Lung cancer is often associated with smoking, but there is also a growing number of lung cancer cases among non-smokers. Lung-cancer among non-smokers is the result of a variety of environmental pollutants, some of which are released into the air. If you have developed lung cancer due to the negligence of another party, though, you may be entitled to compensation.

Your Visit to the Doctor

During your visit to the doctor, the physician will likely go over your medical history. If your family has a history of lung cancer, you may be more likely to develop it as well. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that there isn't an environmental cause as well.

One of the most common causes of lung cancer is radon gas and exposure to this gas leads to tens of thousands of deaths each year. Radon can sometimes be found around the home.

Asbestos exposure is another common source of lung cancer, namely mesothelioma. This is a type of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. This pollutant is found in many building materials and remains harmless until the asbestos is released into the air through demolition. Those who perform demolition or other forms of construction are very likely to be exposed to asbestos.

Lung Cancer from Smoking Even for Non-Smokers

Even if you don't smoke, you may develop lung cancer due to secondhand smoke. In the past, tobacco companies have been forced to pay large settlements through class action lawsuits to those who were the victims of secondhand smoke. 

If you believe that you are suffering from lung cancer, you will want to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection of lung cancer can save your life. Doing so will also allow you to more easily prove that your lung cancer was caused by another party. The more years that pass, the more factors that could have contributed to your lung cancer.

If your doctor was late when diagnosing you of lung cancer, you may also be able to seek compensation for medical malpractice. This will require that you and your lung cancer attorney work with medical experts who will testify to what a reasonable physician would have done in your situation. If they can prove that your doctor should have diagnosed you with lung cancer and prescribed a treatment, you may be entitled to compensation from your negligent physician in addition to any parties responsible for causing you to develop cancer.

For more information, contact a lung cancer lawyer today.

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