Asbestos & Mesothelioma: A Century-Old Problem
Apr 10, 2023 by Dodson & Hooks, APLC
The use of asbestos – and the resulting formation of mesothelioma – is unfortunately associated with a long and sordid history of widespread cover-up and decades of unlawful exposure. Perhaps the most unfortunate aspect of asbestos poisoning is that it most often affects workers in some of America’s most hardworking and dangerous industries, including Louisiana’s own shipyards and refineries.
If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma as a likely result of your place of employment, our injury lawyers are here to help walk you through the process of obtaining fair and adequate compensation to redress your injuries. At Dodson & Hooks APLC, we stand for compassionate advocacy for mesothelioma victims, and will work diligently to achieve a just result.
Asbestos was once considered a “miracle mineral,” and actually got its origin in Ancient Greece – which was likely the site of the first asbestos mine. Known for its fire and heat resistance, the word “asbestos” is actually derived from the Greek word “akatásvestos” – which means “inextinguishable.”
For centuries, this naturally-occurring mineral was used as building material, protective clothing and even as a protectant when burying the dead. Before long, the Industrial Revolution brought asbestos use to the forefront of American commerce, and the material became a pivotal component in the following trades:
The first inquiry into a possible link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer occurred in France in the mid-1700’s. From there, doctors and pathologists across the globe began taking a closer look at the connection between certain industries and resulting “fleshy masses” forming in the lungs of their workers.
In the mid-1900’s, doctors in the United States and Canada informed officials of the repeated occurrence of mesothelioma in mine workers, textile laborers and various other manufacturers working in close proximity to the mineral on a daily basis. However, many believe that the manufacturing companies were aware of the risks of asbestos exposure long before the 1950s and covered it up – resulting in major liability and a string of lawsuits, which continue to this day.
Baton Rouge, as well as other cities throughout Louisiana, are home to several industries known for an increased risk of exposure to asbestos. What’s more, several Louisiana jobsites have been identified carrying an increased risk of asbestos exposure, including several oil refineries and shipyards along the coast. As a mesothelioma victim, you are one of many having endured unthinkable personal injury despite a long and arduous career, wherein you remained dedicated to your trade despite untold contact with one of the deadliest chemicals in human history.
Workers long ago did not have any way to obtain compensation for their injuries, but today, you have options. With the help of a knowledgeable and experienced injury attorney, you can advance your claim of wrongful exposure to asbestos and may be able to obtain help with medical expenses, lost wages or compensation for pain and suffering associated with the subsequent development of mesothelioma.
If you or your loved one developed mesothelioma as a likely result of working in one of the above-listed industries, please call us today. We are experienced in this area of law and look forward to offering compassionate and thorough representation. For an appointment, call (225) 372-1666.
If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma as a likely result of your place of employment, our injury lawyers are here to help walk you through the process of obtaining fair and adequate compensation to redress your injuries. At Dodson & Hooks APLC, we stand for compassionate advocacy for mesothelioma victims, and will work diligently to achieve a just result.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma in the United States
Asbestos was once considered a “miracle mineral,” and actually got its origin in Ancient Greece – which was likely the site of the first asbestos mine. Known for its fire and heat resistance, the word “asbestos” is actually derived from the Greek word “akatásvestos” – which means “inextinguishable.”
For centuries, this naturally-occurring mineral was used as building material, protective clothing and even as a protectant when burying the dead. Before long, the Industrial Revolution brought asbestos use to the forefront of American commerce, and the material became a pivotal component in the following trades:
- Oil and chemical refineries
- Production of household appliances, including ovens
- Automobile production
- Ship building
- Production of roofs, floors and plaster
- Naval shipyards
Problems Begin to Emerge
The first inquiry into a possible link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer occurred in France in the mid-1700’s. From there, doctors and pathologists across the globe began taking a closer look at the connection between certain industries and resulting “fleshy masses” forming in the lungs of their workers.
In the mid-1900’s, doctors in the United States and Canada informed officials of the repeated occurrence of mesothelioma in mine workers, textile laborers and various other manufacturers working in close proximity to the mineral on a daily basis. However, many believe that the manufacturing companies were aware of the risks of asbestos exposure long before the 1950s and covered it up – resulting in major liability and a string of lawsuits, which continue to this day.
Help for Mesothelioma Victims
Baton Rouge, as well as other cities throughout Louisiana, are home to several industries known for an increased risk of exposure to asbestos. What’s more, several Louisiana jobsites have been identified carrying an increased risk of asbestos exposure, including several oil refineries and shipyards along the coast. As a mesothelioma victim, you are one of many having endured unthinkable personal injury despite a long and arduous career, wherein you remained dedicated to your trade despite untold contact with one of the deadliest chemicals in human history.
Workers long ago did not have any way to obtain compensation for their injuries, but today, you have options. With the help of a knowledgeable and experienced injury attorney, you can advance your claim of wrongful exposure to asbestos and may be able to obtain help with medical expenses, lost wages or compensation for pain and suffering associated with the subsequent development of mesothelioma.
Contact Dodson & Hooks APLC For Help
If you or your loved one developed mesothelioma as a likely result of working in one of the above-listed industries, please call us today. We are experienced in this area of law and look forward to offering compassionate and thorough representation. For an appointment, call (225) 372-1666.
