Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog

EPA Bans Chrysotile Asbestos

March 25, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

For over five decades, mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease advocates have been fighting for asbestos to be banned in the United States of America. Finally, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made a decision that has been applauded by many. EPA finalized a rule that prohibits people from importing and using chrysotile asbestos in the U.S. ADAO is one of the mesothelioma and asbestos-related advocates that acknowledged that the recent ruling by EPA will help in the fight against asbestos and asbestos-related illnesses. However, ADAO highlighted that the rule’s limited scope is not enough. The organization noted that this rule may not be sufficient to keep Americans safe from asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases.

The EPA has banned chrysotile asbestos for six conditions of use. This ban means that users of chrysotile asbestos are no longer allowed to import it into the country. The EPA rule bans the use of chrysotile asbestos in several sectors. Several industries must now transition away from chrysotile industries, including the chlor-alkali, refining, chemical, and brake clock industries. However, there are concerns about the extended changeover period allowed by EPA’s ruling. There are also concerns about the ruling’s inconsistencies in compliance deadlines. There are fears that the extended changeover period and the inconsistencies in compliance deadlines will allow people to continue suffering chrysotile asbestos exposure for a long time to come.

Another concern arises from the fact that the EPA ruling only addresses chrysotile asbestos. The rule does not address five asbestos fibers: crocidolite, tremolite, amosite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. In other words, the EPA has not yet fully banned asbestos in the U.S. Regulators believe that chrysotile is the only type of asbestos being used or brought into the U.S. However, critics believe regulators may not know of other uses and may lack all the information. According to ADAO, the EPA ruling’s limited scope shows that asbestos use and imports will only end completely when Congress passes a comprehensive asbestos ban prohibiting all six types of asbestos. ADAO mentioned the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN) as a critical piece of legislation necessary to pave the way for a future free from asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases. ADAO counsel Bob Sussman noted that without legislation, exposure to asbestos fibers with the same deadly properties as chrysotile asbestos would continue.

What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

March 19, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that affects the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a layer of cells covering and protecting organs and tissues in the body. Mesothelioma commonly forms in the tissue covering the lungs and chest walls (pleura). This type of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma can also form in the tissue covering other organs. In this article, we discuss another type of mesothelioma known as peritoneal mesothelioma.

What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of mesothelioma that affects the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdomen and abdominal organs, like the liver and intestines. This type of mesothelioma is the second most common type after pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is aggressive because, often, by the time a person is diagnosed, it will have spread throughout the abdominal lining. This type of mesothelioma is difficult to detect early.

How to Support a Veteran With Mesothelioma

March 10, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos was used across all the branches of the U.S. military in building materials, machine parts, insulation, and more. This mineral was popular in the military because of its desirable qualities. Asbestos has heat, chemical, and fire-resistant qualities. This mineral has good insulating properties and is durable. However, when asbestos fibers are inhaled, these particles can cause internal damage. Asbestos exposure can result in the development of several asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Research suggests that mesothelioma is the most common result of asbestos exposure in the military. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that mainly affects the tissue layer lining the lungs. Mesothelioma has a long latency period. It can take 20 to 60 years or more for mesothelioma to develop. This means that up to 60 years or more after asbestos exposure, veterans can still develop mesothelioma.

People with veterans in their life with mesothelioma often wonder how they can support them. There are several ways to support a veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The following are some of the ways to support a veteran with mesothelioma;

Researching Treatment Options

Court Denies Asbestos Defendant Westinghouse’s Request to Be Dismissed From Litigation

March 6, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as R.M., and the victim’s husband as T.M.

After a person develops mesothelioma, they or their loved ones can file a mesothelioma claim on their behalf and seek justice and financial compensation from the party or parties responsible for the asbestos exposure. One of the first crucial steps before filing a mesothelioma case is identifying all the parties responsible for the asbestos exposure. Often, people are exposed to asbestos from multiple sources. Identifying all defendants is vital to ensuring that victims or their families can recover the maximum compensation. Also, identifying all defendants promotes fairness. It ensures that each party responsible for the asbestos exposure is held accountable. However, after identifying all the parties responsible for the asbestos exposure and filing a claim, it is not uncommon for some defendants to deny liability and request the court to drop them from litigation.

In a recent case, the judge denied a co-defendant’s request to be dropped from litigation. The defendant, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, asked the court to drop them from litigation on the grounds that the company they supplied the asbestos-containing materials to did not need any warning about the dangers of asbestos since it was a “sophisticated user.” The claimant and the other defendant opposed this action, and the judge denied the request.

Safe Exercises for Mesothelioma Patients

March 5, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be devastating. Mesothelioma treatment and the recovery process can be tough. Mesothelioma can also affect a patient’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are several things mesothelioma patients can do to support their treatment, recovery, and overall quality of life. One of the strategies that mesothelioma patients can benefit from is engaging in exercise. Exercise can help mesothelioma patients in several ways. Research has found that exercise has positive effects on the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of cancer patients. However, it is crucial for mesothelioma patients to note that not all kinds of exercise are appropriate for them. Mesothelioma patients should only engage in exercise that aligns with their needs and limitations. Engaging in unsuitable exercise can have devastating consequences. Before a mesothelioma patient starts any exercise regimen, they should consult their healthcare provider.

Benefits of Exercising for Mesothelioma Patients

Exercising can have a wide range of benefits for mesothelioma patients. First, exercise can offer physical benefits to mesothelioma benefits, such as the following;

What if a Loved One is Too Sick to Pursue a Mesothelioma Claim?

March 4, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that still has no cure. Fortunately, there are several treatment options. Because mesothelioma takes a long time to develop, it is often diagnosed when it has reached an advanced stage. The illness itself and the treatment can make it hard for a mesothelioma patient to pursue a mesothelioma claim. After a mesothelioma diagnosis, a patient may be put under treatment that takes a toll on their body. However, for mesothelioma patients, pursuing a mesothelioma claim is crucial for seeking financial compensation and justice. Pursuing a mesothelioma claim can help victims recover compensation for, among other things, medical expenses, travel costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It can help patients hold negligent parties accountable.

But what happens if someone is too sick to pursue a mesothelioma claim? If someone is too ill to pursue a mesothelioma claim themselves, their family members can seek compensation and justice on their behalf with the help of an attorney.

Steps Involved in Pursuing Compensation on Behalf of a Loved One

How Does Talc Become Contaminated With Asbestos?

March 1, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral known for its softness and versatility. This mineral is used in a wide range of consumer products. However, over the years, it has been discovered that talc can, at times, contain asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, which, when inhaled or ingested, can cause serious illnesses, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. If talc contains asbestos, it can contaminate products, and the end user can end up using asbestos-contaminated products without knowing and developing asbestos-related illnesses. In this article, we discuss how talc can become contaminated with asbestos.

What is Talc?

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral. This mineral has several notable properties that make it useful in a wide range of products. Talc is the softest mineral, and this property makes it useful in products that require a smooth and silky texture. This mineral can absorb moisture, making it suitable for products like baby and body powders and some cosmetic products. Talc is used in many cosmetics, including face powder, eye shadow, lipsticks, foundation, blush, and even children’s makeup. Additionally, talc is heat resistant and has lubricating properties.

Tips for Preventing Mesothelioma

February 29, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Every year, in February, the nation marks National Cancer Prevention Month. National Cancer Prevention Month is a time for spreading awareness about the importance of cancer prevention strategies. It is a time to spread the word and take action in order to live better, healthier, and happier lives. According to research, over 40% of cancer cases and almost half of cancer deaths can be attributed to preventable causes. This means that people can take steps that can dramatically reduce their risk of cancer. In this article, we share some tips on how to prevent mesothelioma.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. This illness affects the thin layer of tissue lining the chest and abdomen. When asbestos is disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Inhaling or ingesting these asbestos fibers can lead to health issues. Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs or other tissues and accumulate over time, causing inflammation.

What is the Cost of Hiring a Mesothelioma Attorney in 2024?

February 26, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is a rare but serious and aggressive form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims and their families often face significant damages, both economically and non-economically. Fortunately, those with evidence that mesothelioma developed due to the negligence of another party or other parties can seek compensation and justice. If, for example, the victim was not informed of possible asbestos exposure or given appropriate protective equipment, they could be entitled to compensation from the negligent party.

Hiring a qualified mesothelioma attorney is vital for individuals seeking compensation and justice. Naturally, one of the concerns people have is how much it costs to hire a mesothelioma attorney to represent them. If you or a loved one has mesothelioma and you are considering taking legal action, you may be wondering, “How much does it cost to hire a mesothelioma attorney in 2024?” Most mesothelioma claims are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that in most mesothelioma cases, attorney fees are dependent upon the attorney achieving a favorable outcome for the client. Read on for more on contingency fees.

Understanding Contingency Fees

Fireproofing Materials Used in World Trade Center Alleged to Cause Mesothelioma

February 19, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the widow in this case will be referred to as Mrs. M.B.R., and the late husband will be referred to as Mr. R.

In a recent legal battle in the New York Supreme Court between a mesothelioma widow and Arconic, Inc., the judge presiding over the case denied Arconic’s motion to dismiss the claim against them. Arconic, Inc. is just one of the multiple companies named in the personal injury claim. According to Mrs. M.B.R., the defendants are responsible for having exposed her late husband to asbestos.

Mrs. M.B.R.’s late husband used to work at the World Trade Center construction site. According to the mesothelioma widow, during the time her husband worked at the World Trade Center construction site, the Arconic’s fire-proofing spray her husband worked with led to him being exposed to asbestos, which, in turn, led to him developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium (the thin tissue covering most of your internal organs). Arconic, Inc. did not take these allegations lightly and decided to counter the accusations by filing a motion to dismiss with the court. According to Arconic, they stopped using asbestos-containing products after 1970. The company argued that Mr. R started working at the World Trade Center after the company had stopped using asbestos-contaminated products.