Louisiana Mesothelioma Industrial Exposure: What You Need to Know!

In Louisiana, mesothelioma from industrial exposure can be a life-changing diagnosis, and it’s important to know what to do after you are diagnosed with this disease. While mesothelioma isn’t an especially common type of cancer in the United States, thousands of new cases are diagnosed each year because of asbestos exposure that happened years or even decades ago.

Biggest Risks in Louisiana for Mesothelioma From Industrial Exposure

Mesothelioma is a terminal form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. For many years throughout the United States, asbestos was one of the most commonly used construction materials for many industrial buildings due to its fireproofing and insulating capabilities, but the long-term health risks of this substance were largely unknown. Over time, it became apparent that asbestos was causing mesothelioma.

It can take years or sometimes decades for symptoms of mesothelioma to become noticeable, and by this time, the disease has already reached a critical stage. There were nearly 73,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States between 1999 and 2021, and there were 2,803 cases diagnosed in 2021, the most recent year with available diagnostic data.

Louisiana has historically had very high rates of mesothelioma compared to other states due to the expansive industrial sector, including many companies in the oil and gas and utility industries. Some of the most notable locations determined to be hot spots for asbestos exposure in Louisiana include:

• ExxonMobil facilities in Baton Rouge
• The Shell Chemical Plant in Norco
• The Dow Chemical Company facilities in Plaquemine
• The Monsanto Chemical Plant in Luling
• The DuPont Chemical Plant in LaPlace
• The BASF Chemical Plant in Geismar

These are just a few examples. Many people living and working in Louisiana over the past several decades have been exposed to asbestos, working in mining and quarrying operations, in the construction industry, while working in the oil and gas sector, and working in various industrial facilities, including chemical plants, electrical power stations, and more.

What to Do After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis in Louisiana?

One of the most troublesome aspects of mesothelioma is the very long latency time of the disease between exposure to asbestos and the appearance of noticeable symptoms. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and it can sometimes take decades for symptoms to appear. It can be very difficult to accurately determine when and where someone was exposed.

Additionally, mesothelioma is a terminal illness, and once symptoms have become noticeable, the disease will have already progressed to a critical stage. The average five-year survival rate for all stages of mesothelioma is only 15%, according to the American Cancer Society. After diagnosis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preserving quality of life until the patient must transition to palliative care.

After you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is crucial to hire a mesothelioma lawyer who can help you determine the cause of your diagnosis and help you pursue compensation for your damages. You may have grounds to file a claim to a mesothelioma injury trust, claim workers’ compensation benefits from your employer, or file a civil claim for damages for toxic exposure against the specific party responsible for your asbestos exposure.

The team at Wallace & Graham has years of experience handling these cases in Louisiana, and we are ready to put our experience to work in your case. After you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have a limited time to build your case. Reach out to our firm right away to learn how we can help you pursue compensation.

FAQs

How Does Industrial Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?

Industrial asbestos can cause mesothelioma when any asbestos-containing material is damaged or disturbed, which can release asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers are very thin, sharp, and light, and can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. Once inhaled, these fibers are embedded in lung tissue and will gradually cause mesothelioma to develop. Repeated and/or intense exposure can cause mesothelioma to develop more rapidly.

Is Mesothelioma Curable?

No, mesothelioma is an incurable and terminal form of lung cancer. It can take a very long time for symptoms to appear, and the early warning signs of this disease often mimic the appearance of other, less serious diseases like respiratory infections or pneumonia. Symptoms will progress rapidly once the disease reaches a critical stage.

How Do I Prove Liability for Mesothelioma From Industrial Exposure?

Proving liability for mesothelioma from industrial exposure will require accurately identifying the source of your exposure. You will need to prove when, where, and how you were exposed to asbestos, and this can be very challenging if you do not hire a mesothelioma lawyer to manage your case. Your attorney can review your employment history and other records to determine the most likely source of your disease.

What Compensation Can I Claim for Mesothelioma in Louisiana?

The compensation you can claim for mesothelioma in Louisiana depends on the specifics of your case. You may be eligible to seek compensation for all medical expenses related to the condition, including the cost of future medical treatment and palliative care. You may also qualify to claim compensation for lost income and lost future earning capacity, and it’s possible to claim compensation for pain and suffering in a personal injury case.

Why Should I Hire a Louisiana Mesothelioma Attorney?

You should hire a Louisiana mesothelioma attorney to help you prove the most likely cause of your condition and determine your most viable legal options. These cases are inherently difficult because of the very long latency time of the disease; you may have been exposed to asbestos many years ago and only recently developed symptoms. You’re more likely to succeed with your case with a skilled Louisiana mesothelioma attorney representing you.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have years of proven experience helping clients navigate difficult mesothelioma cases in Louisiana and many other states. We are confident we can help you reach a positive outcome in your case and maximize your compensation, but it is crucial to start building your case right away. If you are ready to speak with a Louisiana mesothelioma attorney about your options, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.