Asbestos on Ships

The Role of Asbestos on Ships

Being diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease is devastating. Depending on your symptoms, you may not have been diagnosed until you have reached the rather advanced stages of the disease. This is because the symptoms of these diseases are masked with symptoms of other more common heath issues. Also, these diseases are quite rare, and therefore, a physician may not suspect or examine you for any asbestos-related illnesses. To be properly diagnosed means you need a series of tests such as x-rays, CT scans and MRI's. But again, the physician has to know that these tests are necessary. In addition, you may have been diagnosed late because both you and your doctor had no idea you were exposed to asbestos on ships that you were assigned to. Being exposed to asbestos first hand is the only way to contract such diseases.

Prognosis and Treatment

The prognosis for asbestos-related diseases is quite grim. For an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma there is no known cure. There are treatment options, however, to extend your life and also make it much more comfortable. These would include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Working with your doctor, you can collectively determine which treatment is most appropriate and most easily available to you.

Your Next Step

You were most likely exposed to asbestos on ships or the vessels where you worked. At this point, you need some answers so you can begin putting together some solutions. You have medical bills that need to be taken care of and compensation for lost wages that needs to be recovered, and this is just the start.

Many times asbestos on ships originates from the products that are used and/or stored aboard. High concentrations of asbestos on ships can also be found in the actual structure of the ships, e.g. cement, fireproofing material, spackling compound, etc. The more you were exposed to material with a high concentration of asbestos, the worse your illness could become.

These diseases sometimes progress quickly are not detected for many years after the last instances of exposure. This means that you need to begin the process of building a case today. It will be difficult but quite helpful for you to document all the ships, vessels, etc. that you worked on, including their names and descriptions. You need to also retain documentation of any tests, appointments, or other medical information that pertains to your current health status.

This is a difficult time for you and your family. We have helped others in your same situation and look forward to the opportunity to help you too. Contact us today for a free consultation.