Asbestos Archives | Page 5 of 15 | Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman LLP

Asbestos Removal and Disposal: A Continuing Hazard

Posted on August 3, 2012August 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Most Americans now know that asbestos is a dangerous mineral which can cause respiratory diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. For many years, however, asbestos was used in a wide variety of products such as drywall, insulation, cement, tile, electrical cable, brake pads and even cooking utensils, to name just a few. Many companies continued to use asbestos in their products well into the 1980s and 90s, even after they knew that it was hazardous.

Today, we can still find asbestos in older homes, schools, mills, factories, and other commercial buildings. If it is not handled properly, this asbestos may present a health risk to our communities.

This is a matter of special concern to me as a mesothelioma lawyer. For more than 30 years, I have represented workers and families who were exposed to asbestos through industrial use in the past. It is critical that we take steps to make sure that people are not exposed to asbestos in the future.

Dealing With Asbestos Today

Although asbestos was a cheap material to use, it isn’t necessarily cheap to remove. Asbestos inspections and removal can be timely and expensive. For example, some large buildings that contain high levels of asbestos cannot simply be demolished; asbestos-containing materials must be removed piece by piece.

Recently, I read some disturbing stories which brought my attention to a rarely discussed step in asbestos removal – disposal. Asbestos today is often classified as hazardous waste, and not all facilities will accept asbestos-containing materials. As a result, people may find it easier to illegally dump asbestos in public areas. This can pose a serious problem for those in the surrounding area who may just see a harmless pile of debris. In addition, those who may be ultimately called upon to remove the debris may also be at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers.

Encouraging Safe Asbestos Removal and Disposal

It is so important that we create accessible and affordable channels to make safe asbestos removal practical. We cannot make the process so difficult or expensive that people are encouraged to take shortcuts when dealing with this very serious problem. Moreover, we cannot afford to have accurate inspections, thorough removal, and then fail in safely disposing harmful asbestos materials. We must succeed in all stages, from the initial inspection for asbestos to its disposal, it is important that the diligence continues throughout the entire process to ensure the safety of those who may have contact with these materials.

Society’s Position Toward Asbestos

As a mesothelioma lawyer, I have been helping asbestos victims and their families for over three decades, and I have seen a giant shift in attitude of our society when it comes to asbestos. Through litigation efforts, we have successfully deterred asbestos manufacturers from continuing to produce asbestos-containing products, and we have raised awareness of asbestos in our communities.

Today, we see asbestos-related problems being treated with the gravity they require. Together, we have managed to change some very harmful actions and attitudes, but the remnants of those decisions are still present today. Therefore, we must continue to be mindful and thorough in removing asbestos from our environment to help mitigate potential asbestos-related illnesses in the future.

A Day of Hope & Remembrance at the International Mesothelioma Program

Posted on July 27, 2012August 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

My client Hisae came to my office recently to share her experience at the International Mesothelioma Program’s “A Day of Hope & Remembrance” at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. The International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) holds a special memorial service every year on the first Saturday in June. Families gather to honor their loved ones whose mesothelioma was treated at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Hisae had traveled to Boston in remembrance of her husband Barney. I could tell that for Hisae the trip brought back many memories of all that Barney had endured when he was diagnosed with his mesothelioma. They were so hopeful for a cure when they traveled to Boston for Barney’s cutting-edge surgery, an extrapleural pneumonectomy combined with application of heated chemotherapy drugs to the chest cavity at the open surgical site. Dr. Sugarbaker refers to this procedure as the in vivo model. Sitting for hours in her seat on the plane, Hisae kept thinking about Barney’s strength and bravery to make the trips back and forth to Boston when he was so gravely ill.

The House Supports Mesothelioma Patients and Families

Upon her arrival in Boston for the memorial service, Hisae headed straight for “The Meso House” as she calls it. This is where she stayed while Barney was hospitalized. She was happy to reunite with the housing coordinator, who warmly welcomed her as she always had in the past. She observed some couples at The House and could empathize with them. Hisae and Barney stayed at The House together when her husband was out of the hospital but still needed follow-up care. They were comforted by the support of the staff and other families there. The House is conveniently located across the street from Brigham and Women’s Hospital at 48 Francis Street.

Deep Appreciation for the Work of Dr. Sugarbaker

The International Mesothelioma Program is led by founder and director, Dr. David Sugarbaker, who is also the chief of thoracic surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the home of the IMP.

Hisae, like so many of my clients, feels deep gratitude and appreciation for the medical care her husband received through the International Mesothelioma Program and the pioneering work of Dr. David Sugarbaker. She reconnected with some of her husband’s treatment team at the hospital. Dr. Sugarbaker was at the memorial service. Hisae was touched to see that he became emotional during the service. She knows that he does everything possible to prolong the life of all of his mesothelioma patients, including her husband.

The IMP Offers Hope For Mesothelioma Treatment

Hisae participated in the lovely memorial service by taking her turn to place a flower in the vase at the front of the room while photographs of the mesothelioma patients scrolled on the wall. Hisae was heartened to hear a woman speak at the service about her own mesothelioma surgery in 2005 and her wonderful story of survival and hope.

Without realizing it, the couple days in Boston brought some closure for Hisae to a still sad and painful chapter of her life. I’ve represented so many mesothelioma clients over the years, and they all have compelling and touching stories like Hisae’s. I commend Hisae for being willing to share her experience. My hope is that one day mesothelioma treatment centers like the International Mesothelioma Program will have many more successful outcomes for people diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Remembering a Pioneer in Medical Research

Posted on July 24, 2012August 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

May 20, 2012, marked the twentieth anniversary of the passing of Dr. Irving J. Selikoff, one of the greatest advocates for public health that this country has ever known. As I reflected upon his passing, I wanted to share some of my observations about Dr. Selikoff’s legacy. I write this article to honor Dr. Selikoff’s memory and pay tribute to this exceptional man.

Dr. Selikoff was a medical doctor and epidemiologist who played a pioneering role in documenting and publicizing the relationship between asbestos and mesothelioma. When I filed my first asbestos case in 1978, it was Dr. Selikoff’s research that helped me prove that asbestos was the cause of my client’s mesothelioma.

I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Selikoff in person several times. He was a wonderful and inspiring man. Although he faced ridicule, personal attacks, and even threats from the asbestos industry, he never backed down. He was always positive and extremely motivated about his mission to protect workers and their families.

By exposing the hazards of asbestos, Dr. Selikoff helped to save the lives of thousands of American workers. His work continues to have a profound impact on millions of people throughout the United States and the world.

Dr. Irving Selikoff’s Early Career

Dr. Selikoff began his career as a medical doctor in suburban New Jersey. When he began treating members of the local Asbestos Workers Union, Dr. Selikoff noticed a surprising and disturbing trend. Asbestos workers were being diagnosed with lung disease and cancer at a significantly higher rate than his other patients. Moreover, he found several cases of pleural mesothelioma among asbestos workers every year – an incredibly rare disease that was almost unheard of in the general population.

Dr. Selikoff knew that something was wrong. He began a larger epidemiological study to measure the incidence of cancer and lung disease among workers who were exposed to asbestos, including shipyard workers. In 1963, these findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. His conclusion: asbestos causes cancer.

1964 Conference on the Biological Effects of Asbestos

Although Dr. Selikoff was not the first to verify the connection between asbestos and cancer, he played a key role in publicizing the danger to workers. The results of his epidemiological research were so alarming that Dr. Selikoff knew he needed to act.

Asbestos was widely used by American industry in the 1950s and 60s. The public health implications were grave. Dr. Selikoff was determined to make sure that the dangers of asbestos would not be ignored.

In 1964, Dr. Selikoff organized a conference on the “Biological Effects of Asbestos” through the New York Academy of Sciences. The conference was a turning point in public and scientific awareness of the hazards of asbestos. The discussions were far-reaching and even included presentations showing that housewives could develop mesothelioma from exposure to their husbands’ work clothes.

Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy

Dr. Selikoff continued to work on behalf of asbestos workers throughout his career. The asbestos industry and its lawyers criticized and questioned Dr. Selikoff’s work. But he was tenacious; he never backed down or gave up. Dr. Selikoff continued his fight because he believed that the public deserved to know the truth about asbestos, and that industry and government needed to take action to protect workers and their families.

Dr. Selikoff eventually became director of Mount Sinai Hospital’s Environmental and Occupational Health Division in New York. The division was later renamed the “Irving J. Selikoff Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine.”

Today, medical researchers at Mount Sinai are focused on finding new and better ways to treat mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The Mount Sinai Thoracic Surgery division is at the cutting edge of mesothelioma treatment and care. While Dr. Selikoff may be gone, his great legacy lives on.

For more information on the latest mesothelioma research, visit our Mesothelioma Knowledge Center.

Reliving History Aboard the SS American Victory

Posted on July 20, 2012August 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

During my long career as a mesothelioma lawyer, I’ve had the opportunity to represent hundreds of Navy veterans and shipyard workers. This work has given me a profound appreciation for our country’s historic Navy vessels and victory ships. I am constantly amazed by the craftsmanship and skill of the men and women who designed, built, and maintained these magnificent machines.

A few months ago, I had the chance to experience a little taste of life aboard a World War II era ship, the SS American Victory. The SS American Victory was launched in 1945 and served our country for many years, from World War II through Vietnam. She is one of only four fully operational 1945 World War II ships in the country.

A Link to the Past

The trip was described appropriately as a “Relive History Cruise”. We sailed from her homeport in Tampa, FL into Tampa Bay before returning to dock at the American Victory Ship Mariners Museum. This was a true opportunity to relive history! There were re-enactors from the Florida Historical Preservation Group, memorial and prayer ceremonies, World War II airplane flyovers, and a host of other activities which brought the WWII era back to life.

Learning Through Experience

For me, the trip on the SS American Victory was valuable on both a personal and professional level. Through my 30 years of advocating for Navy clients, I have developed an extensive library of ship drawings and plans. I’ve also visited numerous museum ships to educate myself about the engineering spaces and equipment on various classes of Navy vessels. However, there is no substitute for seeing a historic vessel in operation.

The steam boilers and turbines on the SS American Victory were incredible! There is nothing like the noise, heat, vibration and energy of the steam plant when the ship is underway. Seeing these systems in action gave me a whole new appreciation for the harsh working conditions the sailors endured on those WWII-era ships. I also had the chance to observe the ships’ valves and pumps in actual operation, much as they would have looked during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. All of this gives me a greater depth of knowledge that I can use to advocate for my clients in Navy and maritime cases.

Unseen Dangers

My cruise on the SS American Victory also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the members of her crew, and all the men and women who served on Navy vessels and victory ships. None of these ships could have accomplished their vital missions without their crews and we should never forget their contributions and sacrifices for us.

Sadly, many of our Navy veterans are still paying the price for their service to this very day. Asbestos was used widely aboard navy ships and submarines for many years. Although the dangers and hazards of breathing asbestos is fairly well known today by the general public, such was not the case for the Navy seamen and shipyard workers who built, repaired and maintained these ships many decades ago. Because there is a delay or latency between the time someone is exposed to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma and other lung disease, most seamen were not aware of the dangers of their asbestos exposure. For more information about the risks to U.S. Navy veterans, visit our website page on Help for Veterans.

Preserving the Past and Protecting the Legacy

Museum ships like the SS American Victory provide me with valuable information and insight that I can use to help my clients obtain the compensation they deserve. More than that, these museums preserve a priceless historical legacy which belongs to all American. I encourage everyone to support not only the American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum, but all the historical museum ships located across the country.

History of the Ether Dome Offers Hope that Scientists Will Discover a Cure for Mesothelioma

Posted on July 12, 2012August 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Scientists are working every day to discover a cure for mesothelioma. I have always been optimistic that science will prevail over this terrible disease one day. My optimism was invigorated after recently hearing the story of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Ether Dome and one of the most significant advances in medical history – the use of anesthetic to alleviate the excruciating pain of surgery. The development of ether as an anesthesia over 150 years ago at the Ether Dome revolutionized medical treatment. There is no reason that we cannot experience a similarly momentous event in the treatment of mesothelioma.

Massachusetts General Hospital’s Asbestos Medicine Conference

I knew that the use of anesthetia was a revolutionary development in medical history. But my knowledge was greatly expanded after several of my firm’s members returned from the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Harvard Medical School’s annual Asbestos Medicine Conference. This conference brings together the world’s foremost scientists and researchers on asbestos-related diseases. During two days of presentations, these experts shared their extraordinary knowledge, including the most up-to-date and cutting-edge research.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to have my firm’s attorneys, paralegals, and registered medical-legal assistant regularly attend the conference. This year Todd Eddins, a trial lawyer, and Cynthia Davis, our RN medical-legal assistant attended the conference along with two other members of my firm. I believe that it is critical to stay abreast of all the recent developments in asbestos medicine and mesothelioma development, so I am always eager to hear what my team learns from many of the best scientists in the world. This year was no different. But it was particularly interesting for me to listen to my firm members’ enthusiastic description of a guided tour of the Ether Dome and its compelling story.

The Ether Dome

The Ether Dome is located in the Bulfinch Building in Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital. It was situated just a few hallways and an elevator ride away from the meeting theater of the Asbestos Medicine Conference. During lunchtime, members of my team were delighted to have world-renowned pathologist Dr. Eugene Mark of Massachusetts General and Harvard Medical School, serve as tour guide. Dr. Mark showed them the Ether Dome, and gave a guided tour through medical history.

Although the Ether Dome served as the hospital’s operating room following the opening of Massachusetts General in 1821, it was not called the Ether Dome until 1846. This was the year that medical history was made when William Morton, a Boston dentist, performed the first use of an anesthetic during a public surgery. As a result of that momentous event, the Ether Dome is a registered National Historic site.

The First Use of Anesthesia During Surgery

Prior to the advent of anesthesia, surgery was a terrifying event. Alcohol or opium was used to numb patients, but provided little relief. Patients often refused surgical treatment due to the excruciating pain. Doctors had to operate quickly, often with fatal consequences, because most patients went into shock from the pain. Those who survived surgery took weeks and months to recuperate. In 1846, everything changed.

On October 16, 1846, a man named Edward Gilbert Abbott had a tumor on his neck surgically removed. Mass General’s chief surgeon Dr. John Collins Warren undertook the normal preparations to remove the tumor. But this surgery was like no other. To an assembled audience of the leading physicians of the day, William Morton administered ether to Mr. Abbott. Dr. Warren, recognized as the finest surgeon of his time, then removed the tumor. The audience did not hear the usual screams of agony associated with surgery. The surgery was successful and Abbott experienced no pain. He reported that the invasive surgery merely felt like his neck had been scratched. The event was celebrated in the newspapers and medical journals of the time.

Historical Medical Advancements Provide Hope Today

Ether’s use revolutionized hospital operating rooms around the world. Surgery was no longer feared as it had been for hundreds of years. Lives were saved.

When I reflect on what my team and I learned about Massachusetts General Hospital’s Ether Dome, I am heartened to think that there will one day be a similar breakthrough moment where we find a cure for mesothelioma. The history of medicine is filled with small advances and large ones, like the use of anesthesia. With patience, hard work, and will power, I am optimistic that we will eventually have a day even bigger than October 16, 1846. We will have a celebrated day where mesothelioma no longer devastates families.

For more information about the medical research being done on mesothelioma today, visit our Mesothelioma Publications and Articles.

Hawai‘i Mesothelioma Researcher Makes Exciting New Discoveries

Posted on July 12, 2012August 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

As an attorney who represents clients with mesothelioma, I have been privileged to visit the research laboratories at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center on several occasions. I have met with the incredible staff and gifted researchers who are doing groundbreaking work to further our understanding of mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. I am always impressed by these world-class researchers and by the students at the Cancer Center.

Haining Yang, Ph.D.

One such scientist is Dr. Haining Yang, Ph.D. I recently read about some exciting new discoveries by Dr. Yang and about the research she was doing. Dr. Yang is someone we should continue to follow closely as her important work may someday translate into cutting-edge treatments for mesothelioma victims. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Yang on the team of talented researchers and staff at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center.

Haining Yang is an assistant professor at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer. Her work focuses on treatment and early detection strategies for asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. Dr. Yang received her Ph.D., at Shandong University in China. Among other things, Dr. Yang’s work focuses on early detection of mesothelioma using biomarkers, and she is exploring the effects of new chemotherapy drugs.

Dr. Yang Helps Lead The Charge Against Mesothelioma

Dr. Yang has made some very exciting discoveries that may translate into better detection and treatment methods for mesothelioma patients around the world. For example, Dr. Yang discovered that TNF-alpha, a protein produced by the body during the inflammatory response which can be induced by asbestos, leads to a mediated survival mechanism that helps to protect damaged mesothelial cells from dying. This then enables these damaged cells to divide and transform into what eventually becomes mesothelioma.

Dr. Yang more recently discovered the importance of HMGB1, an inflammatory mediator, in the growth and survival of a mesothelioma tumor. When exposed to asbestos, mesothelial cells release HMGB1, which initiates the inflammatory process that is related to mesothelioma development. It has been discovered that after the healthy cells are transformed, they are still “addicted” to the HMGB1, which is now believed to aid in the growth and development of a mesothelioma tumor.

New Discoveries May Bring New Approaches For Treatment

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive type of cancer. Every year, thousands of people are affected by this disease. Understanding why the cancer develops helps us to find new approaches for early detection, treatment and prevention of this deadly cancer.

Dr. Yang’s research brings us closer to understanding the cancer’s behavior, and what nurtures its growth and survival. Traditionally, the aim has been to kill and remove deadly mesothelioma cells and tumors, but finding ways to prevent the cancer’s growth and survival may prove to be a very effective approach.

Many of the clients I have represented over the years have undergone surgery and chemotherapy treatments at some of the finest medical facilities in the country (“Outstanding Mesothelioma Treatment Facilities For Patients to Evaluate” article). Unfortunately, surgical procedures are invasive and require a lot of strength, time and energy to recover from. Chemotherapy drugs also have side effects that can leave patients feeling tired or ill, and can kill healthy as well as unhealthy cells and tissue. Finding new, less-invasive ways of treating cancer would be a giant step in improving the quality of life for mesothelioma patients around the world, and I am proud that the University of Hawai‘i continues to be such an important hub for mesothelioma research.

For more information on asbestos and mesothelioma, including information on the latest treatment options, visit our Mesothelioma Knowledge Center.

Prevalence of Asbestos & Asbestos Disease in US Pacific Islands

Posted on July 2, 2012August 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

It is well known that for decades asbestos was used worldwide in an overwhelming number of construction and industrial applications, as well as in many consumer products. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos can cause debilitating lung diseases, including mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer of the lungs for which there is presently no cure. Accordingly many organizations have studied where and how asbestos was previously used in an effort to estimate the prevalence of asbestos related diseases.

Asbestos Use and Exposure in US Pacific Islands

I recently read in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) investigated the past use and potential asbestos exposure in the US Pacific Islands which consists of American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The WHO’s Regional Framework for Action for Occupational Health 2011-2015 calls for a collaborative effort in the US Pacific Islands to effectively eliminate the threat of asbestos in today’s society. Understanding where and how asbestos exposures have occurred is key to this effort.

The data search focused on the environmental presence of asbestos, where potential exposures occur, and related diseases. Although the data is limited, it is clear that the potential for asbestos exposure in the US Pacific Islands is significantly higher than previously thought for a number of reasons.

Asbestos Use at Shipbuilding Facilities

One of the primary sources of asbestos exposure stems from the fact that shipbuilding facilities were located on some of these islands. As we know from our own experience in the United States, prior to the mid 1970’s, asbestos was heavily used in the maintenance and repair of ships. The islands of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands served as active military ports during World War II. Guam maintained active shipbuilding facilities even after World War II. Both military and civilian workers at these sites were likely exposed to asbestos.

Data Underestimates Asbestos Disease

Professionals involved with the study concluded that the existing data probably underestimates the actual prevalence of asbestos diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. This under reporting is a result of substantial gaps in the information regarding asbestos exposure, consumption and disease in the US Pacific Islands. However, there is sufficient evidence that confirms asbestos is and has been present on these islands for decades. If this gap in asbestos related data continues, it will hinder the efforts to regulate and reduce the health effects of asbestos.

Asbestos Exposure Cause of Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by the inhalation asbestos fibers. Asbestos insulation was heavily used in the construction, repair and maintenance of US Navy vessels. Many asbestos-containing materials were also used in the construction of military and civilian buildings in the 20th century, as asbestos was an excellent fire proofing and insulating material. As these buildings begin to deteriorate, need repair or are destroyed, the risk of asbestos exposure still remains prevalent in today’s society, including in the US Pacific Islands.

Mesothelioma victims typically do not begin to show symptoms of the disease until 10 to 40 years after the initial exposure. This latency period in the disease may be hindering countries such as Asia, India and the US Pacific Island in keeping accurate records of asbestos related disease and exposure. Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma are typically in their 50’s or 60’s and only start to show symptoms in the later stages of the disease. Sadly, there is currently no cure for this devastating disease. For this reason prevention and awareness of asbestos is imperative in these countries.

Asbestos Awareness & Prevention

The Galiher Law Firm has been representing victims of mesothelioma for over 30 years. I have been a strong advocate of the awareness and prevention of this deadly disease. One of the keys to someday eliminating this terrible disease is prevention of asbestos exposure. My law firm and I commend the World Health Organization for all of its efforts to raise awareness to prevent and eliminate asbestos from many countries.

Nuclear Submarine USS Miami Catches Fire

Posted on July 2, 2012August 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

There are many nuclear- powered Los Angeles class submarines home ported in my own backyard at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard –the USS Bremerton SSN 698, the USS Jacksonville SSN 699, the USS Chicago SSN 721, and a number of others. So I read with interest a report from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard located in Kittery, Miane, regarding a fire on board one of these submarines.

The Los Angeles-class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines forms the backbone of the United States submarine fleet. There are presently 42 on active duty making this class the most numerous nuclear-powered submarine class in the world. A fire on one of these nuclear submarines is a serious matter.

Fire Caused By Vacuum Cleaner

800px-USS_Miami_SSN-755 — USS Miami SSN-755

On May 23, 2012 the USS Miami SSN 755 caught fire. The cause of the fire looks to be a vacuum cleaner on board. The submarine was in the process of a 20 month overhaul at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The vacuum cleaner was being used by shipyard workers to clean up at the end of each work day. Investigators are still unsure what caused the vacuum to catch fire. The fire caused damage to the torpedo room, the crew’s quarters, and command control. Luckily the nuclear propulsion plant had already been shut down for the overhaul.

Early estimates put the cost of the damage in the range of $400 million. The Navy has said they intend to repair this Los Angeles Class Sub instead of starting from scratch on a new boat. If the Navy goes forward with the repairs on the USS Miami, it will remain in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard until completed.

Nuclear Submarines and Asbestos

Although the nuclear submarines built today are asbestos free, significant amounts of asbestos insulating products were used on submarines from World War II up until the 1980’s, including nuclear submarines. As a result, thousands of submariners and shipyard workers were exposed to this deadly carcinogen. While at sea, asbestos insulation, as well as asbestos gaskets and packing, would often be disturbed during on-board repairs and maintenance. This would release millions of tiny asbestos fibers into the small confined spaces of the submarines. Unfortunately, submariners aboard were exposed to the dangers of asbestos while they ate, slept, relaxed, and worked.

Likewise shipyard workers who constructed, repaired, and maintained submarines were exposed to asbestos products as they carried out their work. Shipyard workers and submariners who worked on and served aboard U.S. Navy submarines are at risk of developing Mesothelioma and other serious asbestos related diseases.

For more information on asbestos exposure and shipyard workers and Navy veterans, please visit our webpage on asbestos exposure at jobsites.

Our Experience

Through our 33 years of practicing mesothelioma law, we have had the honor to represent hundreds of shipyard workers and U.S. Navy crewmen including those who served and worked aboard submarines. Sadly, due to the very confined spaces of these boats the crews and shipyard workers had no choice but to inhale the deadly asbestos dust. The companies who sold these asbestos products were well aware of its deadly potential and yet they continued to sell it without warning to its users.

For over 30 years the Galiher Law Firm has been representing asbestos victims to ensure they receive compensation from these companies. If you or a loved one worked or served aboard a U.S. Navy submarine, it is important to inform your doctor so your physician can monitor you closely for signs of asbestos-related disease. If you have an asbestos-related injury as result of your service, please call us so we can help you and your family.

Multimedia Presentations Change Patients’ Attitudes Toward Clinical Trials

Posted on July 2, 2012August 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

I recently read about a new study conducted by researchers at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. This study, published in the Journal of Oncology, focused on changing patients’ attitudes towards clinical trials which are studies conducted with patients to test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and innovative treatments. The study revealed that cancer patients’ perceptions and attitudes regarding clinical trials tend to be negative. The study’s lead author, Paul B. Jacobsen, Ph.D., one of the senior members at Moffitt, noted

“Clinical trials are critical to the development of more effective cancer treatments, however, clinical trials are hampered by low rates of patient participation.”

Changing Attitudes about Clinical Trials

The study was conducted to find ways to change this negative mind-set and to increase the willingness of patients to participate in various clinical trials. Researchers decided to try using a multimedia approach which involved many different forms of audio and visual materials to change patients’ behavior towards participation in clinical trials. The researchers discovered that this new multimedia approach had a greater effect on changing patients’ attitudes than the standard literature about clinical trials which is typically provided.

The study took 472 cancer patients who had never been asked to participate in clinical trials before and divided them into 2 groups. One group was exposed to a multimedia presentation of materials regarding clinical trials. The other group was provided existing pamphlets, brochures, and paper work describing clinical trials. The study revealed the group who had received the multimedia presentation showed an increased willingness and enthusiasm about participating in clinical trials compared to the group that was simply provided with the standard printed materials.

Although this study only reached a small group of cancer patients, the new multimedia approach has the potential to have a tremendous impact on cancer patients’ perception of clinical trials in the future. I have seen firsthand the benefits that can come from clinical trials research and am happy to see that researchers are finding ways to better educate patients’ about clinical trials so they seriously consider participating.

Clinical Trials Are Critical to Finding a Cure

I cannot stress enough the importance of clinical trials in someday finding a cure for many kinds of cancer, including mesothelioma. Many of these studies have led to new treatments and drugs that have increased life expectancy and quality of life for many cancer and mesothelioma patients.

For example, the chemotherapy drugs Cisplatin and Gemcitabine were tested in collaboration with one another in a clinical trial. The results of this clinical trial showed that their effectiveness in treating patients with mesothelioma was much greater when they were used together. This new treatment is now available to mesothelioma patients as a viable treatment for their cancer.

There are hundreds of clinical trials beginning every day, but with low patient participation the true effects of these groundbreaking therapies, treatments and drugs may never be fully determined. The results of this study demonstrate effective ways to increase the number of patients willing to participate in such clinical trials.

My Clients and Clinical Trials

I strongly urge all of my clients to talk to their doctors and medical professionals about participating in clinical trials. This is a very important decision, but also an individual one that needs to be made by patients in consultation with their treating doctors.

The results of clinical trials help to improve the outlook for all of those suffering from devastating diseases like mesothelioma. I am proud of all of my clients who have participated in clinical trials. I strongly recommend if you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma that you discuss your options for participation in clinical trials with your doctors.

For more information on clinical trials please visit our webpage on clinical trials.

New Diagnostic Technique – a Potential “Game Changer”

Posted on May 15, 2012August 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

I recently read of a new innovative technique that may eventually help doctors diagnose cancer and mesothelioma earlier than what is now possible. This new technique called photoacustic tomography was discovered by researchers at the Washington University in St. Louis. Photoacustic tomography is a new imaging method which relies on light and sound to create detailed color pictures of tumors and cancerous tissue inside the body. Not only will this new procedure aid in the early diagnosis of cancer, but it will also assist doctors in monitoring the effects of cancer treatment without X-rays, MRIs or CT Scans.

Studies of this diagnostic procedure conducted on animals have shown promising results that photoacustic tomography can easily penetrate the body and give good visuals of tumors deep inside the body that could not be seen before. Clinical trials for this new technique are in the planning stages but researchers are very excited about its potential.

Dr. Lihong V. Wang, biomedical engineer and leader of the team of researchers at Washington University said that, “This technology is potentially a game changer, both in how we monitor cancer and in how soon we know it’s there.”

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can be very difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, this lethal disease shows no early symptoms and it can sometimes take doctors weeks to determine a mesothelioma diagnosis. In addition, because it is a rare disease doctors do not initially consider this diagnosis. However, early diagnosis is the key to treatment of this disease. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the more treatment options that are available to the patient. Photoacustic tomography shows great ability in aiding in the early detection of cancer and mesothelioma. This new technology can see deep inside the body where doctors and tests may not be able to detect cancerous growth.

One Day a Cure for Mesothelioma

My law firm and I have been representing clients with mesothelioma for over 30 years. I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of this disease. Researchers such as those at Washington University provide us and our clients with great hope. Early diagnosis of this disease is a key element to one day finding a cure for this devastating disease.