There are numerous causes of lung cancer, some of which are unknown. In cases where lung cancer causes cannot be determined, when causes are linked to natural environmental factors, or when the cancer develops from the spread of other cancer in the body, lung cancer victims usually do not have any means of retribution. However, many cases of lung cancer are caused by toxins to which a person was negligently exposed.
Currently, the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States is tobacco smoking, causing an estimated 400,000 U.S. deaths per year. In the 1990s there were an explosion of legal cases against the tobacco industry regarding lung cancer and other illnesses caused by smoking tobacco. Some of these cases were won by the plaintiffs; however, there were also many lawsuits in which the tobacco industry was not held liable. Although personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits can still be filed against the tobacco industry, these cases can be difficult to win, especially with the warning labels on cigarette and cigar packaging and the large amount of educational information available regarding the dangers of tobacco smoking. People who have never smoked can still be affected by tobacco smoking through second-hand smoke.
There are also many non-smoking-related causes of lung cancer, many of which relate to a person's job. In industrial fields, there are many employees at a high risk for lung cancer, including:
• Firefighters
• Shipbuilders
• Miners
• Automobile factory workers
• Demolition workers
• Drywall removers
• Welders
• Tile Workers
• Refinery workers
• Woodworkers/Sanders
• Railroad workers
In addition to working in industrial fields, there are several other, non-work-related ways to become exposed to toxins that can cause lung cancer. Some of these factors include exposure to:
• Asbestos-contaminated drinking water
• Asbestos-laced products (including older appliances)
• Vermiculite-containing garden products (certain fertilizers and pesticides)
• Materials in older buildings containing asbestos
• Radon (coming through house's foundation)
• Arsenic in pressure-treated wood
• Other airborne toxins
If you or a loved one developed lung cancer that you believe was caused by exposure to asbestos, arsenic, silica, or other toxin, you may have the basis for a lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages. First be sure to seek medical attention, but then contact a personal injury lawyer to determine what your legal rights are. Do not delay, since many states have laws regarding the statute of limitations for lung cancer cases.
