Mesothelioma in New England

December 23, 2014

Massachusetts Asbestos Superfund Finds New Use

The town of Billerica, located just north of Boston, is home to one of two Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund sites located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This site, now known as Iron Horse Park and once known as the Billerica Repair Shops, was once a major repair facility for the Boston and Maine Railroad. The Billerica Repair Shops were built in 1913. Employees of the repair facility built a small neighborhood along the railroad line that was known as Garden City.

According to a recent news article in the Lowell Sun, this area also contained a landfill that was a frequent dumping site for asbestos material used in the repair facility and surrounding industrial park. The site became so contaminated it was believed it would not be usable for decades. In the 1980s, the EPA made Iron Horse Park a Superfund and set about removing the asbestos and capping the landfill. Capping a landfill involves adding layers of gravel, stone, and topsoil in an effort to prevent asbestos dust, which can lead to inhalation of the deadly fibers.
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November 15, 2014

Boston Officials Have Trouble Finding Tenant for Asbestos Laden Buildings

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The city of Boston is having trouble finding a developer who is interested in occupying two Boston Marine Industrial Park parcels of land that were once used by the United States Navy as a heavy metal fabrication plant.

The Boston Herald is reporting that the city is looking for a long-term tenant for the 160,000 square foot building that sits on over three aces of waterfront land. The city wishes to find someone who intends to use the existing building and re-purpose it, rather than demolishing it and constructing something else on the site.

While engineers report that the building is structurally sound, the problem is that it is lined with metal panels that have been impregnated with asbestos. This metal skin poses a significant risk of environmental problems related to asbestos exposure and city engineers believe that anyone who occupies the building will be required to replace all of the panels before the building can be used again.
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July 13, 2014

Could a Common Industrial Chemical Cause Mesothelioma?

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs as a result of exposure to asbestos fibers. The fibers cause scarring in the lungs that, over decades, can develop into mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly cancer that is often not diagnosed until it has spread. Thousands of victims who suffer from mesothelioma have already obtained compensation from asbestos manufacturers and those who were responsible for their exposure.

Unfortunately, while asbestos is responsible for the majority of mesothelioma cases, there are also other risks that workers face. Understanding what causes mesothelioma is essential so that people who are exposed to substances that cause cancer can be properly compensated. An experienced Boston mesothelioma lawyer should be consulted by victims or surviving family members of those who are diagnosed with this type of cancer.
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June 27, 2014

Boston is Leader in Mesothelioma Research and Treatment

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

With a strong science and academic foundation, Boston has been at the forefront of medical advancements, research, and treatment breakthroughs. Brigham and Women’s Hospital is a leader in mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment and has continued to persevere on behalf of its patients. Currently, the hospital is the most prestigious treatment center for individuals who suffer from malignant pleural mesothelioma. The hospital has attracted international leaders in research and medicine to provide the best possible care to patients.

The International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers advanced treatment and therapy and is a pioneer in mesothelioma research. The hospital has recently reassigned leadership roles in the hospital, but continues to focus on providing comprehensive care. Our Boston mesothelioma attorneys are committed to helping mesothelioma patients and their families seek support and treatment. In addition to staying abreast of medical developments, we are also committed to providing strategic advocacy to help victims recover maximum compensation after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
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June 18, 2014

Chevron and Texaco Named in Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Throughout the history of labor in the United States, many industries have been known to expose workers to risk and disease. According to a recent case, a man was diagnosed with mesothelioma based on asbestos exposure when he worked in the oil industry. After a painful death, the victim’s family filed a wrongful death claim against Chevron and Texaco based on asbestos exposure that took place while the victim was working for the defendant companies. The plaintiffs allege that their loved one contracted mesothelioma and died from the asbestos exposure. Now the family is seeking to recover damages and court costs.

Asbestos exposure can be fatal and may not be detected for years, even decades after exposure. Many victims will not learn of their asbestos exposure until they have contracted mesothelioma, a deadly asbestos-related cancer. Our Boston mesothelioma attorneys are dedicated to representing individuals and families who are impacted by this fatal disease. We will take the time to uncover the facts of your case, work to identify all responsible individuals and entities, and pursue maximum compensation on behalf of mesothelioma victims and their families. In addition to providing strategic advocacy in mesothelioma cases, our firm is abreast of asbestos-related claims and legal developments in Massachusetts and nationwide.
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May 15, 2014

Novel Meso Drug Developed and Tested in Cambridge

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Mesothelioma is notoriously one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer. Most patients are given a year or only a few months to live after diagnosis. Despite these negative odds, some patients have managed to survive well past their life expectancy. One of the ways patients can often extend the duration and quality of life is through medication. Surgery is also an option, but doctors, patients, and researchers have acknowledged that there is still no cure.

A novel mesothelioma drug is being developed and tested on mesothelioma patients in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The development is a breakthrough for experts as well as patients who have been waiting for a treatment. According to reports, more than 107,000 people died from mesothelioma. Our Boston

May 13, 2014

Aggressive Mesothelioma Surgery Remains Controversial

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

As one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, patients of mesothelioma are often willing to try anything, even new or experimental treatments. One aggressive form of mesothelioma treatment has been the subject of debate as medical experts continue to debate the effectiveness of a clinical trial. According to some opponents, the trial failed to show any benefits to the extremely complicated form of surgery, known as extrapleural pneumonectomy. For many doctors, the operation is no longer favored over more traditional therapies and has been replaced with a less radical operation.

Understanding the complicated methods and treatment procedures can be overwhelming for patients and their loved ones. While you may have different treatment options available, it can be difficult to assess the risks, benefits, and costs. Our mesothelioma attorneys in Boston understand the struggles faced by mesothelioma patients and their families. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is extremely emotional and may create additional burdens and hardship for your family beyond medical care and treatment. As advocates of patients, we work to identify underlying causes of exposure and will pursue necessary compensation to help cover treatment, care, and your family needs through this difficult time.
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May 5, 2014

Revered Brandeis Professor Dies of Mesothelioma

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Mesothelioma is one of the most dangerous and deadly forms of cancer. Patients are often given just months to live after a mesothelioma diagnosis. While there are treatment options available, families and loved ones of mesothelioma patients are often forced to face the inevitable. In another tragic mesothelioma case, a revered Brandeis English professor lost his life to mesothelioma. The professor was known for his passionate contributions to the literary community and dedication to his students.

According to The Boston Globe, the teacher and writer examined politics and literature and made his life’s work from making sense of politics and the economy with a particular focus on post-Civil War era works. He died in March in his Cambridge home of mesothelioma. Our Boston mesothelioma attorneys are committed to representing victims and families who have been impacted by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. We will take a strategic approach to review your medical case, identify responsible entities, and pursue the compensation you and your family need and deserve. We are also abreast of mesothelioma-related news and developments in Boston and throughout Massachusetts.
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April 25, 2014

Japanese Study Finds Chemo Still Best Treatment for Mesothelioma

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Worldwide, medical researchers and scientists continue to pour over records and data to develop new approaches for treating the deadly cancer mesothelioma. According to a new study published by a team of Japanese researchers, chemotherapy combined with cisplatin and pemetrexed continue to be the most effective treatment for mesothelioma patients. Despite efforts to develop new and more effective drug combinations, results indicated that chemo proved to be more effective than other forms of treatment.

One of the reasons researchers are desperate to find other forms of treatment is because the prognosis for mesothelioma patients is so grave. Most patients who are diagnosed with the deadly cancer are only given months to live. New drugs and treatments are a desperate attempt to challenge the bleak cancer prognosis and to give victims and their loved ones hope. Our Boston mesothelioma attorneys are dedicated to helping victims maximize compensation after asbestos exposure. We understand the difficult and complex nature of these cases and are committed to reducing the number of asbestos-related cancer cases in Massachusetts and nationwide.
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December 23, 2013

Wine Compound May Enhance Chemo Effect for Mesothelioma Patients

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

There are always new health studies revealing what is good or bad for our bodies. Recent reports on alcohol show that drinking wine can have positive health effects. According to new evidence, a compound found in red wine may be even more beneficial to patients being treated for mesothelioma with chemotherapy. For patients of mesothelioma, any improvement in treatment can be a sign of hope when facing the fatal disease.

Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest cancers and is most often associated with asbestos exposure. Individuals who have worked with household chemicals, industrial materials, or who have been exposed to asbestos in their home, residence or workplace are susceptible to mesothelioma. The cancer may be dormant for years and victims can be diagnosed months, years, or decades after exposure. Our Boston mesothelioma attorneys are dedicated to protecting victims’ rights and in staying abreast of all developments in the treatment of mesothelioma.
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