Breaking the Silence: Three Simple Ways to Make an Impact in the Fight Against Asbestos Disease

Asbestos has often been called the “silent killer.” Often, people don’t know that they were exposed to asbestos until years later when they are suddenly diagnosed with mesothelioma. At this point, it is crucial to get the right treatments and to find a way to pay costly medical bills that just keep piling up.

Now, asbestos has kept you silent in another way. Instead of being able to stand up to the asbestos industry and advocate for justice, all of your energy has gone into getting the best treatment possible, either for you or your loved one. The good news is that you don’t have to be quiet anymore… if you don’t want to.

No matter where you or your loved ones are in your fight against mesothelioma, you have the power to make a difference. 

The asbestos industry banks on the fact that mesothelioma patients are so focused on treatment that they are not able to take action. But the truth is, there are some things you can do to spread the word about the very real dangers of asbestos exposure —and that it is not okay. More importantly, it doesn’t have to take away much of the precious time you have with your loved ones.

Here are some things you can do to break the silence:

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• Talk about it – When people don’t understand something, they tend to tune it out. While some people may be familiar with the words asbestos or mesothelioma, they may not be aware of the true meaning of these words. But people can relate to you and your personal journey, all the while learning about just how truly devastating asbestos disease can be. Furthermore, your story can inform those who are unaware that asbestos is still being used in the U.S. and that we need to ban it for good. A personal blog is a great way to talk about your experiences and let other people in on what it is like to cope with mesothelioma. Another great way to get the word out is to participate in the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s “Share Your Story” campaign. ADAO is the largest asbestos advocacy group in the world, and sharing your story could make a difference on a global scale. ADAO is also a great way to connect with others who have or are currently going through a similar situation.
• File a lawsuit – We know what you are thinking. A lawsuit sounds like a lot of work and a possible distraction from what really matters, but a lawsuit doesn’t have to mean a lot of work for you and your family. The mesothelioma lawyers at Baron and Budd take every step possible to make the process easy for you. You never have to step foot in our office and most cases are settled without ever entering a courtroom. And what better way to cover the medical bills sitting on your counter than to have the people responsible pay the tab.
• Write a letter – You might not think that writing a letter to your congressman or woman may be effective, but it is the only way to tell the people that have the power to ban this carcinogen that enough is enough. Your children and your grandchildren shouldn’t have to worry about a disease that is preventable if our country would join the other 55 countries in banning asbestos.  

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These are just a few ways that you can make a huge impact in the fight against asbestos while still focusing on what is important: your health.  Of course, there are many more ways you can participate in raising awareness about asbestos disease. ADAO is a great resource with many ways that you can get involved, whether it’s marching the steps of Washington D.C. or participating in an online campaign. No matter what, there is a way to find the right balance between caring for your health and making a difference in the fight against asbestos disease.

For more information about Baron and Budd, visit our firm’s website.

For more information on the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, visit their website at www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.