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Pleural effusion

processing claims for over 50 years

Although it is present in a wide variety of conditions, such as tuberculosis, arthritis or congestive heart failure, pleural effusion may also be a sign of mesothelioma. Seeking medical assistance as soon as you start noticing the symptoms is crucial. If asbestos fibers show up on your X-rays and you have a pleural effusion diagnosis you might be eligible for compensation.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure

With a pleural effusion diagnosis you will need to travel to our medical facility in Birmingham, AL if you wish to receive compensation. Additional no-charge testing will be required, generally a chest x-ray and a physical exam.

Call 205.328.9200 Asbestos Screening

Pleural effusion is a common symptom of mesothelioma

Nowadays, it is well-known that a history of heavy asbestos exposure places you at high risk for mesothelioma, as well as for other serious diseases. However, the symptoms which occur with mesothelioma are vague and can easily be mistaken for the signs of less severe conditions, so it is very important to pay close attention to your health if you have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Pleural effusion appears as a result of the inflammation produced by asbestos fibers in the lungs and it often indicates the onset of pleural mesothelioma.

There is a natural amount of fluid between the two layers of the pleura, the protective membrane which covers the lungs. When mesothelioma or another inflammatory condition occurs, the pleura will secret excess fluid which will continue to accumulate in the chest cavity. Pleural effusion might also be a symptom of asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancer. The most common signs of pleural effusion include:

  • sharp chest pain intensifying with coughing or deep breaths
  • a dry cough
  • shortness of breath
  • fever
  • hiccups
  • clubbed fingers
  • fatigue
  • chest tightness

If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, please seek medical assistance immediately. Pleural effusion can lead to a series of complications, the most serious being a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), which happens when air escapes from the organ. Another severe complication of pleural effusion is empyema, the accumulation of pus in the lungs due to infection.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure Asbestos Screening

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and you were a smoker, you can file a claim to recover compensation.

Smoker Exposed to Asbestos

Conditions that qualify for VA asbestos compensation

Asbestos diseases entitle veterans to compensation benefits only if the majority of the asbestos exposure occurred during active duty. Only a few of these diseases will bring in a 100% disability coverage (like pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma), and all of them require documentation and proof that they were caused by asbestos exposure and not other causes.

Lung cancer Mesothelioma Asbestosis Pulmonary Fibrosis

Common questions

The compensation you will receive highly depends on factors such as the severity of your diagnosis, the size of the asbestos trust fund you file with, as well as the percentage they pay out.

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Every asbestos case is unique and there are numerous factors that might influence the waiting time. Depending on the situation, asbestos claims will result in financial compensation within one month to one year.

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Yes. The money you were receiving from asbestos trust funds during your lifetime will go to your family after your death. If, however, you had not filed a claim, your family can still recover compensation.

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In order to receive compensation, you need to file a claim with the asbestos trust fund set up by the company responsible for your injury. A lawyer will speed up the process significantly.

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The statute of limitations refers to the amount of time you have to file an asbestos claim after diagnosis. It varies between one and six years, depending on the state you live in.

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Diseases caused by asbestos exposure affect 20% of former industrial workers and 30% of veterans. Every year, between 12,000 and 15,000 people lose their lives to diseases that stem from asbestos exposure.

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Asbestos is a carcinogen responsible for the occurrence of terrible diseases. However, most people who became ill had been exposed to high levels of asbestos over the course of several years.

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Disability compensation is a financial benefit the VA pays out only to veterans with diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, or asbestosis. Therefore, a veteran is not eligible for it in the absence of a proper asbestos-related diagnosis.

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