Pericardial mesothelioma counts for about 15% of all mesothelioma diagnoses which means fewer than 500 people each year are diagnosed with the incurable disease. Mesothelioma as a whole is caused by asbestos exposure which could have been prevented with proper protective measures and clothing.
Because the disease is preventable and the vast majority of cases are due to employer neglect, the business of mesothelioma litigation has become a multibillion dollar industry. Following diagnosis, and in some cases death, many people find out that their health was jeopardized by people who covered up the dangers of asbestos exposure. The medical expenses are so high, and the physical pain and suffering are so much, that people seek legal counsel for compensation from the companies that failed to protect them.
Here is an example of someone who won a settlement against asbestos manufacturers and the employers who knew about the dangers and did not inform the workers:
An electrician was exposed to asbestos through the materials he used for work during his decades long career. He not only used materials that were thick with asbestos like boilers, but he also worked within the walls of buildings that were fireproofed using the substance. After years of exposure he retired only to find that he started to develop some health problems.
He had trouble breathing, palpitations and even started coughing up blood. After a number of routine exams brought no definite conclusion his doctor asked him about asbestos exposure while getting a detailed medical history. After running some tests and doing a biopsy of his pericardial (around the heart) lining he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He discussed treatment options and expenses with his doctor and found that the necessary cost for treatment far outweighed his pension and retirement savings. |
