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Asbestos is one of the most infamous workplace safety hazards in modern history. For decades, asbestos was used in many consumer products and as insulation for buildings. Workers can breathe in asbestos fibers, where they become trapped in lung tissue. Asbestos exposure can lead to conditions like asbestosis or mesothelioma, the latter which may take decades to develop. Congress banned asbestos for some uses during the 1970s, in part, to prevent future cases of these conditions.
Despite efforts to limit asbestos-related diseases, employers continue to expose workers. A new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study shows mesothelioma deaths have increased by 4.8 percent from 1999 to 2015. What is very surprising about the CDC’s study, is that more than 600 of these cases involved people between the ages of 25 and 44.
Workers who develop asbestosis may experience severe chest pain, finger swelling, exhaustion, fever, or shortness of breath. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include fatigue, loss of appetite, coughing up blood and pain in the chest or ribs.
Exposed to Asbestos? Our Ohio BWC Attorneys Have Solutions
Most cases of asbestos-related illnesses occur from workplace exposure. Insulation workers, construction workers and chemical technicians are at high-risk. However, this is not the fault of the workers, but their employers for failing to limit exposure.
Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to receive workers compensation after developing an asbestos-related illness. These benefits can help cover medical bills and lost income. It costs an average of $40,000 to treat mesothelioma. Workers comp benefits are essential for workers with this disease. Other benefits may also be possible, so it is important to speak to an Ohio BWC attorney.
If you developed an asbestos-related disease, an attorney could meticulously comb through your work history to pinpoint when you were exposed. This can help ensure your claim for benefits or damages is not denied.
If you are suffering from an asbestos-related illness, the Ohio workers comp attorneys at Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC can evaluate your situation at no-cost.