School Caretaker’s Life “Ruined” by Mesothelioma

Article Added April 18th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

A former school taker thought that his breathing problems may have been bronchitis. But after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, he launched a legal battle for his life.

A former caretaker was rushed to the emergency room, where he underwent surgery to remove fluid from his lungs. What he had thought was bronchitis was diagnosed as mesothelioma, a type of deadly lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure. A lawsuit by the man followed, brought against Heatrae Sadia Heating, Ltd., the company that employed the man from 1942-1946. He states the he was exposed to asbestos dust and fibers while working for the heating and insulation company.

The condition has altered his wife’s life, as well. A former cook for a travel firm, his wife had to leave her job to care for her husband, who cannot walk up a flight of stairs without assistance due to trouble breathing. The man that worked for a railroad company and as a school caretaker for more than 30 years cannot even trust his body to carry him out his front door to his car. Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining, is a result of asbestos fibers working their way into these cells, then destroying them. More than 2000 cases of mesothelioma were diagnosed in 2005, up by 125% from the year before.

Article Added April 18th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story