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Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Lawyers

Mesothelioma is an extremely deadly cancer of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and internal organs. There is no cure, and the only known cause is exposure to asbestos. The cancer occurs most often in the pleura (membrane between the lungs and the ribs), but it can spread or occur locally in the lining of abdominal organs or heart, as well.

It has a long latency or “incubation” period, sometimes as much as 20 to 40 years. Workers exposed to airborne asbestos fibers before the dangers were well-publicized and better regulated (before the late 1970s) are still being diagnosed with this disease. Between 2,500 and 4,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

How Is Mesothelioma Acquired?

When asbestos is mined, or when certain asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are processed, asbestos is sometimes released into the air in dust-sized fibers. Asbestos fibers can be airborne in a processing plant, in the environment nearby, or even in workers’ homes once they accidentally carry them there on their clothes. When the fibers are inhaled, they lodge in the lungs and nearby membranes and the body cannot get rid of them.

What Are Some Of The Warning Signs For Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma can develop for years without showing any signs. Sometimes it is discovered earlier when a chest X-ray is taken for unrelated reasons. If it progresses far enough for symptoms before it is discovered, those symptoms can include:

  • abdominal pain or “fullness”
  • chest pain
  • difficulty swallowing
  • fluid in the lining of the lungs
  • lower back pain
  • loss of appetite
  • persistent coughing
  • shortness of breath
  • weakness

Hasn’t Asbestos Been Banned?

No, but some of its applications have been banned. Spray-on insulation, preformed pipe insulation, and hot water heater insulation containing asbestos have been banned. Other uses, such as asbestos-cement corrugated and flat sheet, roofing felt, and auto brake components are not currently under ban in the U.S. Asbestos has many important heat-resistant features, but its processing has been poorly regulated in the past. Even though federal regulation of asbestos processing is now tighter than ever, there are still slip-ups. The bottom line is that even if asbestos were completely banned today, the long incubation period means mesothelioma would still be with us for years to come.

Do You Need To Work With Asbestos To Be At Risk?

No. Perhaps the most frightening aspect is that workers might unknowingly carry asbestos fibers into the home on their clothes—family members have contracted the disease simply from this low-level exposure. Also, you don’t have to work with asbestos or in an asbestos processing plant in order to inhale airborne fibers. Many workplaces are large complexes with one small section in which asbestos-containing materials or products are handled. A lack of proper workplace controls, such as proper ventilation, can sometimes mean airborne fibers drift elsewhere in a complex. Worse, the fibers can be airborne in the surrounding vicinity of a business in which ACMs are processed.

Do You Need To Be Exposed To Asbestos For Years To Be At Risk?

No. Short-term exposure has been proven to cause mesothelioma in many people. The fibers can be inhaled deeply enough on just one or two occasions for them to lodge permanently, deep within the lungs. The body cannot dispose of asbestos fibers. The frequency of exposure, and the amount to which someone is exposed, is not a sure way to predict the onset of the disease. Any cancer can have a faster onset due to various factors, known and unknown (smoking, genetic predisposition, etc.). As for this rare form of cancer, any person who inhaled asbestos fibers can contract mesothelioma. Contact our lawyers today for an immediate and confidential evaluation of your case.

Reviews From Our Clients
  • "I was pregnant and injured in an automobile accident. Mr. Owens, personally, came to the hospital. He told me he would handle everything, I just needed to get healthy for the baby and myself. Mr. Owens did everything he said he would. I highly recommend Owens and Mulherin. Everyone in their office is friendly and informative. You're not just another client with them, they genuinely care." - Lindsay Chadwick

  • "Highly recommend working with this group!! They are very friendly, understanding, caring people and very easy to talk to. They Gave us plenty of time to talk with them. Did not make us feel rushed and explained everything thoroughly. Made the experience the best possible and we had a positive outcome during a tragic time. Thank you to the attorneys and entire staff." - Cindy Shuman

  • "I found Mr. Owens to be very professional and extremely sympathetic towards my needs as a result of my injuries. His experience helped guide me through my case and we ultimately won in the end...settled out of court! Thanks for all your help!" - Diane Calahan

  • "Following an automobile accident I sought representation from Wil Owens. Throughout the process he and his staff were always very kind, informative, and diligent in protecting my rights and interests. I knew my case was minor comparatively speaking, however, they never minimized the importance of my situation or claim. I would highly recommend this local law firm!!Sincerely,Christi (Fry) Vinyard" - Christi Fry

  • "This was my first time having to get an attorney and my experience was great. They make sure you fully understand everything that's going on and make sure the case is settled in your favor. I highly recommend this attorney office if you need one." - Dee James

  • "Absolutely 100% the best law firm around. I was completely blown away by the staff with all their generosity and helpfulness every step of the way. Wilbur Owens is hands down the best attorney I have ever met. He was caring, professional, and helpful in all aspects of my case, from the very begining with all my treatments to the very end with my settlement. He was highly recommend to me and I have heard nothing but great things about him and his firm. They truly are the best around and if ths need were to arise again in the future I will gladly come to the law firm of Owens and Mulherin. Wonderful people and they gave me my life back as well as piece of mind, and for that I am and always will be truly thankful." - Courtney Graves

  • "I had a good experience with Mr. Owens and Ms. Teresa. They were very professional and was on point. It was a long process but it was worth the wait. I would recommend anyone to this lawfirm." - Ashley Robertson

  • "My thanks to Mr. Owens and his crew. After getting injured at work , and not knowing what to do I found them thru a local web search. Everyone in the office was great, Will walked me thru my case and explained how it would go. After everything I would highly recommend this law firm. I can't say enough of Mr. Owens and his staff . Thank you for your help!" - Mark Kalla

  • "I worked with Mr. Ownens and his team for my most recent accident involving 2 uninsured motorists, and I am extremely pleased with the way my case was worked, as well as the outcome. I cannot say anything negative about the law firm whatsoever, but I can tell you that being hit by uninsured vehicles is a nightmare." - Nic Schuman

  • "Loved working with me. Mulherin. Didn’t make me feel rushed or pinned against a wall. He gave me the beat and worse case scenario. Went to bat for me when the insurance company thought they could get away with being cheap. Brooke was amazing to work with to. Always answered calls or emails in a timely manner." - Natasha Campbell

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Wilbur D. Owens Attorney Photo
Wilbur D. Owens
Attorney

Mr. Owens devotes his practice exclusively to representing plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death claims. His primary focus is automobile/tractor-trailer accidents, dog bites, slip/trip and falls, medical malpractice, injuries from dangerous products, job injuries and nursing home abuse. Before joining forces with Mr. Mulherin to open Owens & Mulherin in 2001, Mr. Owens worked…

Joseph A. Mulherin Attorney Photo
Joseph A. Mulherin
Attorney

Mr. Mulherin represents individuals in personal injury cases. His primary practice areas are automobile accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, medical malpractice claims and workplace injuries. Before forming Owens & Mulherin with Mr. Owens in 2001, Mr. Mulherin practiced at Bouhan, Williams & Levy, LLP, from 1984 - 2000, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury cases.…

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