What Are the Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure?

For the first half of the 20th century, asbestos was used routinely in many different contexts. Because of this, many workers and laborers were continuously exposed to this dangerous material.
 
However, the dangers of asbestos were not initially understood. In the 1980s, it became apparent that those exposed to this material had increased health risks.
 
It is not safe to be exposed to any amount of asbestos. However, most severe health outcomes occur because of repeated or concentrated exposure.
 
The fibers from asbestos continue to accumulate inside the person's body each time they are exposed. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to reverse the damage that this material causes.
 
Occupations that involved moving, breaking, or disposing of asbestos were particularly dangerous before current regulations existed. In fact, most people who experience asbestos poisoning are men who are 60 years of age or older.
 
Oftentimes, asbestos-related diseases are caused by repeated exposure to the material in the workplace. Some workers most at-risk for asbestos exposure include:

• Military service members
• Shipyard crew members
• Boat workers
• Power plant workers
• Firefighters
• Electricians
• Demolition workers
• Welders
• Plumbers
• Metalworkers
• Residential or commercial construction workers
• HVAC repair personnel
• Automobile manufacturing workers
• Warehouse crew members
• Custodians
• Automobile mechanics

Until the 1970s, asbestos was used routinely on U.S. Navy ships. As a result, many older veterans have an increased risk of developing asbestos poisoning.
 
Also, people who never worked directly with asbestos can still be affected. In some cases, spouses and children of those working near the material have experienced problems. 
 
Small fibers from asbestos may be transported on the clothing, skin, or hair of workers. This can cause secondhand asbestos exposure. 
 
Sadly, the delayed nature of these health conditions leaves many seniors wondering, “What are some asbestos poisoning symptoms?” If you believe that you were exposed to this dangerous material throughout your career, do not hesitate.
 
You may have the right to pursue financial recovery from the negligent parties responsible. You should not have to bear the emotional and financial costs of asbestos poisoning alone.
 
The accomplished attorneys at Morgan & Morgan have decades of experience protecting the rights of victims. We have the skills and specialized knowledge to recover the monetary compensation that you deserve.

Asbestos fibers can become stuck in the lungs after being inhaled. When this happens, it can result in inflammation and scarring.
 
Over a long period of time, these fibers can cause severe illnesses and conditions. If you have been exposed to asbestos, there is no way to undo any damage that it has caused.
 
However, learning what are some asbestos poisoning symptoms can help you to identify problems early. There are several different asbestos-related warning signs.
 
Many of the symptoms of asbestos poisoning can be confused with other medical conditions. It is important to speak with a physician if you develop any of the relevant signs or indicators.
 
So what are some asbestos poisoning symptoms? Typical signs and symptoms include the following:

Dry Cough

One of the most common indicators of asbestos poisoning is a persistent dry cough. Dry coughs occur when no bodily substance is produced from coughing.
 
Patients with mesothelioma often experience dry coughs in the early stages of the disease. As their condition progresses, dry coughing may become more severe.

Abdominal and Chest Pains

Bodily pain is one of the common symptoms of asbestos-related illness. In fact, chest and abdominal pains are one of the earliest signs of mesothelioma.
 
These persistent pains can make it very difficult for patients to rest. In part, these pains are the result of difficulty breathing caused by internal fluid build-up. 
 
If you are experiencing abdominal or chest pains and have a history of asbestos exposure, seek a medical assessment immediately.

Fatigue

Many patients with asbestos-related conditions experience extreme tiredness. This is a common indicator, especially when combined with other symptoms.
 
Unlike normal fatigue, extreme tiredness does not diminish after the person rests. Again, rest may be difficult for those with asbestos poisoning because of bodily pain.
 
Doctors can offer some effective treatments for extreme fatigue. For instance, lifestyle changes can help to relieve exhaustion and weakness.

Wheezing

Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs and lead to severe inflammation. As inflammation increases, the person may experience wheezing.
 
This whistle-like sound is more noticeable when the person takes deep breaths. wheezing is an especially notable symptom for those with no history of breathing problems.
 
Wheezing can occur from asbestos poisoning, even if the person does not have asthma and does not smoke.

Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)

When people ask, “What are some common asbestos poisoning symptoms,” they usually think of dyspnea first. Respiratory issues are one of the signature symptoms of asbestos poisoning.
 
Mesothelioma patients often experience both pleural effusion and shortness of breath. Difficulty breathing deeply often occurs in the beginning stages of mesothelioma.
 
Shortness of breath can exacerbate pains in the chest and abdomen. However, medical professionals can offer patients many techniques and tools to help them breathe more easily.

Swollen Fingertips

One of the clearest signs of asbestos-related illness is swollen fingertips. This symptom is present in nearly half of all asbestos poisoning cases.
 
This type of swelling is known as “clubbing.” Following extreme or prolonged asbestos exposure, the person’s fingertips may become rounder and broader.
 
Swelling can also occur in the person’s arms or face. 
 
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms and have a history of asbestos exposure, do not wait. It is vital to seek medical care as soon as possible.
 
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, an early diagnosis can help to ensure more effective treatments.
 
If your asbestos exposure was the result of another party's carelessness or negligence, you may be owed compensation. Consulting with a trusted asbestos poisoning lawyer at Morgan & Morgan is the surest way to get the money you deserve.

When you contact the firm of Morgan & Morgan, you will receive premier legal representation. Our accomplished legal team will handle your asbestos poisoning case from start to finish.
 
Our asbestos law experts can help you understand what are some common asbestos poisoning symptoms. We can also put you in contact with the best medical professionals to handle your case.
 
Our legal specialists have plenty of experience taking on the asbestos industry. In addition to pursuing a personal injury claim, Morgan & Morgan will assist you in filing claims through:

• Medicare
• Social Security Disability Insurance
• Veterans Affairs

Mesothelioma cases can be highly complicated. This is especially true considering the powerful corporate interests that are involved. 
 
Also, the long delay between exposure and illness makes these claims difficult. Not every personal injury lawyer can handle these cases.
 
However, the accomplished team at Morgan and Morgan is uniquely qualified to manage asbestos poisoning claims. We will leverage all our resources to fight effectively for you.

The answer to this question will be different for each client. However, trustworthy personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to new clients. 

This initial meeting is an excellent time to ask questions like the following:

• How many years of experience do you have?
• How many cases have you taken to the courtroom?
• Have you handled asbestos-related claims before?
• Do you believe I have a strong case?
• How much do you believe this claim is worth?
• How does your firm handle attorneys’ fees?

 Questions like these can help to ensure that you are comfortable and confident with a specific lawyer. You should never hire an attorney or firm unless you have full confidence in their abilities.
 
At Morgan & Morgan, our clients know that their claim is in good hands. We work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for victims of negligence.

Personal injury lawyers are typically paid through contingency fees. This approach to attorneys’ fees means that the client is not responsible for any upfront payments. 

When you partner with the experienced team Morgan & Morgan, we will agree to a certain percentage of the winnings from your case. When we recover money for you, that percentage will be allocated to cover the cost of attorneys’ fees.
 
In other words, you will not pay a single penny unless we successfully win or settle your case. Do not hire a personal injury firm that requires payments upfront.

Since our founding in 1988, the team at Morgan & Morgan has secured more than a million successful verdicts and generous settlements. As a result of our track record of success, we have recovered over $20 billion in compensation for our clients.

When you need premier legal representation, look no further. Our national headquarters is in Orlando, Florida, but our firm represents clients nationwide. 

Asbestos poisoning cases are incredibly legally complex. If you have been affected by this dangerous material, reach out to America’s largest personal injury firm­­­–Morgan & Morgan.

Fill out the easy-to-use contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for you!