Pulmonary fibrosis

processing claims for over 50 years

Pulmonary fibrosis  video

Our respiratory system is designed to immediately expel foreign matter which was inhaled so as to prevent it from causing inflammation within the lungs. However, asbestos fibers are highly irritating and also have a rough texture, which makes it very difficult for our lungs to eliminate them once they attach themselves to tissue. Thus, the asbestos fibers embedded in lung tissue will cause severe inflammation over the years. Subsequently, scarring ensues as a result of the body's attempt to repair the damage. With scarring, lung tissue becomes thicker, and consequently, people who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis experience breathing difficulty.

Asbestos Exposure

With a pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis alone, you are not eligible for compensation. But given the fact that the rate of misdiagnosis is high, and the cancer risk is high with asbestos exposure we strongly recommend you get a second and even third opinion outside the VA. If you are diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer you become eligible to file a claim and obtain financial compensation.

Survival rate for pulmonary fibrosis is less than 5 years

Pulmonary fibrosis is a type of interstitial lung disease in which severe scarring affects the space between the air sacs of the lungs, medically known as interstitium. While pulmonary fibrosis is most often caused by factors such as respiratory infections, heart failure, or adverse drug reaction, it may also occur as a consequence of asbestos exposure.

Because it is very similar to asbestosis in terms of symptoms and lung appearance, interstitial fibrosis is frequently misdiagnosed among asbestos victims, which takes a heavy toll on their prognosis. Being a progressive disease, pulmonary fibrosis typically occurs in 10 to 30 years from the first asbestos exposure. As the disease advances, less and less oxygen is delivered to internal organs, which may bring about a series of other health issues, such as pulmonary hypertension. When it can no longer be kept under control with treatment, pulmonary fibrosis will eventually lead to respiratory failure.

The most common symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include:

  • a dry cough
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • difficulty breathing
  • fatigue
  • nail clubbing
  • unintentional weight loss

Despite their similar mechanism of development, pulmonary fibrosis is more aggressive than asbestosis, which translates to a poor prognosis for the vast majority of patients. On average, people who struggle with this illness will lose between 150 and 200 milliliters of lung capacity every year. While the life expectancy for pulmonary fibrosis is approximately 5 years, early detection can prolong survival to a great extent. Unfortunately, there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Scarring is irreversible and will continue to worsen over time.

Legal assistance for asbestos exposure victims

If you were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the military and subsequently developed pulmonary fibrosis, seek a second opinion for an accurate diagnosis. With over 25 years of experience in pursuing asbestos exposure cases, our diligent attorneys will provide you with quality legal assistance if you develop and asbestos-related cancer. By filing a claim with asbestos trust funds on your behalf, which requires no litigation, we are bound to recover significant compensation for your cancer diagnosis. Your employment records (if you were exposed occupationally) or your military records, which you must retrieve, (if you were exposed in the military) and your medical records are the only documents we need to start working on your case.