Pittsburgh Mesothelioma Attorneys

Mesothelioma Accident Exposure in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, the heart or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers of Chaffin Luhana are experienced in mesothelioma cases and can help you if you or someone you love is diagnosed with this deadly disease. To speak with a Pittsburgh mesothelioma attorney at our firm, contact us today.

Types and Symptoms

There are three types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, accounting for about 75 percent of all cases. Pleural mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the lungs known as the pleura. This type of cancer forms when tiny asbestos fibers become lodged into the lining of the lungs. Overtime, as the fibers build up, the pleura becomes irritated, inflamed and scarring can occur; this can lead to the development of pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for 10 to 20 percent of all cases. This type of mesothelioma affects the parietal layer that covers the abdominal cavity. Pericardial mesothelioma, the least common form, affects the lining of the heart. This is the most difficult type to treat because of the proximity of the tumors to the heart.

The symptoms of mesothelioma usually don’t show themselves until 20 to 50 years after the asbestos exposure. In the early stages, symptoms are mild. Most people don’t seek medical attention until symptoms are more severe. Late-stage symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Weight loss
  • Chronic pain where the tumor is located
  • Fluid buildup
  • Bowel obstruction

Treatment and prognosis of mesothelioma depend on what stage the cancer is in, the patient’s age, the type of mesothelioma and the size and location of tumors. There currently is no cure for this form of cancer, but there are treatments designed to help improve the prognosis and help alleviate some symptoms.

Who is at Risk?

Mesothelioma has been directly linked to asbestos exposure. Those who are most at risk include workers who worked with large amounts of asbestos for long periods of time. High risk occupations include:

  • Steel workers
  • Blast furnace workers such as boilmakers
  • Shipyard workers
  • Navy veterans
  • Construction workers
  • Roofers
  • Plasterers
  • Painters
  • Power plant workers
  • Chemical plant workers
  • Auto mechanics

It wasn’t until the mid-twentieth century that a connection between asbestos and mesothelioma was made. But, by that time millions of workers had already been put at risk. And, because it can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop, many workers who worked in high risk industries years ago are still at risk.

Have You Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can seek legal counsel from the experienced Ohio Valley personal injury lawyers of Chaffin Luhana. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws governing asbestos and have a proven record of successfully handling personal injury claims.

To speak with a Pittsburgh Mesothelioma injury attorney about a possible case, contact us today. Our Pittsburgh mesothelioma accident lawyer represent individuals and families in a number of states, including the Ohio Valley area in West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.

Mesothelioma Injury Law Firm in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Chaffin & Luhana LLP
615 Iron City Dr,
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Phone:(412)-345-8144