January 27, 2010
According to recent reports, Merlin Olsen, who once played for the Los Angeles Rams, and worked as a sportscaster and actor on NBC, recently filed a mesothelioma lawsuits against his former employers. After being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, he decided to take action for the wrongful exposure he believes victimized him.
The lawsuit, which was filed on December 31, 2009 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that throughout his life and career he was exposed to the hazardous substance known as asbestos. The lawsuit names NBC, NBC Universal, and 20th Century Fox Corporation as defendants in the asbestos-related lawsuit. Olsen states that it was during his time employed with these companies that he was exposed to asbestos, which caused the fatal illness he has been diagnosed with.
Asbestos Claims
In the lawsuit Olsen claims that each of the defendants played a crucial role in his mesothelioma diagnosis. The suit that, “the defendants were engaged in the business of manufacturing, fabricating, designing, assembling, distributing, leasing, buying, selling, inspecting, marketing, and advertising a certain substance, the generic name of which is asbestos.”
For decades asbestos has been used in the construction and manufacturing of certain industries. However, in recent years its use has been minimized due to research linking it to mesothelioma and other fatal illnesses and harmful health conditions. No cure has been found for mesothelioma, though treatments are available to help ease the symptoms associated with the disease.
Olsen is now undergoing chemotherapy for his mesothelioma and has filed the lawsuit with his wife for an unspecified amount.
Leave a Comment » | 
Asbestos, Mesothelioma, lawsuits | 
Permalink
Posted by Dave Austin
January 9, 2010
Asbestos is a natural material that has been long known for its durability and resistance to heat and chemicals. If damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and become hazardous to your health. A number of industries in the U.S. use the toxic material in producing tiles, insulation, cement, and roofing, amongst other things.
In recent years the dangers of asbestos have been publicized more. However, despite the known risks associated with asbestos, the toxic substance is still present in many older buildings and is even still handled and serves as a risk in some professions. So what exactly are the dangers associated with asbestos fibers? Many health problems have been linked to the substance and there arer many types of cancer associated with asbestos.
Asbestos Exposure Can Result in Fatal Illness
If asbestos is inhaled or ingested it can result in a variety of fatal illnesses. Among the most well-known are:
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is typically caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. According to research, an estimated 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma arise each year in the country, with more cases affecting those in other parts of the world. Pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma are the three known types of mesothelioma. Those who are exposed, whether through first or secondhand exposure, may not know they are afflicted with the illness for up to twenty-years and there is no found cure for this type of cancer yet.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer typically linked to smoking, though exposure to asbestos can also cause this illness. Those who are exposed to asbestos and smoke some form of tobacco are at higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer and Kidney Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a cancer that affects the larynx, more commonly known as your voice box. Research has shown that asbestos exposure may put you at risk of both laryngeal cancer and kidney cancer.
At any age you can be susceptible to these types of cancer if you are exposed to asbestos fibers, which is why it is important to be aware of the risks associated with hazardous materials.
Leave a Comment » | Asbestos, Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma | Permalink
Posted by Dave Austin
