Many civilian workers and military personnel received diagnoses of asbestos diseases and are now getting help from an experienced Connecticut mesothelioma lawyer. Connecticut has a long history of harmful asbestos exposure because of industrial workplaces, shipping, and naval facilities.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation.
Asbestos exposure is linked to several serious diseases, which include:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue.
- Lung Cancer: In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can significantly increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
Understanding the connection between asbestos exposure and these diseases is crucial. If you or someone you know is affected, exploring your legal options for compensation could provide needed support during this challenging time.
Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is full of information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
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Connecticut Asbestos Facts
- Connecticut ranks in the middle of states for asbestos-related deaths.
- The state had 3,865 deaths from asbestos exposure between 1999 and 2017.
- Among that total were 715 deaths from mesothelioma.
- Hartford County has the highest number of asbestos-related deaths in the state.
Why is Asbestos Considered Dangerous to Human Health?
Asbestos poses a significant health risk due to its fibrous nature. When materials containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny fibers can be released into the air.
Once airborne, these microscopic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, where they can lodge in the tissues of vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and stomach. Over time, the body struggles to expel these durable fibers, leading to serious conditions.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, reducing elasticity and impairing breathing.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and, less commonly, the abdomen or heart.
- Lung Cancer: Long-term exposure can significantly increase the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers.
- Other Cancers: Asbestos exposure is also linked to other types of cancer, such as those affecting the larynx and ovaries.
The latency period is notably long, with diseases manifesting decades after initial exposure. This delayed onset makes early detection difficult, complicating treatment and reducing survival rates.
Therefore, it’s crucial to handle asbestos-containing materials with extreme care and follow safety protocols to minimize the risk of exposure.
Understanding Mesothelioma: Causes and Delayed Symptoms
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is primarily triggered by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once commonly used in construction and manufacturing due to its heat resistance and durability. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become trapped in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Over time, these fibers may cause inflammation and genetic mutations, eventually leading to cancerous growths.
Why Do Symptoms Take so Long to Appear?
The latency period for mesothelioma can span anywhere from 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. This extended timeline occurs because the disease progresses slowly. Asbestos fibers, once lodged in the body, gradually irritate tissues over many years before manifesting any noticeable signs. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often at an advanced stage, complicating treatment options.
Recognizing the Symptoms
It’s crucial to be aware of the potential symptoms, which can include:
- Persistent cough or trouble breathing
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
Key Takeaway
Early detection remains challenging due to the prolonged latency period. Awareness and regular health check-ups, especially for those with a history of asbestos exposure, are vital in managing mesothelioma risk.
Understanding the Different Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer primarily linked to asbestos exposure. It affects the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. There are several types of mesothelioma, each categorized based on the location in the body where the cancer develops.
Major Types of Mesothelioma
- Pleural Mesothelioma
- Location: This type occurs in the pleura, the lining around the lungs.
- Prevalence: It is the most common form, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases.
- Symptoms: May include chest pain, shortness of breath, and persistent cough.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Location: Found in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.
- Prevalence: Makes up about 10-20% of cases.
- Symptoms: Often presents with abdominal pain, swelling, and weight loss.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Location: Develops in the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart.
- Prevalence: Extremely rare, comprising roughly 1% of cases.
- Symptoms: Can include heart palpitations, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Each type of mesothelioma affects the body differently, influencing symptoms, treatment approaches, and prognosis. Early detection and specialized care are crucial for managing the disease effectively.
Each year in the United States, more than 3,000 individuals receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Although the overall numbers have been decreasing, this figure highlights the ongoing presence of new cases annually. This data serves as a crucial reminder of the disease’s prevalence and the importance of continued awareness and research.
How to File an Asbestos or Mesothelioma Claim in Connecticut
If you have mesothelioma, you were probably negligently exposed to asbestos. You can hold companies liable and claim compensation for medical expenses and other costs. You have several options for making a claim:
File a Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit
Negligent asbestos exposure that causes an illness like mesothelioma is a personal injury. You can sue the companies responsible for your exposure, which likely occurred in the workplace.
Most asbestos lawsuits end in a settlement. This occurs when the defendants agree to provide you with a certain amount of compensation as negotiated with your lawyer.
Mesothelioma and asbestos settlements average around $1 million to $1.4 million. In rare cases, the suit will go to trial. If the plaintiff wins, the jury often awards a much larger amount of damages, sometimes in the tens of millions of dollars.
Make a Claim with an Asbestos Trust Fund
If the companies that exposed you to asbestos in Connecticut filed for bankruptcy, you cannot sue them. You can make a claim with the asbestos trust fund for compensation. These asbestos trusts currently contain around $30 billion in funds.
File a Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit
You can file a wrongful death lawsuit if you lost a loved one to negligent asbestos exposure. As with personal injury, it will most likely end in a settlement rather than going to trial.
Claim VA Benefits
Veterans have high rates of mesothelioma because of the extensive use of asbestos in the military, especially on U.S. Navy ships. If you served in the military and have mesothelioma, you can claim benefits, including monthly compensation.
How Can a Connecticut Mesothelioma Lawyer Help Me?
Top Connecticut lawyers handling mesothelioma and asbestos cases are available to help you if you have received a mesothelioma diagnosis. They will first provide an initial consultation for free to evaluate your case and provide guidance.
To arrange your free case review, call our dedicated team at 888-554-2030. We’ll connect you with one of our experienced mesothelioma attorneys to discuss your situation in detail.
Alternatively, you can reach out through our website to schedule a consultation at your convenience. Our experts are committed to guiding you through every step, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
By taking these steps, you’ll have access to expert legal advice tailored to your unique circumstances, setting you on the path toward justice and peace of mind.
If they believe you have a case, a lawyer will investigate your work history and find out which companies can be held liable for your asbestos exposure. They will explain your options and help you take the next step.
Experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Connecticut can determine how much compensation you are owed, file a lawsuit, and negotiate a fair settlement.
Choose a local Connecticut lawyer with experience handling asbestos cases. They should be part of a large, nationwide firm because asbestos lawsuits are complicated and often reach across state borders.
When selecting a law firm for a mesothelioma lawsuit, experience is crucial. An experienced lawyer can navigate the complexities of asbestos litigation, ensuring that all possible avenues for compensation are pursued. These cases often involve intricate details and require a deep understanding of both state and federal laws.
Furthermore, experienced attorneys have a track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts. This history of success not only demonstrates their expertise but also provides you with confidence that they can effectively advocate for your rights. An accomplished lawyer will have the skills to identify liable parties and gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.
Ultimately, working with a seasoned legal team increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome, providing you with both the justice and compensation you deserve.
Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Connecticut?
The residents and workers of Connecticut have been put at risk of exposure to asbestos through several sources. Most exposures occurred on the job, and the risk was higher in specific industries.
The Brass Industry
Waterbury, Connecticut, earned the nickname “Brass City” for its numerous brass products manufacturing factories.
Most of Waterbury’s industries used asbestos in significant quantities, especially in the facilities where brass products were made, including:
- American Brass Company
- Mattatuck Manufacturing Company
- Chase Brass and Copper Company
- Olin Brass
- General Insulation Distributor
- Anaconda Metal Hose
- Waterbury Clock (Timex)
- Waterbury Brass Company
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- Waterbury Buckle Company
- Somers Thin Strip Brass (Wieland)
- Waterbury Button Company
Other Industries That Used Asbestos in Connecticut
Throughout the latter half of the 19th Century and for much of the 20th, almost every industry in Connecticut had a connection to asbestos. These ranged from hats made in mechanized millineries to aircraft and submarine factories. For a period of time, nearly all used asbestos either in the manufacturing facilities or in their products.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral known for its extraordinary heat resistance and durability. These properties made it an appealing choice for numerous industries. Its ability to withstand high temperatures and wear meant that it was commonly found in:
- Insulation: Protecting buildings and machinery from heat damage.
- Construction Materials: Reinforcing structures with its tough, long-lasting nature.
- Automotive Parts: Used in brake linings and gaskets for its resilience under friction.
- Shipbuilding Materials: Providing essential fireproofing in hazardous environments.
Despite its widespread use, asbestos is now recognized as a carcinogenic material, posing serious health risks. This awareness has led to a significant shift away from asbestos use, reflecting its complex legacy in industrial history.
Some of the cities with the highest levels of industry and, therefore, asbestos exposure are Hartford, Waterbury, and Danbury, known primarily for their hat-making factories.
Raymark Industries made asbestos automotive brakes in Stratford for nearly 100 years. Declared a Superfund site, the abandoned Stratford site has been in the cleanup process for 25 years. In late 2021, the state allocated $2.5 million to remove toxic materials from the water and soil.
Shipping and Military Asbestos Use
Although Connecticut doesn’t have an Atlantic coastline, it has access to the open sea through Long Island Sound to its south.
From colonial times to the present day, the state has been involved in building civilian and military ships and submarines.
Deep-sea fishing, ship repair, and other maritime enterprises form part of Connecticut’s economy. Additionally, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have two major facilities in the state.
Asbestos insulation was used on almost every steam pipe or piece of machinery aboard ships built in the first half of the 1900s.
Groton is particularly notable in the maritime industry and is known as the World’s Submarine Capital. In 1899, Isaac Rice founded the Electric Boat Company to construct John P. Holland’s first submarines for the U.S. Navy.
Electric Boat grew from a small Connecticut shipyard into General Dynamics’ Electric Boat Division.
Navy officers and sailors trained at the nearby Submarine School in New London crewed the submarines built in Groton. New London is also the home of the Navy’s main submarine base.
Thousands of shipyard workers, engineers, sailors, and naval officers encountered asbestos in Groton and New London.
People who built or operated submarines were especially at risk for asbestos exposure because of the cramped interior space and poor ventilation.
Other military installations and maritime workplaces in Connecticut that put workers and personnel at risk of asbestos exposure include:
- U.S. Coast Guard Training Station
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy
- Groton Vocational Technical High School
- Pfizer, Inc Research Laboratories
- Ballard Oil
- Groton Shipyard
Asbestos in Connecticut Buildings
Even non-industrial and civilian workers experienced asbestos exposure in Connecticut. This is because asbestos was used heavily in the construction of public and residential buildings.
Some examples of buildings known to have contained asbestos include several in Waterbury:
- St. Margaret’s School
- Sacred Heart Rectory
- Waterbury Button Shop
- Waterbury Bank
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
- St. Anne’s Catholic Church and School
Homes built before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Connecticut?
All states have a deadline for filing personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. These apply to asbestos cases:
- As with most other states, Connecticut follows a strict statute of limitations for filing an asbestos-related lawsuit. A mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit must be filed within three years of being diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.
- For wrongful death cases, the plaintiff must file within three years of the victim’s date of death.
What Laws in Connecticut Protect Against Asbestos Exposure?
The Connecticut Department of Public Health set forward regulations on how asbestos is handled within the state to protect people from the hazards of dangerous asbestos fibers:
- Any schools built with asbestos-containing materials must go through routine inspections and maintenance at all times.
- Anyone handling asbestos-related materials must be trained and certified by the state of Connecticut.
- Buildings with friable asbestos can be deemed condemned and, in turn, must be either renovated or demolished by an asbestos professional.
- Heating, air conditioning, and ventilation must be turned off prior to any asbestos abatement project in order to stop contamination. The area must be marked off clearly, with warning signs.
- All tools used during asbestos abatement must be thoroughly cleaned, before and after, with HEPA-filtered vacuums and antibacterial cleaning wipes.
- Once an asbestos project is complete, the asbestos technician must test the air thoroughly to ensure it’s as clean as possible from asbestos. They then must make sure that the removed asbestos is disposed of properly.
For additional details regarding asbestos regulations in Connecticut, contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health at 860-509-8000.
Mesothelioma Treatment in Connecticut
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat because it is aggressive and often diagnosed in later stages. It’s best to get excellent cancer treatment as soon as possible. There are two top-notch cancer centers in Connecticut:
Yale Cancer Center
The Yale Cancer Center is recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. It provides expert treatment and also conducts research. Patients here can access clinical trials.
The staff includes specialists in medical oncology and thoracic surgery. These experts are equipped to treat pleural mesothelioma.
Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute
Located at Hartford Hospital, the Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute is one of the largest cancer treatment centers in the northeastern U.S. On staff are experts who can treat both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.
Understanding the Life Expectancy for Mesothelioma Patients
When discussing life expectancy for those diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s essential to consider various influencing factors. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer typically linked to asbestos exposure, unfortunately has no definitive cure. However, the prognosis isn’t entirely bleak.
For patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, the average life expectancy often extends beyond three years. This longer timeline is particularly true when the condition is detected early. Early diagnosis can significantly improve both the survival rate and longevity.
It’s important to highlight that the stage of cancer at diagnosis plays a pivotal role. Patients who receive an early diagnosis generally have better chances of prolonged survival. This is because treatments—such as surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of therapies—are more effective when the cancer is detected at an earlier stage.
Here’s a breakdown of important factors affecting life expectancy:
- Type of Mesothelioma: Peritoneal mesothelioma typically has a longer life expectancy compared to other forms, such as pleural mesothelioma.
- Stage at Diagnosis: Achieving an early diagnosis can lead to more treatment options and better outcomes.
- Overall Health: The patient’s overall health and age can impact how well they will respond to treatment.
Ultimately, while the outlook can vary widely, advancements in treatment continue to improve the life expectancy for mesothelioma patients. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized information.
Mesothelioma is a devastating disease for both victims and their families due to its aggressive nature and the emotional turmoil it brings. This rare form of cancer primarily affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, and is most commonly linked to asbestos exposure.
The Physical Toll
- Late Diagnosis: One of the cruelest aspects of mesothelioma is that symptoms often appear decades after exposure, leading to late-stage diagnoses. This delay makes treatment options more limited and less effective.
- Rapid Progression: Once diagnosed, the disease tends to progress quickly, leaving patients with a limited time to manage their health and explore treatment possibilities.
Emotional and Financial Strain
- Emotional Impact: The suddenness of the diagnosis and the grim prognosis take a heavy emotional toll on families, as they are forced to come to terms with an uncertain future.
- Financial Burden: The costs associated with medical care, potential loss of income, and legal actions to secure compensation add a significant financial strain to already stressed households.
Limited Treatment Options
While there are treatments available, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, they often provide minimal relief and can come with severe side effects. Clinical trials and new therapies offer hope, but are not guaranteed solutions.
Coping with Uncertainty
Families face an ongoing challenge of balancing hope while preparing for the potential outcome. Support groups and counseling can aid in managing this emotional rollercoaster, but the journey is undeniably tough.
In summary, mesothelioma devastates families by combining a late, lethal diagnosis with emotional and financial hardships, leaving them grappling with limited treatment success and an uncertain future.
When my husband was diagnosed we had no idea what to do. Our doctor said we should reach out to an attorney to talk about compensation. After talking to several firms we found the mesothelioma lawyer center and were grateful we did. They helped with every step of the way. If you need a meso attorney then I would recommend contacting them
-Isabelle D.
Getting Legal Help in Connecticut
Remember, if you’ve been a victim of mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, there is a good chance you may qualify for significant compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. For questions and assistance, feel free to contact us at 800-793-4540.
