Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that is often associated with older men. However, men who were exposed to asbestos in construction or shipyards are not exclusively at risk of developing this dangerous disease.
Sometimes children are victims of mesothelioma. In rare cases, children can develop the cancer at an early age. More often, people who were exposed to asbestos as children develop mesothelioma decades after their childhood exposure.
Regardless of when mesothelioma develops, a legal recovery may be possible.
How Children Are Exposed to Asbestos
In the United States, children who grew up from the 1950s through the early 1980s may have been exposed to asbestos in the following ways:
From their parents or other relatives who, unintentionally, brought asbestos home.
Asbestos fibers can be brought home on the clothing of a person who works with asbestos. Do you remember being a child and running up to give your dad a hug when he got home from work every day? If your dad worked in construction, shipbuilding, or other industries, then asbestos fibers could have been on his clothes, in his hair, and on his shoes. He hugged you back and you inhaled those fibers. Today, it is recommended that anyone working with asbestos shower, change clothes, and remove shoes before entering their homes.
By going to school.
Asbestos was widely used in the construction of schools during the 20th century. It could be found in the buildings’ insulation, in floors, and in paint, for example. When the asbestos was disturbed—either by damage to the building or renovation—then children, as well as adults, could breathe in the dangerous fibers.
By growing up near asbestos mines.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. There are hundreds of sites where asbestos can be found in the United States. In areas where asbestos is mined, children may have grown up breathing in asbestos fibers, and mesothelioma may be more common.
Some research indicates that exposure to asbestos during childhood may be even more likely to result in mesothelioma than asbestos exposure during adulthood. Whether you are diagnosed with the disease as a child or as an adult, it is important to know that you have certain legal rights after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Get the Recovery You Deserve for the Harm You Have Suffered
Your parents did not know that you were at risk, your children should not be left with your bills, and you should not remain uncompensated after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Instead, now is the time to take action.
People who developed mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure prior to 1980 do not need to pay Medicare back for the treatment they need today and may be entitled to legal compensation for all of their losses.
Our mesothelioma lawyers are committed to your fair recovery. We work on a contingency fee basis and we will not take any legal fees from you until your case is settled. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the costs of hiring an attorney to protect your rights. For more information, please contact us online or call us directly at 318.588.6303 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.