Dallas and Houston Mesothelioma Attorney

Role of Asbestos

Almost all mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos and require the help of an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Asbestos refers to a family of fibrous minerals. Asbestos was once used in many products such as high temperature insulation, drywall mud, insulating cement, fireproofing, patching compounds, paint, and countless other products. Million of Americans have already been exposed to asbestos and with the help of a mesothelioma attorney have recieved compensation for their damages. Exposure to asbestos particles suspended in the air and building materials is much less hazardous except when they are being removed. There are 2 main forms of asbestos that a mesothelioma lawyer will deal with– serpentine and amphiboles. Serpentine fibers are curly and pliable. Chrysotile (white) is the only type of serpentine fiber and it is the most widely used form of asbestos. Most cases handled by a mesothelioma attorney will involve Chrysotile asbestos.

Amphiboles are thin, rod-like fibers. There are 5 main types – crocidolite (blue), amosite (brown), anthrophylite, tremolite, and actinolyte. Amphiboles (particularly crocidolite) are considered to be the most carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and with the right mesothelioma attorney can result in the highest amount of compensation.

However, even the more commonly used chrysotile fibers are associated with malignant (cancerous) mesothelioma and should be considered dangerous as well and require the legal assistance of a mesothelioma attorney.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, most are cleared by the bodies defenses including the nose, throat, trachea (windpipe), or bronchi (large breathing tubes of the lungs). Fibers are cleared by sticking to mucus inside the air passages and being coughed up or swallowed. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and therefore can get past the bodies defenses and eventually overwhelm the lung. The fibers are like spears that penetrate the lung tissue and may lodge there forever as they are indestructible. These fibers may migrate to the pleura and then directly injure mesothelial cells of the pleura, and eventually cause mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma contact the law offices of Crain-Lewis to speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney.

Asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer are the three most frequent causes of death and disease among people with heavy asbestos exposure and require a skilled mesothelioma attorney. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which forms in the abdomen, may result from coughing up and swallowing inhaled asbestos fibers. Cancers of the larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum may also be caused by asbestos exposure, but the increased risk is less than lung cancer or mesothelioma. No matter what type of mesothelioma you have been diagnosed with contact the law offices of Crain-Lewis for a free consultation by an aggressive mesothelioma attorney.

The risk of developing mesothelioma is related to how much asbestos a person was exposed to and how long this exposure lasted. People exposed at an early age, for a long period of time, and at higher levels are most likely to develop this cancer. Mesothelioma takes a long time to develop. The time between first exposure to asbestos and diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually between 20 and 50 years. That is why it is important to act fast and seek legal representation from an experienced mesothelioma attorney.

More information about mesothelioma and the Role of Asbestos

Practice Areas

Our offices are located at

Crain Lewis, LLP
3400 Carlisle Street, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75204
877-339-2889