Louisiana Lung Cancer Law

New Orleans Attorneys at Landry & Swarr

Two Types of Lung Cancer

According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors have determined two types of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer develops almost exclusively in heavy smokers. Non-small cell lung cancer includes several other types of lung cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Asbestos-related lung cancer spans both types of lung cancer.

Lung Cancer, Asbestos, and Mesothelioma

Studies show that exposure to the two main types of asbestos fibers (chrysotile and amphibole) is directly linked to the development of lung cancer. And most cases of lung cancer develop at least 15 years after an initial exposure to asbestos.

Toxic exposure can happen when someone inhales asbestos fibers in the air, such as exposure from asbestos insulation, exposure when making asbestos products, or exposure during the processing of asbestos. Asbestos fibers can also be swallowed inadvertently when someone consumes contaminated food or liquids that have flowed through asbestos cement pipes.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer that is directly linked with asbestos exposure. This type of lung cancer affects the thin linings of the organs in the chest and abdomen. Studies show that the time between the diagnosis of mesothelioma and the previous first exposure to asbestos fibers is typically 30 years or more.



Asbestosis is a chronic asbestos-related lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers. With this condition, airborne asbestos fibers may become lodged within your alveoli, the tiny sacs inside your lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in your blood. Asbestos fibers can irritate and scar lung tissue, which hardens the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe.

Situations Where Asbestos is a Concern

Those who are prone to the heaviest exposure to asbestos include workers in asbestos-related industries, including shipbuilding, mining, mill workers, insulation, HVAC, roofing, oil and gas refineries, manufacturing, electrical, and others.

In the early 20th century, asbestos dust in the workplace was not controlled and many workers were exposed to unhealthy amounts every day. In the U.S. today measures have since been taken to regulate asbestos use in the workplace to heavily reduce worker exposure. And since it could take years for workers once exposed to asbestos to develop the harmful effects, for many, the damage has already been done.



Asbestos exposure also still occurs today in older buildings, from older water pipes, and industrial job sites such as shipyards, chemical plants, paper mills, mines, and refineries.

Family members of workers exposed to asbestos fibers on the job are also at risk because they can be carried into the household on clothing and inhaled in the home. Secondary asbestos exposure can happen through contact with contaminated laundry, furniture fibers, and personal contact with the person exposed.

How Do You Know If You Have a Case?

If you’ve developed lung cancer stemming from asbestos exposure on the job or exposure to asbestos products, we want you to know we are here to help you. Our New Orleans, Louisiana lung cancer attorneys understand the complex relationship between the development of lung cancer and asbestos exposure. We can help you determine your legal rights and whether or not you have a case.



We have been handling challenging and complex asbestos-related litigation in Louisiana since 1999. We can help you devise a plan for dealing with this issue, seek damages on your behalf, and get the compensation you deserve.