Attorney Joseph W. Belluck of New York’s Belluck & Fox, LLP, says that medical research is the key to improving treatment options and survival rate for asbestos victims.
New York, NY (PRWEB) December 03, 2011
Although 157,300 people are afflicted each year with lung cancer, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance, and an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 die of the related cancer of mesothelioma, research for these diseases is not as well funded as for other cancers, Belluck pointed out.
According to a recent Scripps Newspaper report, the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer will operate with $200 million this year in research funding, while LUNGevity, the nation’s largest private lung cancer foundation, will give out only $2 million for research.
“Unfortunately, too many people associate lung cancer only with smoking, and that may impact funding, but there are many other causes of the disease – one of which is asbestos,” said Belluck, a partner of the New York personal injury law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP, who focuses his practice on handling lung cancer and mesothelioma claims related to asbestos exposure.
“That’s why Lung Cancer Awareness Month is important. It raises awareness of the many causes of lung cancer, and, hopefully, that generates more funding for research into treatment options and possible cures,” he said. “However, when the month ends, the battle goes on.
“We need to continue to promote awareness and encourage funding for research that can ultimately help to improve the survival rate for lung cancer and mesothelioma victims.”
Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used in the U.S. in construction, shipyards, the military, automobiles and insulation. It has been recognized as a carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency and International Agency for Research.
Although both are caused by asbestos, mesothelioma and lung cancer are completely different diseases, with different origin sites, tumor structure and treatability, Belluck pointed out.
Additionally, while lung cancer can be traced to many different agents, asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, he said.
“Unfortunately, both forms of cancer can be very aggressive and fatal,” he said.
Belluck urged people to seek medical treatment promptly if they believe they have signs of lung cancer or mesothelioma. He also stressed that symptoms usually do not appear for 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.
“It’s also important for victims of asbestos-related diseases and their families to know that they have legal rights and can pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the company or agency that exposed them to this toxic substance,” Belluck said.
He advised victims of asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma to seek out an asbestos exposure lawyer who has experience handling asbestos claims.
“While monetary awards cannot undo the harm caused by asbestos exposure, it can help to secure funds that will ease the financial burdens victims and their families face,” he said.
About Belluck & Fox, LLP
Belluck & Fox, LLP, is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won over $400 million in compensation for clients and their families.
Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine’s “Best Lawyers in the New York Area” and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for more than $12 million.
Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine’s “Best Lawyers in the New York Area” and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal’s Largest Verdict of the Year. He recently secured verdicts of $32 million and more than $19 million on behalf of individuals who had contracted mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
In September, Belluck & Fox, LLP, won a coveted spot on a list of America's best law firms, which was published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcased 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.
For more information, contact the firm at (877) 637-6843 or through the online contact form.
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Joseph W. Belluck
Belluck & Fox, LLP
(877) 695-2909
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