Mesothelioma is a tragic illness that can affect those exposed to asbestos. The toxic compound is often found in materials that workers have to handle, tear down or clean up, ending up on clothes, skin or through inhalation. If workers are not adequately protected with safety gear when working with asbestos, then occupational problems may be experienced and possible legal action may be enacted.
Facing the devastating aftermath of a Mesothelioma diagnosis can be stressful. The Center for Disease Control has released a list of states with the greatest number of diagnosis for the illness, and Colorado was named. The report also states that the average diagnosis is made in elderly men and those that may have been exposed to asbestos through manufacturing, building and industrial occupations. It can be confusing to know how to seek workers’ compensation for an occupational disease onset from a previous career, but professional guidance can be sought.
The Center for Disease Control released information that they expect up to 3,000 people to report Mesothelioma diagnoses this year. Of these people, many may have never actually been exposed to asbestos, though they might have lived with someone who has. Potential occupational diseases can even occur for the families of employees that work in fields which could have exposed them to asbestos. Employees can sometimes instigate workers’ compensation claims should they experience damages to their health or loved ones due to such an occupational disease.
Colorado workers that have handled the asbestos in plain clothes or without proper gear may be in danger of developing Mesothelioma. Even worse, such individuals may even risk spreading the illness to others. In the tragic event that an employee, or family member of an employee, is diagnosed with an occupational disease from on-the-job exposure resulting from inappropriate safety measures, then they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help cover financial damages from lost wages or medical expenses.
Source: consumerelectronicsnet.com, Mesothelioma Victims Center Issues New Warning to Families: Second Hand Exposure to Asbestos is Possible Via Clothing from Family Members Exposed While at Work, No author, Oct. 8, 2013