Mesothelioma doesn’t appear right away. It often takes 20, 30, even 50 years after asbestos exposure before the first signs of the disease show. This long Mesothelioma Latency Period is one of the most tragic parts of mesothelioma — and one of the most confusing for families.
You may be wondering:
- How did this happen so long after the exposure?
- Can we still file a legal claim if the exposure was in the 1970s or ‘80s?
- What if the company responsible is gone?
Here’s what you need to know.
⏳ What Is the Mesothelioma Latency Period?
The mesothelioma latency period is the time between a person’s first exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms. For most people, that’s between 20 and 50 years.
During that time, asbestos fibers can remain embedded in the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen. Over decades, these fibers cause inflammation, cell damage, and eventually — cancer.
This delayed onset means that many people diagnosed today worked in mills, plants, or shipyards before 1990 — and had no idea their exposure decades ago would lead to a terminal diagnosis.
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🏭 Common Exposure Sources
- Pipe insulation in steel mills
- Boiler rooms and power plants
- Shipyards and naval vessels
- Brake linings, gaskets, and packing materials
- Hot top and refractory insulation in foundries
Even family members exposed through take-home asbestos can develop mesothelioma years later.
🧾 What If the Employer No Longer Exists?
You can still file a claim. Most liability falls on the manufacturers of asbestos products, not your employer. Many of these companies went bankrupt and established asbestos trust funds — which are still paying claims today.
Even if a loved one has passed, families may still qualify for a wrongful death claim or trust recovery.
📞 Don’t Assume It’s Too Late
Attorney Lee W. Davis has been helping families affected by mesothelioma for more than 30 years. He knows how to trace exposure, document claims, and navigate the latency issue that confuses so many victims.
👉 Call (412) 781-0525 or message us today.
There’s no fee unless we win — and no reason to wait.
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