A common cause for your lung cancer maybe your job. Some researchers estimate that 13 to 29 percent of lung cancer in men is secondary to their exposure to materials and chemicals while working.
How Do I Know What Types of Materials Raise My Risk at Work?
Your employer is required to provide Material Safety Data Sheets on any chemicals you could be exposed to while doing your job. You should read these sheets and follow the recommendations for safety that’s contained in them.
Do things like wear gloves, use the proper face mask, and make sure adequate ventilation is present.
Can I Sue for Work Lung Cancer?
The short answer is: it depends. If your lung cancer was due to asbestos exposure, there are asbestos trust funds in place from which you can receive compensation.
Some criteria need to be met to sue for compensation for your lung cancer they include:
- You were diagnosed with lung cancer within the last five years
- You’ve either had a biopsy or plan on having one shortly
- You worked in one of the industries listed below BEFORE 12/31/18 and worked in that capacity or on the job site for at least five years combined. It’s important to note that the five years doesn’t have to be consecutive. The industries are:
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Steel Mill
- Petro/Chemical Refinery
- Power Plant
- Shipyard
- Paper Mill
- Foundry
- Mines/Mills related to iron, coal, phosphates
- Union Tradesperson including pipefitter, boilermaker, millwright or an electrician.
- Construction/Remodeling including drywaller, flooring installer, carpenter
- Professional Automotive Mechanic
What About Lung Cancer Caused by Radon Exposure?
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It’s produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in water, soil, and rock, and can cause cancer in even low levels.
Radon is usually found in the basements of commercial and residential structures or garden level apartments. Many experts have said that soil gas infiltration is one of the most prevalent causes of residential radon exposure. However, radon can also be in the air or groundwater.
Hardware and other stores carry radon testing kits that can help you figure out if the radon levels in your workplace and home are not safe.
What About Asbestos Exposure and Lung Cancer?
It’s long been known that exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma which can affect your lungs.
What are the Stages and Types of Lung Cancer?
There are three types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and lung carcinoid tumor.
- Non-small cell lung cancer: This is the most common type of lung cancer and is a term that refers to many kinds of lung cancers that behave in the same manner.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer: This type of cancer is often referred to as “oat cell cancer.” Small cell lung cancer accounts for 10 to 15 percent of all lung cancers and is known to spread extremely rapidly. This type of lung cancer can be caused by certain occupations but is ordinarily exclusive to smokers.
- Lung Carcinoid Tumor: This type of cancer is quite rare and is often referred to as “lung neuroendocrine tumors.” They grow very slowly and rarely spread.
Your doctor will inform you what your likelihood for long term survival is determined by what stage your cancer is in, your overall health and the outcome of your first treatment.
What Are the Stages of Lung Cancer?
The four stages of lung cancer are:
- Stage I Lung Cancer: This means that your cancer is confined to your lungs and that your lymph nodes aren’t involved. You usually can be treated with surgery.
- Stage II Lung Cancer: This means your cancer is confined to your lungs and lymph nodes. You may need to have surgery and chemotherapy to remove lung cancer.
- Stage III Lung Cancer: This means your cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the middle of your chest, and you may have fluid in your lungs. Treatments vary, but often include a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy generally done in unison.
- Stage IV Lung Cancer: This is the most severe type of cancer, and it has spread outside of your chest and into other organs. Treatment for stage IV cancer is not considered to be a cure, and the goal is to attempt to shrink the tumor, control the disease, and give you as much time as possible.
Our approach at the New York law firm of Gary Falkowitz is to help you through the process of a lung cancer lawsuit. We understand that a lung cancer diagnosis is a scary time in your life.
If you or a loved one believe that your occupation caused your lung cancer, call our offices. We have a legal team that can help you, and who have the passion, skill, and resources to support your case, and help you receive any compensation that may be available to you.
