Benign Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusions involve a buildup of fluid in the tissues between the lungs and chest cavity. A serious and potentially fatal form of lung disease, it commonly occurs in those who have been exposed to asbestos.

At Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., we are dedicated to helping those impacted by pleural effusions and other types of asbestos-related diseases. Our experienced asbestos attorneys fight for the rights of victims and their loved ones, providing the aggressive legal representation needed to hold negligent companies and manufacturers accountable for the harm they caused, so that you can.get compensation for the costs involved in treating your illness,

Symptoms and Causes of Pleural Effusion

Asbestos is a mineral made up of bundles of tiny fibers, which can get in the air and be inhaled or swallowed. These fibers can get into the chest cavity and cause inflammation and thickening of the pleura, which are the protective tissues surrounding the lungs.

MedLine Plus, a program of the National Library of Medicine, states that while fluid in the pleura occurs naturally, it is this thickening that can cause to excessively collect and surround the lungs. Symptoms of pleural effusion may include the following:

• Fever and chills;
• Chest pain that gets worse when you cough or breathe;
• Frequent hiccups and coughing;
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath.

Your doctor may use x-rays, CT scans, and blood tests to detect the pleural effusion. While the underlying tissue thickening is generally incurable, fluid build-up can be addressed through a variety of means, including chest tubes, radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery.

Asbestos and Lung Diseases

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that pleural effusion is just one of several types of lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that many of us come into contact with each day. The NIH states that those most at risk include:

• Workers who make, install, or remove products containing asbestos. These products include insulation, certain types of tiles and paints, plastics, and automotive brake pads.
• The family members or anyone who comes into contact with these workers, as asbestos fibers can travel on the hair, skin, and clothes;
• People who live in older homes made with materials that contain asbestos, and those in areas where there are large concentrations of asbestos in the soil.

While the use of asbestos is heavily restricted today, pleural effusion and other lung disease can occur as many as 40 years after exposure. Getting compensation for losses suffered as a result can prove difficult, as many companies and manufacturers have since closed their doors.

Our Asbestos Attorneys Can Help You Get Compensation

If you or a loved one suffers from pleural effusion or other asbestos related disorders contact Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. today. Our experienced team of attorneys can guide you in getting compensation you may be entitled to through your employer and manufacturers, or through asbestos trust funds set up by companies that are no longer in business.