Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog

HBO Max’s “Not So Pretty” Shines Light on the Link Between Mesothelioma and Cosmetic Products

May 7, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

Unfortunately, despite asbestos awareness advocates doing their best to educate people on asbestos and asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, many people still do not understand the dangers of asbestos exposure. People are still mishandling asbestos and using asbestos-contaminated products. For example, people continue to use asbestos-contaminated cosmetic products. It is our hope that now that the dangers of using asbestos-contaminated cosmetic products have been revealed through HBO Max’s documentary, “Not So Pretty,” things will change.

HBO Max’s Multi-part Documentary Airs Out the Link Between Mesothelioma and Cosmetic Products

The documentary “Not So Pretty” is a four-part investigative expose of the beauty industry. The documentary, produced by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, exposes the secrets of the cosmetics and personal care industries. Unfortunately, these two industries are loosely regulated, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration having little power to enforce changes.

New Jersey Appeals Court Upholds Sanction Against Ford in Mesothelioma Case

April 18, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

The NJ appeals court recently upheld a sanction against Ford in a mesothelioma case involving second-hand asbestos exposure. When Mrs. A.C (a name used for purposes of this article) was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, her family filed a lawsuit against Ford Motor Company, her husband’s former employer. According to the family, Mrs. A.C developed mesothelioma after inhaling asbestos fibers from her husband’s clothing during the 30 years that he worked as a service manager for the motor dealerships. During the trial, Ford Motor Company withheld evidence in violation of discovery rules, which led to the court imposing a significant sanction. Ford appealed the decision and the sanction, but the NJ state appeals court refused to set the sanctions aside.

For many years, Mrs. A.C’s family had tried to obtain the training manuals for Ford so that they could prove to the court that the company had not warned its workers about the dangers of asbestos in brake dust. Unfortunately, the family was not able to obtain those materials. Instead of producing the information, a corporate representative testified that he could not locate it. He said that none of the manuals were found.

In response, Mrs. A.C’s attorney confronted the representative with a copy of the manual. After the confrontation, the representative confessed that he had seen the manual before and even answered questions about it in previous asbestos cases. After learning that the representative had withheld evidence, the court imposed the sanction that went beyond the jury’s $800,000 verdict.

How Different Mesothelioma Treatments Work

April 5, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

Although there is still no known cure for mesothelioma, treatment options are available to mesothelioma patients. Sometimes, it is even possible to remove all the cancer. But, often, mesothelioma treatment aims to remove as much cancer as possible and slow cancer growth. In this article, we look at how different mesothelioma treatments work.

Surgery

According to Mayo Clinic, it is possible for surgeons to remove mesothelioma when it is diagnosed at an early stage. But it is not possible to remove all the cancer through surgery in most cases. In cases in which it is impossible to remove all the cancer, surgery is used to reduce the mesothelioma spreading in the body. Often, the goal of surgery is to reduce symptoms and suffering.

What Gear Protects Workers From Asbestos Exposure?

March 31, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

Personal protective equipment is quite crucial when it comes to protecting oneself from asbestos exposure. If, for example, you work in an asbestos removal company, it is not enough that you use proper removal proceedings. It is important that you use personal protective equipment. Personal protective equipment can protect you from developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. In this article, we will talk about, among other things, the types of personal protective equipment that can protect workers from asbestos exposure.

What is Personal Protective Equipment?

Personal protective equipment or PPE is any clothing or covering that provides protection to the wearer from a potential hazard. According to the EPA, personal protective equipment is necessary to protect against the harmful effects of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure in Boiler Workers

March 20, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

Boilermakers are at a high risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used heavily in several industries in the 20th century. Asbestos is resistant to heat, corrosion, and electricity, and for those reasons, it was seen as an ideal mineral to use in boiler production and operation. Asbestos is an effective insulator for boilers, and manufacturing and insulating boiler equipment with asbestos can reduce the risks related to high temperatures. Indeed, many of the uses of asbestos that put many boiler workers at risk were banned, but the reality is that boiler workers are still at a huge risk of asbestos exposure.

How Boiler Workers Were and Can Still be Exposed to Asbestos

According to the Department of Labor, boiler workers include workers who produce and install the machines, known as boilermakers, and workers who oversee the daily use of boilers in boiler rooms or engine rooms, known as boiler operators. Asbestos poses a threat to both boilermakers and boiler operators.

What You Should Know About Global Asbestos Awareness Week

March 11, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

April 1 to April 7 is Global Asbestos Awareness Week. Every year, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) dedicates this week to bringing together experts and victims from across the globe to share, learn, and take action. If you are only hearing about Global Asbestos Awareness Week, you might be wondering what is so important about this week. Read on as we focus on the importance of Global Asbestos Awareness Week.

What is the Importance of Global Asbestos Awareness Week?

The main goal of Global Asbestos Awareness Week is to educate the public about the continued dangers of asbestos exposure and the health problems that come with asbestos exposure. The Global Asbestos Awareness Week focuses on educating people about how to manage asbestos in order to prevent asbestos-related diseases. This week is generally about equipping people with the tools they need to protect themselves.

Why are Mesothelioma Rates in Women Increasing?

March 6, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Some people assume that mesothelioma is a disease that only affects men. Indeed, historically, mesothelioma has been more prevalent in men. But, today, the balance is tipping. More and more women are being diagnosed with this fatal disease. So, why is there a growing increase in mesothelioma in women? Read on to find out.

Women and Asbestos Exposure

In the 20^th century, asbestos exposure in the workplace was quite common. Workers in numerous industries, including the following, were routinely exposed to mesothelioma;

What is a Mesothelioma Deposition?

February 27, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

Usually, cases that involve legal and factual issues require depositions. Because mesothelioma cases involve such matters, they require depositions. For most people, the topic of depositions is one they do not understand quite well. Even if you have experienced a deposition in another setting, you might find a mesothelioma deposition different. This article shares some basics on mesothelioma depositions.

What is a Mesothelioma Deposition?

When a case involves legal and factual issues, all named parties have the right to conduct a formal investigation to find out more. Discovery comes in many forms, one of the most common being depositions. A deposition involves taking an oral statement of a plaintiff or witness before trial, under oath. Therefore, a mesothelioma deposition generally consists of taking a verbal statement of the patient and people with knowledge about how the patient developed their illness.

Nationwide Mesothelioma Registry

February 26, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer usually caused by asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly disease; currently, there is no cure for it. Recently, a bipartisan bill was sponsored to create a nationwide mesothelioma registry aimed at tracking mesothelioma cases in the U.S. to improve treatment and care. This bill would establish a national patient registry for mesothelioma at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A mesothelioma registry would give patients and researchers access to crucial data with the goal of improving treatment and care. If the bill passes, the U.S. will join other countries, like Australia, that already have mesothelioma registries.

The Existing Cancer Database Has Shortcomings

Currently, there is a cancer registry in the U.S. However, this registry has several shortcomings. First, it takes too long for data to join the United States Cancer Statistics database. Before data enters the database, it has to go through a process that can take months or even years. Unfortunately, some mesothelioma patients do not have months or years to make critical treatment decisions. So, this means that a patient or doctor could end up making decisions using outdated information or not finding the database helpful.

Questions to Ask After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

February 12, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

If you just learned that you have mesothelioma, there is a lot you need to know, and so it is understandable if you have a lot of questions on your mind. It is vital that you ask your cancer care team all those questions. You should ask all questions without worrying that a question is irrelevant or small. When it comes to mesothelioma, no question is small or irrelevant. Mesothelioma is a complicated and aggressive disease, so it is crucial that you ask all the questions you can think of. If you cannot get an answer to a question, ensure you keep pushing for an answer.

However, although no question is small or irrelevant, it is crucial that you ask certain questions. The following are some of the specific questions the American Cancer Society recommends asking after being told you have mesothelioma;

What type of mesothelioma am I suffering from?