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December 18, 2018
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure: What You Need to Know
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The expert legal team at Pond Lehocky has recovered billions for our clients. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical expenses, or pain and suffering. If a loved one has died of an asbestos-related disease, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. For a free, no-obligation legal consultation, give us a call or fill out our contact form.
How Asbestos Exposure Happens
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of thin, heat-resistant fibers. When used in products and materials, it provides durability and fireproofing — but also carries dangerous health risks when those products are cut, sanded, or disturbed.
Once airborne, asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested, becoming lodged in the lungs or abdominal lining. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation, scarring, and genetic damage — which can eventually lead to mesothelioma and other cancers.
Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure
- Occupational Exposure: Workers in industries like construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and auto repair often faced direct contact with asbestos-containing materials.
- Secondary Exposure: Family members can also be exposed through asbestos fibers brought home on clothing, skin, or tools.
- Products & Building Materials: Older homes and vehicles may still contain asbestos in insulation, roofing shingles, floor tiles, caulk, and brake pads.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is categorized based on where the cancer develops:
- Pleural Mesothelioma: The most common form, affecting the lining around the lungs. It causes chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fluid buildup.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Affects the lining of the abdomen, causing bloating, nausea, and organ failure.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: A rare form that impacts the lining around the heart, leading to heart palpitations and chest discomfort.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Workers in the following occupations face the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
- Auto mechanics
- Boilermakers
- Construction workers
- Electricians
- Insulators
- Plumbers
- Power plant operators
- Shipbuilders
- Steelworkers
- U.S. Navy veterans
Exposure can occur even if you didn’t work directly with asbestos materials — simply being in the same environment may have been enough.
Legal Rights for Mesothelioma Victims
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Wrongful death (for families of deceased victims)
Because mesothelioma takes years to develop, many victims were exposed decades ago – but you only have a limited time to file a claim.
At Pond Lehocky Giordano, we help clients:
- Identify when and where their exposure occurred
- File claims against negligent manufacturers or employers
- Access asbestos bankruptcy trust funds
- Pursue wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of deceased loved ones
We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you never pay out-of-pocket – we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Recent Legal Victory: South Carolina Supreme Court Protects Mesothelioma Victims
A landmark May 2025 decision by the South Carolina Supreme Court illustrates that U.S. courts will not tolerate companies shirking responsibility for asbestos exposure.
In Welch v. Atlas Turner, the court ruled against a Canadian manufacturer that tried to dodge accountability after its products allegedly caused the mesothelioma-related death of Melvin Welch, a former plant worker.
The court found Atlas Turner’s actions “willful and intentional,” placing the company in default and authorizing a special receiver to seize its insurance assets to compensate the family.
This ruling sends a powerful message: international companies can’t profit from U.S. markets while ignoring the legal rights of American workers. It may also pave the way for other families to recover damages in similar cases — especially when bankrupt or foreign companies attempt to withhold insurance payments from victims.
How an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
Mesothelioma lawsuits are complex and time-sensitive. An experienced legal team can help strengthen your case in a timely manner by:
- Locating proof of exposure (including military or jobsite records)
- Identifying liable companies and products
- Securing expert medical and occupational testimony
- Navigating asbestos trust fund claims
- Maximizing your financial recovery
The legal team at Pond Lehocky Giordano has 250 years of combined experience representing workers and families across the country. We have an extensive repository of evidence and documentation on asbestos-containing products and job sites.
What causes mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. The fibers become lodged in the body and cause cancer decades later.
How do I prove I was exposed to asbestos?
Our attorneys gather medical records, job histories, witness statements, military service records, and product evidence to prove exposure.
Can I file a claim if my loved one has already passed away?
Yes. Surviving family members or estate representatives may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
How long do I have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?
It depends on your state’s statute of limitations – some are as short as one year after diagnosis or death. Contact us as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer?
At Pond Lehocky, there are no upfront fees. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Who can I sue for mesothelioma?
You may be able to sue manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, employers, or others responsible for your exposure – even if they’re bankrupt or based overseas.
How long do mesothelioma lawsuits take?
Most cases settle within 6 to 12 months, but timelines vary depending on the number of defendants and whether the case goes to trial.
What if the company responsible no longer exists?
Many defunct companies set up asbestos bankruptcy trusts. We can help you file claims with those trusts to seek compensation.
Contact Pond Lehocky Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are not alone – and you don’t have to face this fight without help. At Pond Lehocky Giordano, we are committed to holding companies accountable and securing justice for those affected.
Call our expert legal team or contact us online today. There is no risk and no obligation – just a chance to get answers, get support, and get the compensation you deserve.
