Saturday, January 12, 2013
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Arkansas had 273 asbestos-related deaths from 1979 through 2001
alone. Pulaski County tops the list of counties with 25 mesothelioma
deaths and 19 deaths from asbestosis. Several industries prominent in
Arkansas have historically put workers at risk of asbestos exposure,
including paper mills, power plants, chemical plants, oil refineries,
aluminum plants, and other manufacturing facilities. Each of these
industries runs machinery and creates materials at very high levels of
heat. Previous to the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in industrial
plants because of its heat and fire-resistant properties and its
heightened resistance to chemical degradation.
Exposure to asbestos needlessly put workers at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. Because asbestos takes years or even decades to affect the body and patients do not typically demonstrate symptoms of an asbestos-related illness for at least ten years, it is likely that a high number of deaths attributed to asbestos will continue to occur in Arkansas.
We strongly urge anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease or an heir, if that person has passed away, to contact a mesothelioma attorney to determine if a mesothelioma lawsuit is appropriate. If you or someone close to you has mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure in Arkansas, attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason can help. Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason are mesothelioma lawyers with over 30 years of experience. We can explain your legal rights and help you understand what to expect from a mesothelioma lawsuit. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in settlement compensation for mesothelioma patients and their families. We provide a free case evaluation, and there is no up front cost for our services.
Asbestos was used in paper mills to insulate and protect machinery during the paper making process. A pleural (body cavity that surrounds the lungs) cancer study found that the majority of fatal asbestos exposures in paper mills occurred in maintenance workers who were responsible for the upkeep of the intricate paper making machinery. Maintenance workers were particularly at risk of inhaling loose asbestos fibers from the insulation and heating element holders when they opened up the machinery to check that the passageways were clear and the heating elements were working properly.
Asbestos exposure was virtually unavoidable in power plants built prior to 1980. Due to its insulating and fire-retardant qualities, power plants used asbestos to protect equipment exposed to high temperatures, such as boilers, generators and turbines. Pumps and valves were often sealed with asbestos containing gaskets, and pipes were insulated with asbestos. Power plants tended to have fireproof roof structures and floors, and asbestos was the material of choice. When floors and ceilings were repaired, asbestos dust was distributed throughout the powerhouse, putting everyone at risk for asbestos inhalation.
Oil refinery workers were also at high risk of asbestos exposure. Prior to the late 1970s, asbestos was used widely to insulate many pieces of equipment that operated at hot temperatures inside oil refineries. This equipment included furnaces, tanks, boilers, ovens, heat exchangers and pumps. Those workers who repaired and maintained the asbestos insulation used in this equipment were especially prone to asbestos fiber inhalation.
Workers in all of these industries sometimes wore protective gear, including gloves and facemasks, made from asbestos fibers to protective them from heat-creating elements. This clothing may have put them into direct contact with dangerous asbestos fibers. When asbestos is inhaled or ingested, the thin fibers that make up this mineral can cause asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos needlessly put workers at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. Because asbestos takes years or even decades to affect the body and patients do not typically demonstrate symptoms of an asbestos-related illness for at least ten years, it is likely that a high number of deaths attributed to asbestos will continue to occur in Arkansas.
We strongly urge anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease or an heir, if that person has passed away, to contact a mesothelioma attorney to determine if a mesothelioma lawsuit is appropriate. If you or someone close to you has mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure in Arkansas, attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason can help. Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason are mesothelioma lawyers with over 30 years of experience. We can explain your legal rights and help you understand what to expect from a mesothelioma lawsuit. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in settlement compensation for mesothelioma patients and their families. We provide a free case evaluation, and there is no up front cost for our services.
Asbestos Exposure in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to many heavy industries, including paper mills, power plants, chemical plants, oil refineries, aluminum plants, and other manufacturing facilities. All are known high-risk industries for asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases. The state has many older buildings as well. Most public buildings constructed prior to 1980 incorporated asbestos-containing materials to help prevent fires. Before its dangers were widely known, asbestos was commonly used in shingles, flooring, pipefittings and even HVAC systems.Asbestos was used in paper mills to insulate and protect machinery during the paper making process. A pleural (body cavity that surrounds the lungs) cancer study found that the majority of fatal asbestos exposures in paper mills occurred in maintenance workers who were responsible for the upkeep of the intricate paper making machinery. Maintenance workers were particularly at risk of inhaling loose asbestos fibers from the insulation and heating element holders when they opened up the machinery to check that the passageways were clear and the heating elements were working properly.
Asbestos exposure was virtually unavoidable in power plants built prior to 1980. Due to its insulating and fire-retardant qualities, power plants used asbestos to protect equipment exposed to high temperatures, such as boilers, generators and turbines. Pumps and valves were often sealed with asbestos containing gaskets, and pipes were insulated with asbestos. Power plants tended to have fireproof roof structures and floors, and asbestos was the material of choice. When floors and ceilings were repaired, asbestos dust was distributed throughout the powerhouse, putting everyone at risk for asbestos inhalation.
Oil refinery workers were also at high risk of asbestos exposure. Prior to the late 1970s, asbestos was used widely to insulate many pieces of equipment that operated at hot temperatures inside oil refineries. This equipment included furnaces, tanks, boilers, ovens, heat exchangers and pumps. Those workers who repaired and maintained the asbestos insulation used in this equipment were especially prone to asbestos fiber inhalation.
Workers in all of these industries sometimes wore protective gear, including gloves and facemasks, made from asbestos fibers to protective them from heat-creating elements. This clothing may have put them into direct contact with dangerous asbestos fibers. When asbestos is inhaled or ingested, the thin fibers that make up this mineral can cause asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.
West Virginia Mesothelioma Attorney
At Prim Law Firm PLLC, we represent people who incurred injuries or
lost a family member due to the negligence of others, including safety
lapses in the workplace and medical settings.
Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience in personal injury cases involving mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers and lung disease, as well as injuries caused by negligent medical and nursing care or defective products. We have the knowledge, skills, and tenacity necessary to hold negligent parties responsible for the injuries and damage they caused.
Between the 1940s and 1980s, millions of workers were exposed to asbestos without proper safety equipment or warnings about how breathing in asbestos fibers could harm them. Today, thousands are still suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers and lung disease resulting from this exposure. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that invades the mesothelial lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart, and when diagnosed, it is often at an advanced stage and considered incurable.
We also help medical malpractice victims prove that their injuries were caused by a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or other medical mistake. Over the decades, we developed many resources that make us extremely competitive and effective. These include a substantial network of experts who help investigate the causes of asbestos-related and medical malpractice injuries and present credible evidence and arguments in court as well as in settlement negotiations. In addition, we have a comprehensive database documenting workplace injuries, patterns of illnesses, and worksites known for using toxic substances.
Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience in personal injury cases involving mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers and lung disease, as well as injuries caused by negligent medical and nursing care or defective products. We have the knowledge, skills, and tenacity necessary to hold negligent parties responsible for the injuries and damage they caused.
Let our West Virginia asbestos attorneys help you
Many of our clients are working men and women from throughout the region, including southeastern Ohio and eastern Kentucky. Many were injured or exposed to deadly asbestos or toxic chemicals while working at industrial, construction, and manufacturing jobs.Between the 1940s and 1980s, millions of workers were exposed to asbestos without proper safety equipment or warnings about how breathing in asbestos fibers could harm them. Today, thousands are still suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers and lung disease resulting from this exposure. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that invades the mesothelial lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart, and when diagnosed, it is often at an advanced stage and considered incurable.
Effective legal representation for personal injury victims
Through our skillful and zealous representation, our West Virginia mesothelioma attorneys succeeded in recovering millions of dollars on behalf of injured victims and surviving family members through settlements or trial verdicts.We also help medical malpractice victims prove that their injuries were caused by a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or other medical mistake. Over the decades, we developed many resources that make us extremely competitive and effective. These include a substantial network of experts who help investigate the causes of asbestos-related and medical malpractice injuries and present credible evidence and arguments in court as well as in settlement negotiations. In addition, we have a comprehensive database documenting workplace injuries, patterns of illnesses, and worksites known for using toxic substances.
MD Anderson Cancer Center
MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas is one of the
world's most-respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient
care, research, education and prevention. It is located in Houston on
the campus of the Texas Medical Center.
MD Anderson was created in 1941 and is one of the 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers today. Its mission is:
Anne S. Tsao, M.D. is the Director of the Mesothelioma Program at MD Anderson. This mesothelioma treatment team includes Chemotherapy Specialists, Research R.N.s, Thoracic Surgeons, Radiation Therapy Specialists, Pulmonary Specialists, and Pathologists.
More than 1,100 clinical residents and fellows come to MD Anderson each year to receive specialized training in the investigation and treatment of cancer. More than 1,600 research fellows are being trained in MD Anderson's laboratories.
MD Anderson was created in 1941 and is one of the 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers today. Its mission is:
[T]o eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.
Patient Care
In 2010, MD Anderson provided care to more than 100,000 patients. While a significant number of the patients are from Texas, about a third come from outside of Texas for cancer treatment ranging from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or combinations of these and other treatments. Because its experts focus on cancer, they're renowned for their ability to treat all types of cancer, including rare or uncommon diseases, including mesothelioma.Anne S. Tsao, M.D. is the Director of the Mesothelioma Program at MD Anderson. This mesothelioma treatment team includes Chemotherapy Specialists, Research R.N.s, Thoracic Surgeons, Radiation Therapy Specialists, Pulmonary Specialists, and Pathologists.
Research
In 2010, MD Anderson invested more than $500 million in research. It ranks first in the number of research grants awarded and total amount of grant funds given by the NCI. MD Anderson has expanded its research with the creation of the McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer.More than 1,100 clinical residents and fellows come to MD Anderson each year to receive specialized training in the investigation and treatment of cancer. More than 1,600 research fellows are being trained in MD Anderson's laboratories.
Prevention
MD Anderson believes that that prevention is the best way to eliminate the threat of cancer. Its Cancer Prevention Center provides cancer risk assessments, screening exams based on genetics, age and gender, personalized risk-reduction strategies, chemoprevention and nutrition counseling. The Behavioral Research Treatment Center provides a comprehensive tobacco cessation program through customized treatment plans that include counseling and nicotine replacement therapy.MD Anderson's Volunteer Corps
In addition to the more than 17,000 people employed at MD Anderson, there is also a volunteer corps of about 1,200 people. These volunteers provided more than 195,000 hours of service in 2010, equal to 94 full-time employees.Top Hospital For Cancer Care
In 2010, U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals" survey ranked MD Anderson as the top hospital in the nation for cancer care.International Mesothelioma Program
The International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) is a unique
collaboration among epidemiologists, oncologists, surgeons, occupational
health specialists, pathologists, statisticians, and clinicians, all
focused on finding a cure for mesothelioma. Dr. David Sugarbaker, the
Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, is
the founder and director of the IMP.
The Program is designed to function at three levels. First and foremost, the IMP provides patient care and state-of-the-art treatment. A crucial adjunct to the medical treatment offered is the assistance for patients and their families provided by the IMP Support Groups. Lastly, the IMP focuses on mesothelioma research that will ultimately lead to a cure for this devastating disease.
Because of the number of patients who come to the IMP for treatment, researchers are able to conduct a variety of clinical trials. Presently, there is a clinical trial underway to test the efficacy of a new combination of heated chemotherapy drugs that are used after the lung, or a portion of it, is removed during surgery. The trial involves the addition of the chemotherapy drug Gemcitabine to Cisplatin which is the drug presently used. Gemcitabine in combination with Cisplatin has been shown to be effective in treating abdominal malignancies. There is hope that this combination will improve the results for patients who undergo surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
One of the most important tools that the IMP has to aid in its research is a tumor bank, established in 1992, that contains frozen samples from more than 600 patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Using these tissue samples, researchers have been able to undertake genetic and genomic studies. Pathologists have discovered new diagnostic tools to differentiate pleural mesothelioma from other tumors. Other researchers have concentrated on identifying molecular markers of mesothelioma.
Many significant advances have been made by the IMP since its inception in 2002. Patients treated by Dr. Sugarbaker have seen their lives extended as a result of the surgical procedure and clinical care they have received. As Dr. Sugarbaker says, the purpose of the IMP can be summarized in seven simple words: "Quality life extension leading to a cure."
The Program is designed to function at three levels. First and foremost, the IMP provides patient care and state-of-the-art treatment. A crucial adjunct to the medical treatment offered is the assistance for patients and their families provided by the IMP Support Groups. Lastly, the IMP focuses on mesothelioma research that will ultimately lead to a cure for this devastating disease.
Novel Combination of Surgery and Chemotherapy Drugs
In terms of treatment, Dr. Sugarbaker has developed a protocol that includes a novel combination of surgery and chemotherapy drugs. During the surgery, Dr. Sugarbaker removes the visible mesothelioma tumor since maximal tumor removal is the primary contributor to the extension of the life. Dr. Sugarbaker and his team have developed the technique of administering chemotherapy after surgery to improve its overall effectiveness. They utilize a heated bath of chemotherapy drugs administered within the chest cavity to increase tumor cell death. Their statistics show that this surgery plus the intracavitary chemotherapy extends the lives of mesothelioma patients over the often quoted life expectancy figures.Research Focused on Improving Patient Care
The IMP's research team brings together researchers from all areas who seek to understand how and why mesothelioma develops and to translate those findings into improved patient care. For example, there is research to develop tests that enable clinicians to know whether a patient's tumor will be resistant to certain chemotherapy drugs. There is also exciting groundbreaking research related to the genetic fingerprinting of mesothelioma cells. The ability to identify a specific genetic fingerprint will help to identify the best course of treatment not only for patients with mesothelioma, but for all cancer patients.Because of the number of patients who come to the IMP for treatment, researchers are able to conduct a variety of clinical trials. Presently, there is a clinical trial underway to test the efficacy of a new combination of heated chemotherapy drugs that are used after the lung, or a portion of it, is removed during surgery. The trial involves the addition of the chemotherapy drug Gemcitabine to Cisplatin which is the drug presently used. Gemcitabine in combination with Cisplatin has been shown to be effective in treating abdominal malignancies. There is hope that this combination will improve the results for patients who undergo surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
One of the most important tools that the IMP has to aid in its research is a tumor bank, established in 1992, that contains frozen samples from more than 600 patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Using these tissue samples, researchers have been able to undertake genetic and genomic studies. Pathologists have discovered new diagnostic tools to differentiate pleural mesothelioma from other tumors. Other researchers have concentrated on identifying molecular markers of mesothelioma.
Emotional Support For Patients and Families
In addition to the state-of the-art medical care that it provides, the IMP is committed to providing emotional support that includes social work, pastoral care, and palliative care professionals who work to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. The IMP Support Groups provide an opportunity for patients and their families to learn from and support one another. By hearing and sharing their stores and experiences, patients and families can learn to cope and to have hope.Many significant advances have been made by the IMP since its inception in 2002. Patients treated by Dr. Sugarbaker have seen their lives extended as a result of the surgical procedure and clinical care they have received. As Dr. Sugarbaker says, the purpose of the IMP can be summarized in seven simple words: "Quality life extension leading to a cure."
Mesothelioma Treatment Facilities For Patients to Evaluate
When patients receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma, it is important that
they immediately investigate the many outstanding mesothelioma treatment
centers located throughout the country.
Treatment facilities specializing in mesothelioma offer the newest and most advanced treatments. These centers also specialize in treating the entire mesothelioma patient not just the disease. Your medical team will be able recommend mesothelioma treatment facilities for you to evaluate and you may also find cancer centers through your own research that you may want to consider. The ultimate goal is to find the best place for you to be treated given your own situation.
Too numerous to name all of them, below is a small sampling of the many mesothelioma treatment centers that patients should consider.
Sloan-Kettering offers its patients and their families a wide base of support ranging from clinical trials, to symptom management and even cosmetic education that help patients cope with the effects of mesothelioma. Sloan-Kettering is another of the 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers.
Dr. David Sugarbaker, is the founder and director of the International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) and is the Chief of Thoracic Surgery. The IMP focuses on the treatment and cure of mesothelioma, and it currently consults with over 300 mesothelioma patients annually and treats over 180 of these patients. It is the largest program of its kind.
Dana-Farber is another of the 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. It has been dedicated to helping cancer patients since 1947. It specializes exclusively in cancer research, care and treatment. It aims to provide its patients with compassionate care while advancing the diagnosis, treatments, and prevention of cancer and related diseases. Outpatient care of mesothelioma patients at Brigham and Women's Hospital usually takes place at Dana-Farber.
Many patients with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are treated at the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic's philosophy is "the needs of the patient come first."
Treatment facilities specializing in mesothelioma offer the newest and most advanced treatments. These centers also specialize in treating the entire mesothelioma patient not just the disease. Your medical team will be able recommend mesothelioma treatment facilities for you to evaluate and you may also find cancer centers through your own research that you may want to consider. The ultimate goal is to find the best place for you to be treated given your own situation.
Too numerous to name all of them, below is a small sampling of the many mesothelioma treatment centers that patients should consider.
City of Hope
The state-of-the-art City of Hope facilities are located in Duarte, California, in acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. At the City of Hope, compassionate patient care is the objective. Here, ideas and breakthrough discoveries turn into emerging new therapies of tomorrow. The City of Hope is one of the 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers.The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
M. D. Anderson is also one of the 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Its slogan is "Making Cancer History." M. D. Anderson sits in the middle of the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. It has treated over 800,000 cancer patients since 1944, using a multidisciplinary approach that includes immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Because its experts focus in the treatment of cancer, M. D. Anderson is well-known for the ability to treat all types of cancer, including rare and uncommon cancers such as mesothelioma.Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has a team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, scientists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists, who aim to provide "experienced, up-to-date, and thoughtful care" of mesothelioma patients.Sloan-Kettering offers its patients and their families a wide base of support ranging from clinical trials, to symptom management and even cosmetic education that help patients cope with the effects of mesothelioma. Sloan-Kettering is another of the 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers.
The International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital
The International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) is located in Boston at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, which together with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has combined resources to provide comprehensive care to mesothelioma patients.Dr. David Sugarbaker, is the founder and director of the International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) and is the Chief of Thoracic Surgery. The IMP focuses on the treatment and cure of mesothelioma, and it currently consults with over 300 mesothelioma patients annually and treats over 180 of these patients. It is the largest program of its kind.
Dana-Farber is another of the 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. It has been dedicated to helping cancer patients since 1947. It specializes exclusively in cancer research, care and treatment. It aims to provide its patients with compassionate care while advancing the diagnosis, treatments, and prevention of cancer and related diseases. Outpatient care of mesothelioma patients at Brigham and Women's Hospital usually takes place at Dana-Farber.
Mayo Clinic
For decades, the Mayo Clinic has been dedicated to the treatment of complex illnesses, such as those caused by asbestos exposure. It also is one of the 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Mayo Clinic employs over 3,000 physicians, scientists and researchers, and offers hospital services in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.Many patients with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are treated at the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic's philosophy is "the needs of the patient come first."
Bystander Exposure
Bystander exposure occurs when someone is in an area where other
people are using asbestos or asbestos-containing products. Many people
are exposed to asbestos as "bystanders." Asbestos fibers are extremely
small and the slightest disturbances can cause any loose asbestos to
become airborne. Once they are released, these invisible fibers spread
through the air and are inhaled by everyone in the area.
In many cases, bystander exposure is an indirect form of occupational exposure. When a Navy seaman stood watch on a ship being repaired at a shipyard, he was exposed to all the asbestos released by the work of the shipyard workers. Likewise, a carpenter working at a construction site could be exposed to asbestos insulation and drywall from the plasterers working nearby. Even people in clerical or managerial positions could have significant bystander exposure if they worked at jobsites where other people were using asbestos products.
Bystander exposure can also occur when someone, such as a deliveryman or a maintenance worker, regularly passes through a site where asbestos products were used. Bystanders can have significant exposure to asbestos and are at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
In many cases, bystander exposure is an indirect form of occupational exposure. When a Navy seaman stood watch on a ship being repaired at a shipyard, he was exposed to all the asbestos released by the work of the shipyard workers. Likewise, a carpenter working at a construction site could be exposed to asbestos insulation and drywall from the plasterers working nearby. Even people in clerical or managerial positions could have significant bystander exposure if they worked at jobsites where other people were using asbestos products.
Bystander exposure can also occur when someone, such as a deliveryman or a maintenance worker, regularly passes through a site where asbestos products were used. Bystanders can have significant exposure to asbestos and are at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
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