Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Attorneys

Helping Asbestos Exposure Victims in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County & York

Approximately 11 million people were exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1978, per the National Institutes of Health. Sadly, Pennsylvania's industrial history means many of those 11 million people were right here in our communities and neighborhoods. Asbestos exposure isn't limited to workers either—spouses and children may have been exposed as a result of fibers attaching to work clothes or outerwear. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lost a loved one, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC wants to help. Our Pennsylvania mesothelioma attorneys have been fighting for injury victims since 1922. We're ready to fight for you.

Contact our Pennsylvania mesothelioma lawyers at (888) 498-3023.

$1.8 Million Settlement for York County Man with Mesothelioma

Our asbestos exposure lawyers represented a 61-year-old man from York County diagnosed with mesothelioma. Decades prior, he had worked a job where he was regularly exposed to asbestos. His condition declined rapidly after his diagnosis—he died within a year. Mesothelioma often develops for decades without symptoms, only developing aggressively and rapidly near the end of a person's life. By the time people are diagnosed, it's often too late to help them. Our Pennsylvania mesothelioma attorneys litigated and eventually settled the claim, getting the man's family the funds they needed to pay for his medical care, funeral expenses, and emotional pain.

Harrisburg's Legacy of Asbestos Exposure

As one of the centers of Pennsylvania's industrial growth, Harrisburg sadly has a history of exposing countless thousands to asbestos. Workers and their families breathed in asbestos fibers in factories and plants throughout the city, leaving entire generations vulnerable to mesothelioma. In addition, asbestos exposure increases the likelihood of getting lung cancer—a diagnosis that impacts more than 200,000 people a year. Another 1,600 to 2,100 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure every year.

Just a few of the sites known for asbestos exposure in Harrisburg are:

• Harrisburg Automotive
• Dauphin County Steel
• General Electric
• Harrisburg Steel
• Harrisburg Light and Power
• Paxtang Electric Company
• Atlantic Refinery Plant
• Harrisburg Steel Mill

Companies are required by law to notify their employees of the dangers of the workplace. Because millions of workers were never notified about the danger of asbestos exposure until it was too late, employers are legally at fault for the cancer that developed as a result. Our firm has been holding companies accountable for decades, fighting for justice on behalf of victims and families.

The Silent Killer Waits for Decades: Early Signs of Mesothelioma

Every year 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a type of cancer, in the United States. However, people don’t usually develop the disease naturally. Most mesothelioma cases occur after exposure to asbestos, a set of six naturally occurring silicates used in building materials. While many countries have banned the use of asbestos in new construction projects, older buildings still contain traces of the material, which was often used as a type of insulation.

Whenever old structures are disturbed or knocked down, asbestos fibers enter the air. Because they are so thin and small, these fibers easily enter the lungs and mouth of any unprotected person or animal nearby. According to the National Institutes of Health, at least 11 million people were exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1978. Because most symptoms take 20 to 50 years to develop, these 11 million individuals are just now beginning to realize the effect their jobs or environments had on them so many years ago. If you worked in construction, or know you were exposed to asbestos on a regular basis, look for these early warning signs of cancer.

Pleural

Mesothelioma can develop in one of three places. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs.

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest or lower-back pain
• Fever
• Wheezing or hoarseness
• Coughing
• Excessive perspiration
• Inexplicable weight loss
• Trouble swallowing
• Swelling of the face or arms

About 70% to 90% of mesothelioma cases affect the lining around the lungs. Some people with these symptoms mistake them for more common diseases; however, if you’ve been exposed to asbestos, it’s best to ensure these aren’t signs of something more.

Peritoneal

This type of cancer affects the abdomen or the area around your stomach and intestines.

Look for the following early signs that your digestive region is affected:

• Stomach pain
• Abdominal swelling or fluid buildup
• Inexplicable weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation

Again, these may seem like nothing more than the symptoms of a cold, flu, or food poisoning; however, if they are unusual, persistent, or you know you’ve been exposed to carcinogens like asbestos, talk to your doctor about mesothelioma.

Pericardial

In about 1% of recorded cases, mesothelioma can affect the lining around the heart. While you may have preexisting heart conditions or a history of familial heart problems, consider whether or not you may have inhaled asbestos in your workplace or at home.

Look for the following early signs of pericardial mesothelioma:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pains
• Cough

While all mesothelioma cases are somewhat treatable, pericardial symptoms can be deadly in later stages.

Testicular

In less than 1% of recorded cases, cancer could develop in the tunica vaginalis or the membrane that covers the testes. There is only one consistent sign of this type of cancer: lumps. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, check your testicles regularly for irregularities or changes in shape. This could be an indication of mesothelioma. From 1999 to 2013, this type of cancer killed 37,000 people. Because the symptoms can develop so late or are easily mistaken for something else, mesothelioma has a chance to spread to other areas of the body, making it impossible to treat. If you catch it early, your doctor can treat the cancer with radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination. Keep an eye on your health and see your physician if there is even a small chance you’ve been exposed to asbestos.

What Our Asbestos Injury Law Firm Can Do for You

• Investigate, obtain evidence, and review all medical materials
• Determine which party is responsible for your exposure and damages
• Fight for you to receive a settlement or jury award
• File a claim with an asbestos trust and file a lawsuit if necessary
• Negotiate with companies on your behalf
• Litigate your claim if it does not settle out of court.

Get Trusted Guidance from Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Attorneys

If you have been exposed to asbestos—whether at work or in your household—let us help you. Our Pennsylvania asbestos exposure lawyers are part of a team of legal professionals that handle all aspects of mesothelioma cases. We know how difficult this time can be, especially if you have already lost a loved one to mesothelioma. If asbestos exposure caused you and your family pain and suffering, contact Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLP today. We want to make sure your family has everything they need to heal.

You can set up a free consultation by calling our firm at (888) 498-3023. We have offices in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, and York .