Mississippi Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks

Asbestos was once considered the wonder mineral. It is extremely resistant to heat and fire, provides great insulation and was virtually indestructible. With this list of attributes it is easy to see how asbestos made its way into so many building materials. Although there is great discussion about who knew about the dangers, it cannot be argued that many of the materials made with asbestos were supposed to be protective gear.

At Risk Occupations and Locations in Mississippi

Mississippi, given its location and the types of industries located within the state, has more than its share of occupations that are at risk of asbestos exposure. In addition to the construction and power generation traders, there are two shipyards and several oil refineries that also pose a risk for asbestos exposure.

Construction workers suffered from asbestos exposure when building, installing, removing and remodeling with building materials containing asbestos. Even after the EPA implemented a ban on asbestos containing products in 1978, the dangers of exposure did not end. The EPA ruling did not require that existing stocks of building material be destroyed. This means many construction jobs completed through the early 1980s could contain asbestos building materials. Another cause for concern among construction workers is that the EPA ruling allowed existing asbestos containing materials to remain in place. This means that every time a contractor starts a remodeling project, they must determine if the building contains asbestos and treat it accordingly.

The hazards of asbestos exposure for power plant workers and oil refinery workers both revolve around the ability of asbestos to aid in fireproofing. Because both groups work around hot and flammable products, they often had protective gear made with asbestos. This asbestos clothing, if it became ripped or worn thin, could release asbestos into the air causing asbestos exposure. In addition to the protective clothing worn, many of the products used, such as wiring, conduit or drop cloths, contained asbestos to retard flame and electrical currents.

The two shipyards in Mississippi, Ingalls and the Naval Station in Pasacagoula were hotbeds for asbestos exposure. From the 1930s through the 1970s, shipbuilders used asbestos insulation in ships. Working with volumes of insulation needed to insulate a Navy ship, it is easy to see why exposure to asbestos is a concern for many Navy Veterans.

Asbestos Related Deaths in Mississippi

Asbestos-related diseases generally refer to asbestosis and mesothelioma, although asbestos exposure increases the likelihood of developing many types of cancer, including lung, throat, stomach and gall bladder cancers. Asbestosis is more common than mesothelioma, with nearly twice the cases of asbestosis resulting in death in Mississippi than mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, while less common, is more aggressive, with the average lifespan after diagnosis hovering around one year.

Legal Resources for Mississippi Residents

There are a variety of lawsuits winding their way through the Mississippi courts including approximately 50 cases in 2006 and 2007 alone, with a variety of defendants, including Southland Oil, Chevron, Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant and Garlcok, a company that manufactures seals. One interesting case in Mississippi is the case of Harold's Auto Parts, Inc., et al versus Flower Mangialardi, et al. This case involved 264 plaintiffs and 137 defendants. The plaintiffs argued that they suffered asbestos exposure from 600 workplaces over a 75 year span.

The court ruling on this stated that, while class action suits were permitted, the plaintiff had to prove exposure from specific companies within specific time frames. The all-inclusive nature of the lawsuit was not allowed by the Mississippi Supreme Court.

While this case shows one end of the spectrum, there are other ways to pursue justice if you have been exposed to asbestos. There are a variety of avenues to take when considering a lawsuit against a company for asbestos exposure. Class action suits typically involve a group, or class, of individuals, that file suit against one company. These cases often occur when a group of employees file suit against one employer, although the class can consist of a variety of different groups. You may be involved in a class action suit in which you do not know any of the other plaintiffs.

Whether you are filing suit individually or as part of a class action suit, having an experienced attorney that can answer your questions, understand your medical records, and argue your case in court will go a long way toward your success in the courtroom. Asbestos.com offers additional information about qualified lawyers and the litigation process to those who click here.

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