Mesothelioma/Asbestosis Lawyer to Protect New York Immigrants’ Rights

Decades may go by before an immigrant who worked in the Industrial, construction, oil refinery or auto mechanic industry receives a diagnosis for mesothelioma or asbestosis. Immigrant workers in these fields are at high risk for asbestos exposure. Companies who employed them are liable because they knowingly exposed their employees to the dangers of asbestos. The Long Island Law Offices of William A. Streppone works in collaboration with a network of attorneys who handle mesothelioma/asbestosis cases. Attorney Streppone protects his immigration clients’ rights and helps them receive deserved compensation to offset the exorbitant costs of medical treatment and other related expenses.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a fatal and aggressive cancer that develops in the linings of certain vital organs, such as the lungs, abdomen, heart and testicles. The most common type of mesothelioma occurs in the lining (mesothelium) of the lungs and is called pleural mesothelioma.

Aside from asbestos, a few other rare causes have been linked to mesothelioma. However, in the highest percentage of cases, asbestos is the cause. In fact, for many years, asbestos was thought to be the only cause of mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral occurring naturally. Extracted through mining, asbestos has been used as material in manufacturing, construction and other industries for many years. Its fire retardant properties made it a valuable for fire proofing and insulation. The point at which asbestos becomes dangerous is when the material containing it erodes or breaks down and the asbestos fibers become airborne.

What Is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a disease that develops after breathing in asbestos fibers. As the fibers become embedded in the lung tissue, scarring builds up, which makes breathing difficult. As the disease progresses, people have trouble getting enough oxygen, experience shortness of breath and may require oxygen therapy. Asbestosis is often fatal, leading to lungs and heart failure.

Legal Help with Your Case

The two most common sources of asbestos exposure are in the workplace and the home. Once you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your attorney can help you determine where the asbestos exposure occurred and trace it back to the liable party. In some cases, family members subjected to second hand exposure through fibers on their loved one’s work clothes or shoes end up developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.