Oil and gas workers are frequently subject to extreme conditions, including ongoing exposure to different chemicals and petroleum products. While asbestos has long been known to contribute to severe diseases such as mesothelioma, other chemical and petroleum products may also lead to pleural diseases. Particles of different products may become lodged in the lungs where they dissolve and become absorbed into the pleural space. If you or a loved one have developed a pleural disease after ongoing exposure to dangerous chemicals, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

The pleura is a thin tissue within the lungs which lines the chest wall. Normally, the pleural space within the lung has only a few milliliters of liquid, which helps lubricate the lungs during breathing. However, large amounts of liquid or air in the pleural space can quickly lead to partial or complete compression of the lung. Toxic particles can also get into the pleural space and develop into severe diseases. Pleural disease is often a secondary condition to a larger disease such as cancer, pneumonia, and heart failure.

Workers who have been subjected to chemical particles leading to pleural diseases as a result of their employment are entitled to bring a claim for damages against the employer who negligently exposed them to dangerous chemicals. Pleural diseases are not something that employees can quickly bounce back from and often involve years of hospitals, medication, and unfortunately diminishing lung power. Many victims of pleural disease do not survive more than a few years after an initial diagnosis. It is therefore important to determine the cause of the injury and ensure that the appropriate parties are held responsible for their actions. Employers who do not protect their workers from dangerous chemicals can be held liable for the lasting damage their actions have caused.

A victim of this type of action (or inaction) is entitled to bring a claim for damages including the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

The impact of pleural disease will not only impact a worker’s current situation but will frequently require the worker to quit their job in order to receive the treatment they require. Therefore, a pleural disease not only impacts their health but also their family’s financial stability. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a pleural disease diagnosis resulting from ongoing exposure at the workplace.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to toxic chemicals resulting in pleural disease, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in handling cases involving pleural disease, and the lasting repercussions this dangerous disease may lead to. Many victims of pleural disease are unable to continue an ordinary life after their diagnosis and must undergo repeated treatments, the cost of which can quickly add up. Many workers are unable to return to work, thereby further diminishing the ability to pay for ongoing medical care. Contact our Beaumont or Houston offices today for your initial free consultation.