Non-Malignant Asbestos-Related Conditions

Our attorneys have decades of experience representing victims of asbestos-related conditions. The lawyers at Peter Angelos Law can provide information regarding non-malignant pleural conditions.

The pleura is a thin layer of tissue that wraps around the outside of the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity. There is a very thin space between the layers of the pleura that is typically filled with a small amount of fluid. The fluid allows the two layers of tissue to smoothly glide past one another as the lungs expand and contract during breathing. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they lodge in this lung tissue. Over time – as many as 20 to 50 or more years after initial exposure – the asbestos fibers can damage the tissue and cause a number of non-malignant pleural conditions. Non-malignant asbestos-related conditions include the following:

  • Pleural Plaque/Thickening 
    Asbestos fibers can irritate the pleura, causing inflammation and scar tissue plaques to form on the tissue. This is not a cancerous condition, but it can impair lung function and restrict breathing capacity.
  • Pleural Effusion 
    An accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, pleural effusion, is a common disorder associated with asbestos exposure. The fluid can make expansion of the lungs difficult, which can cause pain, coughing and difficulty breathing.
  • Asbestosis 
    Asbestosis is a chronic scarring of the lungs caused by long-term asbestos exposure. Also known as fibrosis, scarring can cause shortness of breath, coughing and dry crackling sounds. Serious cases of asbestosis can cause cardiac failure. A progressive disease, asbestosis may not manifest for up to 15 to 30 or more years after first exposure to asbestos.

Our Tradition of Service Has Produced a History of Success

Our attorneys have represented victims of asbestos exposure for decades. Having accumulated substantial insight into asbestos and asbestos-related disease litigation, our firm is prepared to represent anyone who may be suffering from an illness caused by asbestos exposure.

If you would like to discuss your case with an experienced member of our legal team to learn more about recovering your damages, click here to start your free case evaluation.