Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel Joins in this Annual Day of Observance to Help Educate the Public, Commemorate Our Clients, and Fight for a Better Future
National Mesothelioma Awareness Day is a day to educate ourselves and our communities, so that we may learn from the past to protect the future, as well as develop better treatments, and one day find a cure. This is also a day to remember those who have gone before us and those who are affected by this devastating disease and are still with us. Lastly, it is a day to fight for better legislation and stronger regulations.
What is Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, often referred to as meso or asbestos cancer, is a rare and terminal cancer with a long latency period. This preventable disease most commonly attacks the lining of the lungs. Symptoms can include a persistent cough or cold and severe back pain. The only known cause of meso is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous material with a high heat resistance. It was once used extensively in thousands of household products for hundreds of years. It was an essential material used in construction, industrial, and shipyard industries. Asbestos was phased out of use in the late 1970s and early 1980s, however, it continues to linger in old homes and buildings today. While this dangerous product is closely regulated, it is still not completely banned in the United States.
Our Clients Are the Reason We Fight
You cannot work with those suffering from mesothelioma and their families and not be touched by their stories of struggle, hope, and sometimes bittersweet victory. These families are our families and it is an honor to represent them. Partner Demetrious Zacharopoulos explains, “My parents worked hard for their children and so did my clients. Families struggling with mesothelioma did nothing wrong to deserve the challenges they face. ”
Partner Leslie MacLean explains it this way, “We have real empathy for our clients and the hardships they face. We know that a favorable verdict or settlement won’t bring back a loved one, but it can help the family keep the home they’ve always known and see the kids through college. That’s really what we’re fighting for—we can’t turn back the clock, but we can make it easier to look ahead.”
Giving Mesothelioma Victims a Voice
Over the years, Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has lead several letter writing campaigns to spread awareness of important legislation. Our lawyers have accompanied many of our clients on trips to Washington, D.C., allowing them the opportunity to personally share their stories with their representatives face to face. Our attorneys have lobbied Congress on behalf of current and future mesothelioma victims to ensure that the companies responsible for exposing their workers and workers’ families to asbestos are held accountable.
How Will You Commemorate Meso Awareness Day
Started by a handful of volunteers in 2005, Mesothelioma Awareness Day became a national day of observance in 2010. This important day is now commemorated annually on September 26th by the asbestos community and many more in the United States. Many organizations will be honoring this day with various events around the country. How will you mark this day?
