Asbestos Colon Cancer Lawsuit

While colon and rectal cancers have numerous causes and risk factors, asbestos exposure has been linked to a higher risk of developing these types of cancer.

What Is Asbestos?

The National Cancer Institute defines asbestos as the “six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads for use in commercial and industrial applications.”

These naturally occurring silicate minerals resist heat, fire, electricity, and chemical damage, leading to their widespread use in various industries starting in the late 1800s and peaking during the 20th century.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified asbestos as carcinogenic to humans.

Sufficient evidence supports the link between asbestos exposure to mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer, while evidence for a connection to colon and rectal cancer is suggestive.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure is a severe occupational and environmental health hazard.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), asbestos fibers are “too small to be seen with the naked eye” and cause a build-up of scar tissue in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

Common sources of asbestos exposure include:

• Occupational Asbestos Exposure: Asbestos is one of the most dangerous occupational risk factors for workers in construction, shipbuilding, automotive repair, and manufacturing. Many workers handled asbestos-containing materials directly, often without adequate protection.
• Environmental Asbestos Exposure: Older buildings constructed before the 1980s may still contain asbestos in insulation, roofing, or flooring materials. Asbestos can also contaminate products and natural deposits in certain areas.
• Secondary Asbestos Exposure: Asbestos workers may carry asbestos fibers on their clothing, shoes, or tools, exposing their families to the hazardous material.

How Asbestos Exposure Occurs

The American Cancer Society notes that asbestos exposure usually occurs in one of two ways.

Asbestos exposure typically occurs through:

• Inhalation: Asbestos fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause long-term damage when inhaled.
• Swallowing: Asbestos fibers can also contaminate food or drinks, more likely in occupational settings where workers do not have proper hand-washing facilities or may eat and drink near areas with asbestos-containing materials.

The body’s natural defenses cannot break down or expel asbestos fibers, allowing them to accumulate and cause cellular damage over time.

This damage can lead to inflammation, genetic mutations, and eventually cancer, including colon cancer.

Asbestos fibers can cause chronic inflammation and tissue and cellular damage.

The fibers can penetrate tissues, leading to scarring (fibrosis) and genetic mutations in cells.

These mutations can develop malignant tumors, including those in the colon.

Several scientific studies support the link between asbestos exposure and colon cancer and highlight the mechanisms by which asbestos fibers cause cancer.

Studies on Asbestos and colon cancer include:

• A 2005 study examined asbestos-exposed men and found evidence of excess colorectal cancer incidence.
  • In particular, men who smoke heavily and are occupationally exposed to asbestos have a higher colorectal cancer risk.
• A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant association between occupational asbestos exposure and colon and rectal cancer.
  • The review noted that colorectal cancer risk was significantly higher in asbestos workers, and the hazard of colorectal cancer mortality increases with the level of asbestos exposure.
• A 2020 meta-analysis of 30 publications found that colorectal cancer risk is 1.07 times higher in asbestos-exposed workers than the general public, particularly in men and asbestos cement workers.
  • The review used lung cancer SMR (the standardized mortality ratio) as a proxy for asbestos exposure and found that higher SMR is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Understanding Colon Cancer

Colon cancer — also known as colorectal cancer when it includes both the colon and rectum — is a type of cancer that begins in the cells lining the colon or rectum.

It is one of the most common cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Different types of colon cancer include:

• Adenocarcinoma: The most common type of colon cancer, originating in the epithelial cells lining the colon and rectum
• Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors: Slow-growing tumors that develop in the neuroendocrine cells of the digestive tract
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Rare tumors that form in the connective tissues of the digestive system
• Primary Colorectal Lymphomas: Rare cancers that begin in the lymphatic system of the colon

Risk factors for colon cancer include:

• Genetics: A family history of colon cancer or genetic conditions
• Inflammation: Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Lifestyle: Diets high in red and processed meats, low in fiber, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking
• Asbestos Exposure: Occupational exposure to asbestos, particularly among asbestos workers

Early detection of colon cancer is critical for successful treatment.

Symptoms may not appear until the disease has advanced.

Warning signs of colon cancer include:

• Blood in the Stool: Blood in the stool — which may appear bright red or dark — can indicate bleeding in the lower digestive tract.
• Changes in Bowel Movements: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency lasting more than a few days.
• Abdominal Discomfort: Cramps, gas, bloating, or pain may occur due to obstruction or inflammation.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss can occur due to loss of appetite and difficulty absorbing nutrients.
• Anemia: Bleeding in the digestive tract can cause a low red blood cell count.
• Fatigue: Feeling weak, tired, or sleepy can occur due to anemia or the body’s immune response to cancer.

If any of these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, consult a doctor immediately for further testing and diagnosis.

Diagnosing Colon Cancer

Diagnosing colon cancer — particularly in individuals with a history of asbestos exposure — involves several steps.

Steps include:

• Colonoscopy: This is a procedure where doctors insert a long, flexible tube with a camera into the rectum to examine the colon for polyps or tumors.
• Biopsy: This procedure involves the removal of a small tissue sample from the colon or rectum for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
• Imaging Tests: CT scans and MRIs help determine the extent of cancer spread and to guide treatment planning.
• Early Detection: Early detection of colon cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes. However, diagnosing asbestos-related colon cancer can be challenging due to the long latency period and the need to establish a clear link between past asbestos exposure and the development of colon cancer.
• Biomarkers and Genetic Testing: These can provide additional information about the type of colon cancer and its potential response to treatment. Genetic testing may also identify inherited conditions that increase the risk of colon cancer.

Colon cancer can have severe complications, affecting the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of individuals and their families.

Physical Complications of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can lead to several serious complications that impact the patient’s physical health and quality of life.

Complications can include:

• Metastasis: If not detected early, colon cancer can spread (metastasize) to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or lymph nodes, making treatment more difficult and reducing survival rates.
• Treatment Side Effects: Common treatments for colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These treatments can have significant side effects, including fatigue, hair loss, nausea, infection, and a weakened immune system.
• Bowel Obstruction: As the tumor grows, it can block the colon or rectum, causing abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and an inability to pass gas or stool.
• Perforation: If left untreated for a prolonged period, colon cancer can cause the bowel wall to rupture (perforate), resulting in severe infection or sepsis.
• Impact on Daily Life: The physical complications of colon cancer — such as mobility issues, dietary restrictions, and the need for ongoing medical care — can significantly impact daily life. Patients may require assistance with basic tasks and experience a loss of independence.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

The diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer can take a significant emotional toll on patients and their families.

Impacts can include:

• Emotional Impact: Patients often experience fear, anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation. The stress of coping with a life-threatening illness can lead to mental health challenges that require psychological support and counseling.
• Family Impact: Family members may also suffer from emotional stress, mainly as they take on caregiving roles. Witnessing a loved one’s suffering can be emotionally draining and affect family dynamics.

Financial Burden

The financial impact of colon cancer is another primary concern for patients and their families.

Financial impacts can include:

• Cost of Treatment: Cancer treatment is expensive, often involving surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and ongoing care. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can be substantial.
• Loss of Income: Patients may be unable to work due to the physical and emotional toll of cancer, leading to a loss of income. Family members who become caregivers may also need to reduce their work hours or leave their jobs, further exacerbating financial strain.

For individuals diagnosed with colon cancer linked to asbestos exposure, pursuing legal action can be a crucial step in securing justice.

Establishing a Link

The first step in filing a lawsuit is establishing a clear connection between asbestos exposure and the development of colon cancer.

This step may involve gathering evidence such as medical records, employment history, and expert testimony to demonstrate the link between asbestos exposure and cancer.

Proving this link is essential in determining liability and securing compensation.

Statute of Limitations

If you pursue a claim, be aware of the statute of limitations, which varies by state.

This law is the time limit within which you must file a lawsuit after diagnosis.

Failing to file within this period may result in losing the right to seek compensation.

Types of Claims

There are several types of claims in an asbestos-related colon cancer lawsuit.

Types of claims can include:

• Personal Injury Claims: Individuals diagnosed with colon cancer may file personal injury claims, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages
• Wrongful Death Claims: The family of a deceased individual may pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for the loss of a loved one due to asbestos-related colon cancer.
• Trust Fund Claims: Some companies that used asbestos have established trust funds to compensate individuals affected by asbestos-related diseases. These claims may provide a quicker resolution than traditional lawsuits.

Compensation

Compensation in asbestos-related colon cancer lawsuits can cover a wide range of damages.

Compensation can include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs of treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and ongoing care
• Lost Income: Compensation for lost wages due to the inability to work
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the disease
• Punitive Damages: In cases where negligence is proven, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible parties and deter future misconduct.

Finding the Right Legal Representation

Selecting an experienced asbestos attorney is crucial for successfully navigating the complexities of an asbestos colon cancer lawsuit.

Ways an asbestos lawyer can assist you include:

• Experience and Expertise: Attorneys specializing in asbestos litigation deeply understand asbestos laws and the medical aspects of asbestos-related diseases.
• Resources: Choose a law firm with the resources needed to build a strong case.
• Negotiation Skills: An experienced attorney has excellent negotiation skills to help secure a fair settlement without going to trial.
• Compassion and Support: Choose an attorney who is compassionate, supportive, and responsive to your needs.

Asbestos exposure and colon cancer can have a significant impact on an individual’s life and financial well-being.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with asbestos-related colon cancer, seek legal assistance immediately.

At TorHoerman Law, our experienced asbestos attorneys have helped numerous clients secure compensation for their losses.

Contact us for a free consultation.

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