California Mesothelioma Attorney, Facts and Figures

Among all the United States, California stands as the 5 th state with the highest rate of Mesothelioma fatalities. According to an estimate, deaths of more than 2,500 Americans result from Mesothelioma each year while the number of these cases is bound to increase in the upcoming 10 to 20 years. Keeping in mind the spread and multiplicity of this disease, these figures are quite alarming.

Mesothelioma originates in the Mesothelium which is a thin membrane lining the chest and abdominal cavities. This membrane also covers and protects most of the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma of the lungs is known as the pleura, while that of the abdominal cavity is called the peritoneum. This disease can cause breathing difficulties, abdominal swelling as well as nausea when it becomes cancerous.

One of the worst things about this disease is its long latency period which can last anywhere between 25 to 50 years. After this period, it spreads swiftly through the body. The only ways to treat this lethal disease are chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. However, these methods do not guarantee 100% satisfaction or removal of the cancer. Most of the people suffering from this disease die as when this diseases shows up after a period of 20-30 years in old age, the immune systems are at their weakest.

The major cause of Mesothelioma is lengthy asbestos exposure. People working in shipbuilding, dockyards, asbestos mining and milling companies, construction, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and brake repair shops are likely to have been exposed to asbestos. Demolition workers, drywall removers, and firefighters are also known to have been exposed to asbestos. Families of these asbestos workers are also at risk due to the fact that many inhale asbestos fibers brought on shoes, clothing, skin and hair of the workers. People who live or work near asbestos-related operations are also at risk of developing Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma in California

One of the main reasons as to why California is the fifth state to have the highest number of Mesothelioma cases is that there are large deposits of naturally occurring asbestos here. In a research conducted by UC Davis (University of California at Davis), it was found that people who live closer to these natural deposits of asbestos are more likely to get this disease.

Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, and the Klamath Mountains in Northern and Central California are the places where largest amounts of asbestos are found. Also, these are the most populated places in California where population is estimated to triple in the coming decades.

According to a report prepared by the Environmental Working Group which used statistics by federal government, deaths caused by Mesothelioma ranged from about 5,800 between the years 1979 and 2001.

If you or any one from your family is suffering from this deadly disease, it is recommended that you consult a professional attorney and get legal help. You are entitled to get compensated by the negligent employers for all your suffering and expenditure. We have mentioned here the names of the Mesothelioma attorneys who can help you get justice.