The number of mesothelioma death is increasing rapidly. According to estimates, 10000-mesothelioma deaths occur each year in the U.S and many thousands more suffer from nonfatal diseases because of exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer associated with prolonged exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, a thin protective membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs such as lungs, abdomen, and heart.
Metal plate workers, shipyard workers, plumbers, gas fitters, carpenters, electricians, construction workers, insulation and asbestos removal workers are most prone to mesothelioma because of their occupational exposure to asbestos. Persons indirectly exposed to asbestos also run the risk of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma appear after a very long time, usually 20-50 years after the exposure to asbestos and the average survival time after the diagnosis is one-two years. Mesothelioma death, therefore, comes as big shock to family members who are entirely helpless to save their bread earner.
There are laws for dealing with compensation to the families of mesothelioma death victims. The people who are on suffering from mesothelioma cancer and are on the verge of death due to mesothelioma can seek the help of mesothelioma attorneys specialized in the mesothelioma death compensation suits. However, only a very insignificant percentage of mesothelioma victims have been able to get the relief. The industrial lobby exploits the ambiguities in the asbestos law to their advantage. The mill owners also declare bankruptcy to avoid giving relief to the victims. In some cases even the mesothelioma compensation awards have been reversed during appeals to superior courts.
A study reveals that in the U.S, 30 million pounds of asbestos materials are used every year in various construction and manufacturing processes, dozens of widely used consumer goods still contain asbestos and 100,000 people live within half a mile of an asbestos site. On this rate the magnitude of the problem and mesothelioma deaths will grow manifolds.
To obviate all these problems, the U.S Senate is considering a proposal to set up a special fund to take care of all the mesothelioma death claims. This will end the bulk of litigation that has led many companies to bankruptcy while giving compensation to only a few families of mesothelioma death victims. After passing of the bill the mesothelioma death victims' kin will apply to receive compensation from a trust fund to be financed by manufacturers and insurance companies. However, many mesothelioma attorneys and victims argue that the proposed law has certain anomalies and it inadequately deals with serious issue of mesothelioma and death related to asbestos poisoning.
About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.