For decades, those who were employed with railroad jobs in the United States were made to work under unsafe conditions that have led to a wide range of health problems. These workers worked with many asbestos containing products and were kept in the dark about the dangers they faced in their workplace. The health and safety of these individuals was not prioritized because it was financially more beneficial to the companies that employed them to hide the truth.
If you were employed by a railroad company before 1982, our asbestos attorneys want to hear from you. Our. law firm works with individuals that were exposed to this toxic material throughout their time working and have since developed health conditions that have been linked to asbestos exposure.
While lung cancer and mesothelioma are the two most frequently discussed conditions that result from asbestos exposure, these are not the only health problems that have been linked to asbestos. In fact, many individuals that qualify for financial compensation do not even know that they do because they have no been diagnosed with a disease. However, if you experience shortness of breath, this may be a sign of asbestosis, which is an illness that occurs directly as a result of asbestos exposure.
What Is Asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition that is caused by prolonged exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers in the air. Though asbestosis is believed to be mostly an occupational disease, there are reports of secondhand exposure to asbestos containing dust.
What Are the Symptoms of Asbestosis?
The effects of long-term exposure to asbestos typically don’t show up for 10 to 40 years after initial exposure. The most common symptoms are:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent dry cough
- Chest tightness or chest pain
- Weight loss from loss of appetite
- A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while breathing in
- Wider and rounder than normal fingertips and toes (clubbing)
How Is Asbestosis Diagnosed?
Asbestosis is usually diagnosed by a careful medical history, exposure history and chest X-ray or CT scan that shows scarring of the lung tissues. This information, along with breathing tests, helps your doctor determine how severe your asbestosis is and how well your lung is functioning.
If you have a history of exposure to asbestos and you’re experiencing increasing shortness of breath, you should contact your primary care doctor about the possibility of asbestosis. He or she likely will refer you to a doctor specializing in lung problems (pulmonologist). During the visit, your doctor will ask about your breathing, both at rest and during exercise. Your doctor will also ask about your job history in detail to determine how much you were exposed to asbestos. So, it would be a good idea to prepare the following information in advance:
- Your symptoms and the time they started
- Treatments given before for the symptoms and how they helped
- The work you have done over your entire career; the length of time you spent in each job; the nature of the work you performed.
- The products you were in contact with at work and whether or not you wore protective equipment
- Smoking history
- Any old medical records, including chest X-rays or CT scans
During the physical examination, your doctor will listen to your lungs to determine if the sounds are normal or not. Your doctor may then order the following tests:
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan
- Lung function test
Free Asbestos Exposure Consultation
At Sammons & Berry, P.C. we offer a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, so you can discuss the facts of your case without paying for anything upfront. Asbestos trusts claims do not require a lawsuit, depositions, or courtrooms. The process is simple and easy for the client and should not require any stressful legal confrontations for the client. The law firm handles all of the claims for the client, helping you maximize your compensation. We do not accept any payments from our clients until they receive compensation. We charge on a contingent fee basis, which means you pay a percentage of what you get paid in your claim. If we are unable to collect anything for you, there is no cost to you.
Call (800) 519-1440 to speak with a Sammons and Berry, P.C. representative and start your journey towards compensation.
Wrongful Death Claims For Families of Asbestos Victims
If you have lost someone in your family due to the harmful exposure of asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation. If you can provide the work history and a death certificate for your loved one, our attorneys can help you file an asbestos claim. We understand how difficult this process can be, this is why we work with you every step of the way to help you get the money you deserve. Reach out to our team today to learn more about filing a claim for a family member.
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800-519-1440
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