Who is at risk for asbestos diseases like mesothelioma?

Asbestos diseases can strike anyone who has inhaled asbestos fibers, particles, or dust. Historically, that put workers in certain industries and professions at heightened risk. Individuals involved in the manufacturing of asbestos-containing products -- like insulation, pipes, and floor and ceiling material -- have long had increased odds of contracting mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, as have those working in shipbuilding, pipe fitting, construction, and building demolition and renovation. The list, unfortunately, goes on. Complicating matters, one doesn't always need to directly work with asbestos to fall victim to its deadly consequences. Many asbestos-related diseases have been triggered after a family member -- typically over a period of time -- inhaled asbestos fibers left on the clothing of a relative who worked with or around asbestos containing material. And because asbestos can be found even now in many existing structures -- including schools, homes, and office buildings -- just about anyone can find themselves at an increased, and totally unexpected, risk of a catastrophic disease like mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos in Illinois

Cook County, Illinois has long been considered a “judicial hellhole” by corporate defendants. Until recently, asbestos plaintiffs generally came out ahead when faced with lawsuits from a mesothelioma lawyer.
Recently however, a prominent judge in that jurisdiction has sidelined all asbestos actions in which the plaintiff has not been diagnosed with an asbestos disease nor shows symptoms.
There are two sides to the argument, here. On one hand, virtually everyone on the planet has been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives. Asbestos diseases (especially mesothelioma) have long latency periods; one who has been exposed to asbestos may not have symptoms today, but could very well develop a disease in years to come.