![Mesothelioma](/images/articles/other/lawyerbraytonpurcell.jpg)
Tumors Crush the Lungs
Mesothelioma is a fatal form of lung cancer most commonly affecting people who have worked around asbestos materials in industrial workplaces such as shipyards, electrical plants, construction sites, mining and textile plants. Although the dangers of asbestos are now widely known and its use has been almost eliminated, it is still used in the production of brake pads and other products.
It may take decades before the exposure to asbestos turns into shortness of breath and chest pain and the mesothelioma diagnosis is made. "It is a brutal, nasty way to die," says Nevin. "The tumor starts growing in that very thin membrane that surrounds the lungs. It is a very aggressive form of cancer that can easily spread into the lining around the heart. Mesothelioma patients in their final days are in intense pain as their lungs are literally crushed by the tumors."
Asbestos Doesn't Burn, But It Does Kill
Mesothelioma is extremely rare. "Only 3000 cases a year are diagnosed in the US," says Nevin. "Some doctors may work their whole careers without ever seeing a case." However, some places in the country, such as the San Francisco area where Nevin practices, have very high rates of mesothelioma.
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Nevin's firm of Brayton and Purcell has handled hundreds of asbestos-related personal injury and wrongful death cases over the last 24 years. Because of the long latency period and because asbestos was so commonly used until the late 70s, Nevin expects to see more cases of mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases rather than fewer as time goes on.
James Nevin is an associate with Brayton Purcell in Novato, California. He is a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law (2002) and Stanford University (1998). He practices law exclusively on behalf of mesothelioma victims and their families.