construction or demolition jobs
• Automobile repair
• Refineries
• Railroads

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please contact our knowledgeable mesothelioma attorneys at Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP to arrange a free consultation. We can help you determine if you have an asbestos lawsuit.

Synergistic Effect (Between Cigarette Smoking and Asbestos Exposure)

2009-02-25T15:01:00.000-08:00

Research shows a severely multiplied risk of lung cancer in smokers who have been exposed to asbestos–as much as 90 times the risk! To complicate matters further are the individual disease risks that come from both exposures, and further yet are the interactions of these diseases when more than one is present.

Smoking is known to cause lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. These diseases cause inflammation of the lungs, airways and alveoli. This produces mucus, swelling of the airways (which swell inwards, narrowing them), and air trapping. Air trapping stretches the fragile alveolar sacs, destroying their unique structure, and ultimately reduces the amount of oxygen entering the blood stream and increasing the carbon dioxide that remains in the bloodstream.

Asbestos can cause asbestosis, a restrictive disease resulting from scar tissue. With restrictive disease the lungs cannot expand fully, and the alveoli, normally a thin membrane, has thickened from scar tissue that can neither expand nor allow gas exchange to occur fast enough to support a healthy state.

A synergistic effect is a multiple, rather than an additive effect. That is, the effects are not just added together, but each condition exaggerates the effects of the other condition so that the results are worse than the sum of the effects of each, alone.

A smoker with a history of asbestos exposure can reduce his risk of lung cancer dramatically. After 10 years of non-smoking, this risk can drop to as little as twice that of the general population.

You can learn more about your options and rights from experienced asbestos lawyers. Please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP for a free initial consultation.

Survivors and Fighters

2009-02-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma is often referred to as an incurable cancer. This is true because a cure has not been found. But, what is misleading are statistics supporting a life expectancy of six to twelve months after diagnosis. The reason this is misleading is that such data tend to steal hope from patients who might otherwise beat these odds, especially in light of recent clinical trials that show such promise.

Stories of survivors of fifteen years and counting offer reassurance, hope, and encouragement about how they overcame these odds. They have many things in common, starting with a short period of grieving and a sense of hopelessness, followed by rebounding with a commitment to fight their disease.

Each had decided that they had nothing to lose by following every channel of treatment. They visited doctor after doctor until they found on who offered either conventional treatment or helped them get into a clinical trial.

They learned everything possible about their disease, including epidemiology, standard treatments, alternative treatments, dietary options, support groups, and lifestyle changes. Along with submitting to the care of a physician whom they trusted, many learned to meditate, enjoy life in the moment, join prayer groups and request prayers, try holistic treatments and diets, and learn to live a full life despite the dim prognosis.

Many who entered clinical trials survived as much as three years after diagnosis, and others who took more positive attitudes and steps lived ten to fourteen years beyond the bleak predictions that accompanied their diagnoses. Others have yet to establish a new record, as they are still survivors and fighters. Almost 40% of Dr. Sugarbaker’s patients survive more than five years after treatment.

What is so wonderful is that these guiding stars are not just convalescing with their disease. They lived, or are living full and active lives during their incredible grace periods.

Please visit the website of Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for an evaluation of your situation. You may be entitled to compensation that covers your medical and other expenses.

Treatments for Mesothelioma Under Investigation

2009-02-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma is difficult to treat, in part because it is so rare compared to other diseases with similar symptoms, such as asthma or emphysema. Doctor visits are time limited. At least one clinic is known to limit doctor-patient time by patient’s age rather than reason for visit.

This is significant because early diagnosis has shown the most promise for success in treatment leading to reduction in symptoms and discomfort, and longer survival rates. Short visits imply that the clinic assumes that patients’ symptoms reflect the most common causes. For mesothelioma patients this can be disastrous as this practice can discourage doctors from digging deep enough to get a diagnosis until the “early stages” have passed.

Researchers continue to study new treatments for mesothelioma. Around the world a mesothelioma “epidemic” is expected. Over the next ten to twenty years, many workers exposed to asbestos prior to 1990 will begin developing a disease they never knew existed, let alone would devastate their lives so long after exposure.

Some of the most promising treatments currently undergoing clinical trials include:

Gene therapy involving, of all things a herpes simplex virus
Drug therapy with several drugs
Chemotherapy using a combination of Pemetrexed combined with Cisplatin
Chemotherapy using a combination of Pemetrexed combined with Carboplatin
Chemotherapy using a combination of Gemcitabine combined with Cisplatin with and without a drug called Bevacizumab
Photodynamic therapy that works by injecting a drug that makes cells sensitive to light of a specific wavelength then, during surgery directing that light onto the cells
Immunotherapy, again using gene therapy to improve genetic immune responses

If you suspect you have mesothelioma, or have already been diagnosed with this deadly disease, please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP for a free consultation.

Asbestos Usage in the United States

2009-02-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

Most of the focus on asbestos exposure and usage is on workers exposed through mining, manufacturing, and other occupations. Yet, many people are continuously exposed to asbestos through normal daily activities.

Asbestos is found in many water supplies, and must be filtered to below the minimum number of particles per milliliter set by regulations. These particles enter the water from air and dirt, as well as from cement piping, which contains asbestos.

Asbestos is no longer used in manufacturing most consumer products. Its use is restricted to construction-related products and friction products, such as brake linings and clutch pads. Any product containing asbestos is required to be clearly labeled as containing such.

Probably the greatest risk to consumers from asbestos in older homes and buildings where asbestos was used in textured paint, as a fire retardant for ceilings, insulation, wall board, countertops, flooring, carpet padding and insulation around heaters, pipes and electrical wiring.

Asbestos was also used in many products prior to the 1970s including hair dryers, home appliances (especially those using heat), electric blankets, and protective gear such as potholders, safety clothing, and other insulation or fire-retardant fabrics.

While the use of asbestos is on the decline, the number of cases of asbestos-caused diseases is increasing. These diseases take forty or more years to develop and the generation most heavily exposed is presenting with an increasing number of cases.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease you might be entitled to damages. Please contact the lawyers experienced in mesothelioma claims at Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP, the Mesothelioma Lawyers serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Prognosis of Mesothelioma

2009-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

The prognosis of mesothelioma depends entirely upon whom you are listening to. While the median survival rate reported by most studies is less than a year, there are more and more survivors of 5 and 10 years and longer.

Dr. David Sugarbaker at Brigham and Women’s Center in Boston has been treating mesothelioma patients with long-term success rates. His treatment is so successful that almost 40% of his mesothelioma patients’ survival rates exceed five-years. One of his screening criteria for entering his treatment program is that the patient be in the early stages of their disease. So, early diagnosis is critical.

Early diagnosis gives you the best opportunity for success with whatever treatment your doctor recommends. New mesothelioma diagnostic biomarkers are being studied in the hope of finding a means of early detection of mesothelioma. The sooner you seek treatment the more likely mesothelioma will succumb to treatment.

Clinical trials also offer hope. With new drugs being tested, new methods for early diagnosis, and studies being done in countries throughout the world, progress is being made to slow the progress of mesothelioma, and hopefully to cure this devastating disease.

Efforts are also being made to increase awareness of the dangers of asbestos, and to encourage the enforcement of safety precautions and protective measures for employees. People are encouraged to take the initiative to protect themselves and reduce exposure to asbestos.

But for those already affected by asbestos exposure, hope lies first in early diagnosis. See your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms of mesothelioma, and make sure your doctor knows you are at risk for mesothelioma.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please contact the lawyers with experience in mesothelioma claims, Parker, Dumler, and Kiely, LLC, in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Thoracentesis Procedure (how the test is performed, how to prepare)

2009-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Thoracentesis is a minor surgical procedure that drains fluid (effusion) from the pleural space between the ribs and the lungs. This space is lined with two layers of mesothelial membranes that secrete a fluid, which, in turn, allows the lungs to glide freely within the chest cavity. Without this freedom of movement, we would have difficulty breathing.

Pleural fibrosis, mesothelioma and many other diseases of the lung can cause irritation of the plural lining causing inflammation, and eventually development of fluid in this space. When the fluid is not reabsorbed naturally, it builds up and compresses the lungs. The compressed lung tissue can’t expand and contract, and so, can’t exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide–the essential purpose in breathing.

Thoracentesis is a simple procedure, though it is done with surgical preparation and sterility. The doctor cleans a spot on the soft muscle between two ribs that cover the area of the pleural effusion. He numbs the area with a local anesthetic, and then inserts a needle or small tube between the ribs into the pleural space. The pressure from inside the body forces the fluid out through the tube or needle, where it drains into a collection bottle.

Preparation is mostly a matter of gritting your teeth for a needle stick in the ribs. Draining the fluid should relieve the pressure on your lungs and allow you to breathe better, almost immediately. This is a minor procedure that can be done in the doctor’s office, and does not involve general anesthesia or extensive surgical preparation. If you are, otherwise, in good health, you should be able to go home with a prescription for antibiotics the same day.

Depending upon how long the fluid buildup has compressed the lung tissue, you may have to do some specific breathing exercises, or take aerosol treatments, to expand your lungs and clear out any mucus plugs that became trapped in the airways. The compressed lung tissue, called atelectasis, is predisposed to infection and pneumonia. It is important to work hard to expand your lungs, clear the mucus, and get plenty of rest.

Pleural effusion is a common complication of mesothelioma. To learn more about asbestos related diseases, please contact the lawyers with experience in mesothelioma claims, Parker, Dumler, and Kiely, LLC, in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Adjuvant Therapy

2009-01-02T14:44:00.000-08:00

Adjuvant therapy is therapy for mesothelioma is applied in addition to the primary therapy, surgery. Its purpose is to eliminate any remaining microscopic disease. It is part of a curative approach to treatment, as compared to palliative (which alleviates symptoms, but does not cure the disease.) Adjuvant therapy can be either chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or both.

First, surgery is done to remove the visible tumor(s). Then, the adjuvant therapy(ies) is administered as indicated by other diagnostic test results. To qualify for these therapies you must have been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, which is between stages I and III, and you must be in good physical condition.

These therapies put tremendous stress on the body, so you need to be in the best possible physical condition when you start them. Chemotherapy can reduce your immune response, at least for a short time, leaving you vulnerable to other complications, such as pneumonia.

Treatment for mesothelioma is complex and expensive. Rarely is a single treatment sufficient to put this disease in remission. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical for the most successful outcomes.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to a settlement to cover your medical bills and more. Please contact the lawyers with experience in mesothelioma claims, Parker, Dumler, and Kiely, LLC, in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Common Asbestos Exposure Sites

2008-12-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

The list of potential asbestos exposure sites seems endless, but there are some that are more common than others. Many workplaces use asbestos in manufacturing or, as in the case of brake repairs, use products that contain exposed asbestos. In this example it would be the brake pads.

These sites list work environments that tend to employ more men than women. Mesothelioma case statistics correlate with this, as more men than women are diagnosed with mesothelioma. While many women who work at these sites are equally exposed, women are more susceptible to lung cancer than men, and seem to be more vulnerable to developing mesothelioma under similar circumstances than their male counterparts. These women’s rate of disease is higher due to this vulnerability.

Anyone working with asbestos can contaminate other people from the dust on their clothes and hair. This results in secondary exposure to asbestos.

Other sites are less obvious. Construction, especially renovation of older homes, is primed to expose workers and non-workers to asbestos. The dust from demolition sites can produce a huge cloud of particles that will travel whatever way the wind blows, exposing everyone in its path. Flipping houses, a recent and popular investment opportunity, may have exposed many. Even repairing older homes, changing wallpaper, scraping paint, and other less destructive repairs can stir up asbestos-laden dust from wallboard, counter tops and flooring. There is concern about the potential for a surge in cases as a result of the 9/11 disaster.

Least obvious of the many asbestos exposure sites include cosmetics, talcum powders, hygienic products, kitchen appliances and products, electric blankets, and older hair dryers. Not only were employees of companies who manufactured these products exposed, but consumers, too. Products imported from countries where asbestos use is not regulated is also a potential source of exposure.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and have an asbestos related disease, please contact the lawyers experienced in mesothelioma claims in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP.