Mesothelioma suffers may file workers’ compensation claims
Every year, numerous Illinois residents are diagnosed with cancer. Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma may have workers’ compensation claims on their hands, even if they are no longer in the job force. This particular type of cancer, which typically results from exposure to toxic substances, can take years to develop or for a person to become symptomatic. So, someone may be exposed decades before they become sick.
What is mesothelioma? It is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which is the thin tissue layer that surrounds most internal organs. There are different types of mesothelioma, but the most common is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs. The symptoms of this cancer include:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
- Coughing
- Noticeable lumps on the chest
Who is likely to be diagnosed with this type of cancer? Anyone who is frequently exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma. So, construction workers, plumbers, insulators and mechanics, among various other laborers, are prime candidates. Of course, officer workers and individuals who unknowingly or knowingly work in buildings that contain asbestos may also end up developing the disease.
When mesothelioma is found, it is usually at an advanced stage, which makes it difficult to treat. Medical advances have resulted in improved treatment options, but many Illinois residents lack the funds to afford these treatments on their own. This is where filing a workers’ compensation claim may prove helpful. Anyone who can show that they were exposed to asbestos in the workplace, even if it was at a job they held years prior, may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. Achieving maximum coverage may prove a challenging task, but with the assistance of legal counsel, it may be possible.