Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog

Can Mesothelioma Be Detected in its Early Stages?

February 28, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. While there is no cure for this cancer, early detection and treatment can help manage the disease. Many often wonder if mesothelioma can be detected in its early stages, which can help control it before it becomes aggressive. Detecting mesothelioma has been challenging. However, ongoing research offers hope for improving early detection rates of this disease. Notably, recent advancements in detection, including a breakthrough discovery by the Mayo Clinic in 2024, offer hope. For instance, the Mayo Clinic researchers have developed an innovative blood test that significantly improves early detection rates, marking this a significant step forward in diagnosing this devastating disease.

How is Mesothelioma Detected?

Mesothelioma is not easily detectable because no single test can confirm its presence. Doctors often rely on a combination of tests, such as imaging scans, blood tests, and lung function assessments, to identify the potential for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take up to 60 years to manifest fully, making imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, which check for abnormalities in the lungs or abdomen, inconclusive in fully establishing mesothelioma and distinguishing it from other illnesses. Blood tests, on the other hand, check for specific proteins and genetic markers linked to mesothelioma, such as fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs). Although these tests provide helpful indicators, they are not definitive enough for diagnosis.

Court Awards $8.8 Million to Mesothelioma Victim’s Family in Case Against Bell Helicopter

February 26, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as B.D.

In a recent court ruling, a jury ordered a helicopter company to pay $8.8 million in damages to the family of B.D. Unfortunately, B.D., a mechanical engineer, passed away from mesothelioma, having been exposed to asbestos primarily through the products he worked with while at Bell Helicopter. In the landmark ruling, the survivors were awarded actual and punitive damages, highlighting how the courts held companies that failed to address the dangers of asbestos exposure accountable.

The case revolved around using asbestos-containing parts, which B.D. was tasked with designing enclosures for heat testing helicopter components. Before his death, B.D. had given testimony during his deposition where he testified that asbestos insulation boards were used for the enclosures., where he was exposed to the deadly asbestos fibers over a long time. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, often takes decades to manifest after initial contact. B.D.’s family argued that the company’s negligence in addressing the risks of asbestos played a significant role in his illness and death.

Mesothelioma Victim Wins Legal Battle to Return Case to Local Court

February 16, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as R.M.

Mesothelioma lawsuits often involve complex and contentious legal battles as asbestos companies employ aggressive strategies to avoid liability. One common tactic these companies use is moving cases to federal courts, which are often more favorable to businesses, offering immunity and saving them money. At the same time, mesothelioma victims or their survivors continue to suffer. However, these attempts do not always succeed. In a recent case, R.M., a former shipyard worker, successfully fought to have his mesothelioma lawsuit remanded to a local court after the defendant, Hopeman Brothers, tried to transfer the case to federal court.

R.M.’s illness began from his work at the Key Highway Shipyard between 1973 and 1974. During this time, he was exposed to asbestos dust released from Micarta paneling used in ship construction. According to his lawsuit, Hopeman Brothers’ workers cut, handled, and installed the asbestos-containing panels while working on various vessels, including tankers, passenger ships, and the Coast Guard’s Westwind.

Michael Throneberry to serve as the 2025 President of the Asbestos/Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers Association – Top 10

February 11, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

94699013615396-300x300
Michael Throneberry to serve as the 2025 President of the Asbestos/Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers Association – Top 10. The Asbestos/Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers Association – Top 10 is a vital, growing group of trial lawyers from across the country who share knowledge, experience, and expertise in handling Asbestos/Mesothelioma cases.

“I am honored, and it is a privilege to serve as the 2025 President of the Asbestos/Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers Association.” Michael Throneberry.

The Asbestos/Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers Association – Top 10 is a Specialty Association of The National Trial Lawyers. This is an invitation-only organizations composed of premier trial lawyers from each state or region who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff trial lawyers. Selection is based on a thorough multi-phase objective and uniformly applied process, including peer nominations combined with third-party research. These distinguished individuals demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature, and public profile measured by objective and uniformly applied standards in compliance with state bar and model rule.

Florida Jury Awards $8.5 Million in Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Case

February 9, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as D.B.

In a landmark decision, a Florida Jury awarded over $9 million to the widow of D.B., an employee benefits advisor who was diagnosed and later succumbed to malignant mesothelioma. While D.B. never actually worked directly with asbestos, he alleged exposure through frequent visits to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation facilities, which were laden with asbestos, played a significant role in his mesothelioma diagnosis. Following his passing, his wife, Rosa Maria, carried forward the wrongful death lawsuit. The jury awarded Rosa Maria $8.5 million in compensatory damages and $519,265 to D.B.’s estate for medical and funeral expenses.

D.B. worked as an employee benefits advisor from 1978 to 1997, a role that took him to various commercial and industrial sites. Among the facilities he frequently visited were Northrop Grumman locations in New York and California. According to his claim, these sites contained asbestos-insulated pipes that released toxic fibers into the air.

FDA Proposes Stricter Testing for Talc Products

February 2, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently proposed a new rule to enhance the safety of cosmetic products containing asbestos. The rule, titled “Testing Methods for Detecting and Identifying Asbestos in Talc-Containing Cosmetic Products,” seeks to mandate standardized testing procedures to identify the presence of asbestos, a known carcinogen, in these products.

Talc is a mineral commonly used in cosmetics for its moisture-absorbing properties and smooth texture. However, since talc deposits are often geologically close to asbestos, they can easily become contaminated with asbestos fibers. Asbestos exposure has been linked to severe health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and ovarian cancer. This is the rationale behind the FDA’s proposal to standardize testing methods to minimize the risk of asbestos contamination. The FDA requires manufacturers to implement two methods for testing:

Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)

How to Identify Asbestos in Your Home or Workplace

January 27, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos causes approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and is linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers. Despite its dangers, asbestos isn’t entirely banned in the U.S., making it vital to know how to identify and avoid it. The only catch is that you cannot see asbestos with your naked eye, and it’s odorless; that is why it is so easy to inhale. So, how can you identify it in your home or workplace? Here is a guide on what to look out for (and stay away from) to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a cluster of six natural fibrous materials, which, although highly toxic, is valued because of its robustness and heat and electricity resistance. Asbestos was mainly used throughout the 20^th century in construction and manufacturing. While asbestos was very appealing back then, its nearly invisible fibers can be easily inhaled, posing serious health risks, including causing mesothelioma. Damaged asbestos materials may look like tiny, fuzzy fibers resembling frayed fabric. However, the presence of visible fibers does not necessarily indicate asbestos. Testing is the only way to confirm if asbestos is present.

Mesothelioma FAQs (Part 2)

January 24, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

In a previous article titled “Mesothelioma FAQs,” we answered some of the most common questions we received about mesothelioma. In this second part of the series, we continue with more answers to frequently asked questions about this condition to help you better understand and navigate life after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma. This mineral fiber is known for its heat-resistant properties, which make it desirable in various industries. As such, asbestos became widely used in automobiles, appliances, construction, and the manufacturing industries.

Exploring the Silent Latency Period of Mesothelioma

January 22, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

The mesothelioma latency period refers to the time between initial exposure to asbestos and a diagnosis. It is primarily a “silent” one because it can take 10-50 years before one is diagnosed with mesothelioma. The latency period can be shorter or longer than the 10-50-year range depending on factors such as one’s gender, age, time of initial exposure to asbestos, and individual health conditions.

The Silent Latency Period of Mesothelioma

As earlier mentioned, it can take 10-50 years between the initial asbestos exposure and a mesothelioma diagnosis. Once you inhale asbestos fibers, the body cannot eliminate them. These fibers can remain in the lungs or other tissues, causing irritation for decades before symptoms of mesothelioma finally appear. This long latency period is why most individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are over 65 years, when the mesothelioma is very aggressive, resulting in a poorer prognosis. So, why does mesothelioma take such a long time to be diagnosed? There are several reasons why this is the case, as highlighted below:

Michael Throneberry Selected for Super Lawyers List

January 21, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

superlawyers-300x96

Attorney Michael Throneberry has been selected to the 2025 Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

Attorney Throneberry focuses exclusively on helping victims of asbestos exposure which primarily includes mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis victims pursue the compensation they deserve.