Mesothelioma and Disability Benefits

    WASHINGTON, DC, May 22, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the thin layer of cells known as the mesothelium. The mesothelium covers almost all of the internal organs. Two to three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in this country. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form seen of this disease.

• Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining surrounding the lungs
• Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen
• Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are, shortness of breath, painful breathing and cough, chest pain, lumps under the skin of the chest, unexplained weight loss and a dry cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma involves abdominal pain and swelling, constipation or diarrhea, lumps in the abdomen and also unexplained weight loss. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may include difficulty breathing and/or chest pains.

Exposure to asbestos is the major cause of mesothelioma. Although other factors contribute to the incidence of mesothelioma, such as genetics the environment, general health of the individual and lifestyle choices, asbestos fiber exposure is enemy number one. Millions of Americans have unknowingly been exposed to asbestos. Workers handling asbestos fibers are at the greatest risk for contracting mesothelioma.

Workers who may encounter asbestos fibers include, but are not limited to:
• Miners
• Factory workers
• Insulation manufacturers
• Construction workers
• Chemical plant workers
• Ship builders

Workers who have contracted mesothelioma frequently are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Being eligible for disability benefits means a person has a condition that prevents them from doing the work they once were able to do. Disability benefits are payments that provide an income when an employee cannot work due to an illness. You may be eligible for benefits if you have a severe physical impairment that prevents you from working, your illness is expected to last a year or more, or your disease is life threatening.

If you live in the Baltimore, Maryland or Washington, D.C. area and you or a family member have questions concerning disability benefit eligibility regarding asbestos exposure or a mesothelioma diagnosis, please visit the website of the mesothelioma attorneys, Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP today to learn more about this deadly disease and what you can do if you have contracted it through work.

Source: Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP
Website: http://www.baltimoremesotheliomalawyer.com

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