If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact an attorney at Bailey & Glasser, LLP to discuss the possibility of a claim or lawsuit. This type of diagnosis will change your life forever. While we know that no amount of money can erase the physical and emotional toll that a mesothelioma diagnosis has taken on you, we believe in the power of pursuing justice and holding negligent parties accountable.
Our asbestos attorneys can answer your questions, connect you to vital mesothelioma resources, and be here for you and your family during this difficult time. We care about our clients and are recognized for our ability to secure real results for mesothelioma clients. If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma in Maine, contact us today to request a free case consultation.
What Is Asbestos? What Are its Health Risks?
Asbestos is a dangerous group of minerals that have been definitively connected to cancers and other serious illnesses, including mesothelioma. Before asbestos was confirmed to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 1987, it was heavily relied upon for manufacturing purposes due to its natural ability to resist heat and corrosion. Unfortunately, this means thousands of buildings and products in Maryland still contain asbestos today – putting residents at risk of harmful asbestos exposure.
Asbestos can cause cancer by becoming lodged in the mesothelial tissues, which is the protective membrane that surrounds most organs. Over a period of years (the average latency period is 20-60+ years for asbestos-related illnesses), the asbestos particles and fibers stuck in the tissues can cause enough irritation to create scar tissue. The damage caused to the mesothelial tissues can ultimately lead to the development of cancer cells and malignant tumors. This is known as mesothelioma.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer with no known cure. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. This disease can cause chest pain, a chronic cough, fatigue, and trouble breathing. The National Library of Medicine states that the average life expectancy for a patient at the time of a mesothelioma diagnosis is 12 to 21 months, with treatment. However, each case is unique. Treatments for mesothelioma may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
How Common Is Mesothelioma in Maryland?
Based on data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maryland was 23rd in the country for the number of new mesothelioma cases from 2015 to 2019. In this time period, Maryland reported 249 new cases of mesothelioma and 188 mesothelioma deaths. Maryland’s age-adjusted rate of new mesothelioma cancers per 100,000 population was 0.7 with a population of 30,120,835. Below is the data for the top five counties in Maryland in terms of mesothelioma diagnoses and deaths.
| County | Age-Adjusted Rate | New Cases | Deaths | Population |
| Baltimore County | 0.7 | 40 | 31 | 4,142,743 |
| Montgomery County | 0.5 | 30 | 25 | 5,219,859 |
| Anne Arundel County | 0.9 | 30 | 27 | 2,857,462 |
| Frederick County | 1.4 | 21 | Data Suppressed | 1,259,758 |
| Prince Georges County | 0.4 | 18 | Data Suppressed | 4,549,896 |
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Asbestos Exposure Risks and Sites in Maryland
Although the National Cancer Institute states that there is no “safe” amount of exposure to asbestos (a single exposure incident could potentially cause cancer and other health problems), studies show that people who become ill from asbestos are most often those who are exposed to this substance on a regular basis. This includes workers in occupations that involve asbestos materials and people living or working in structures built prior to the 1990s.
Asbestos exposure hazards in Maryland include:
- Asbestos-containing products: asbestos was widely used as an ingredient in multiple consumer products, particularly building and construction materials and friction products. Examples include floor and roof tiles, cement, mortar, insulation, drywall, furnaces and boilers, fireproof cloth, adhesives, HVAC equipment, shipbuilding materials, and automobile brakes and gaskets.
- Known asbestos sites: there is a high number of asbestos deposits in Maryland (22, according to the United States Geological Survey). In addition to natural asbestos deposits and the risk of living near mines, many buildings and sites also contain asbestos materials. This includes schools and universities, shipyards, military bases, power plants, and various work sites.
- High-risk occupations: occupational asbestos exposure is a distinct risk for construction workers, renovators, firefighters, HVAC technicians, electricians, and others who work in and around older buildings. Working as an auto mechanic, a manufacturing worker, or an asbestos abatement professional could also put an individual at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Even in a high-risk area or occupation in Maryland, it is possible to avoid asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, many companies, manufacturers, landlords, and employers are negligent in fulfilling their responsibility to prevent asbestos exposure risks. For example, an employer may fail to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to at-risk employees. This can lead to mesothelioma and related lawsuits.
Sources of Compensation for Mesothelioma Victims
If someone else’s negligence resulted in your asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit could result in a claim settlement or judgment award to help you and your family pay for related losses. Available compensation could potentially cover current and future necessary medical costs, losses of income, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the death of a loved one.
There are multiple potential sources of financial compensation for mesothelioma victims:
- Personal injury lawsuit
- Wrongful death lawsuit
- Product liability claim
- Premises liability claim
- Workers’ compensation claim
- Lawsuit against an employer
- Asbestos trust fund claim
- Veterans’ claim
Most mesothelioma cases achieve settlements, or out-of-court agreements to resolve legal disputes for an agreed-upon amount of money. However, if a case is particularly complex or the defendant denies liability for the plaintiff’s illness, the matter may need to go to trial. Discuss your potential financial recovery options with an attorney to choose the correct route for you.
Contact Our Law Firm About a Mesothelioma Claim
You are not alone as a victim of mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another illness related to asbestos exposure. The attorneys at Bailey & Glasser, LLP are here for you and your family during this difficult time. We understand how mesothelioma claims and lawsuits work in Maryland. Our team of attorneys is prepared to help you with every step of the legal process. Connect to helpful resources, information, support, and legal advice about mesothelioma today. Contact us online or by calling (866) 871-7971.
