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Maryland Heights Landfill Notifies Residents of Elevated Methane Gas Levels
Over the last 24 hours reports from St. Louis area news outlets have surfaced about a methane gas exposure issue due to a defunct landfill in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The Missouri Pass Landfill, located near the Ashton Park neighborhood and Ranken-Jordan Pediatric Hospital, has reported elevated levels of methane gas, potentially exposing area residents, families and businesses.
The Simmons law firm is currently investigating possible property damage claims related to the Missouri Pass Landfill exposing area residents’ homes to potentially dangerous levels of methane gas. According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Pass Landfill, which shut down nearly 15 years ago, is emitting increased levels of methane gas. Homes and businesses within 1500 feet, including those in the Ashton Park neighborhood in Maryland Heights, were notified by letter beginning the week of February 2, 2009. The immediate concern for residents is the possibility of an explosion.
br>Read more at the Simmons firm’s web site about the Maryland Heights landfill situation.
Maryland Heights methane gas landfill
Toyota Unintended Acceleration Recall: Simmons Firm Potential Toyota Car Accident Lawsuits
In a blog post on the Simmons firm’s blog today, attorney Derek Brandt offers analysis on Toyota unintended acceleration lawsuits and the Toyota recall in general.
A lot of people seem to be asking this question lately. Well, what is going on with Toyota?
Toyota finds itself at the crosshairs of governmental, public, and legal scrutiny these days. Some commentators are calling this the most profound corporate public relations test since the Tylenol cyanide recalls of 1982. But the truth is, while Johnson & Johnson was and has been almost universally lauded for its careful, professional and responsible handling of the Tylenol situation almost three decades ago, Toyota seems almost determined to make every misstep it can.
Read more about Toyota unintended acceleration by Derek Brandt, a Simmons firm lawyer investigating Toyota car accident injuries.
Toyota Recall Lawyer – click here
Mesothelioma Lawyers Video | Simmons Law Firm
View, rate and comment on our video about Simmons firm mesothelioma lawyers.
SimmonsCooper Changes Name to Simmons Firm
SimmonsCooper LLC, a leading national law firm in the fight against mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, today announced that it is changing its name to Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC. The firm will be known by clients and employees as the Simmons firm.
The firm’s new name acknowledges the firm’s leadership, founding partner John Simmons said. Perry Browder, Ted Gianaris, Michael Angelides, and John Barnerd are five of the fourteen partners at the firm.
Read more about the Simmons firm.
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SimmonsCooper Supports the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation on Facebook
Zaida Mattson is a sweet, funny and highly energetic 4-year-old girl that has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, one of the most aggressive and painful forms of cancer.
Zaida’s mom asked the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation to use her little girl’s story to raise funds needed for research – research to save the life of Zaida and thousands of others. Her parents know that as long as there is life, there is hope – hope that the next treatment breakthrough will be developed in time.
SimmonsCooper law firm, dedicated to helping people with mesothelioma, is currently trying to help the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation raise awareness about the disease and funding for critical research to offer Zaida and mesothelioma patients across the country better treatment options and, ultimately, a cure.
The Meso Foundation has launched the Cure Mesothelioma! Cause on Facebook. And, right now, for every person that joins, SimmonsCooper will donate one dollar. And for every dollar you donate, SimmonsCooper will match that donation.
Click here to learn more about how SimmonsCooper is trying to help.
Or click here to join the Meso Foundation’s Facebook Cause.
SimmonsCooper Attorney Ted Gianaris Speaks at the Environmental Justice Conference in Pennsylvania
SimmonsCooper asbestos attorney Ted Gianaris spoke Monday at the first Environmental Justice conference in Pennsylvania. He was part of a legal discussion. This conference was put on about by the PA Department of Environmental Protection.
You can read Ted’s point of view on his blog post.
SimmonsCooper Reaches Out to Patients and Families Online
SimmonsCooper started this blog several years ago. Since then, we have continued to try to find new ways to reach out to patients and families affected by mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers.
Read more about how SimmonsCooper is trying to educate about the dangers of asbestos and promote resources for patients.
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World Class Cancer Institute Dedicated in Illinois
SimmonsCooper law firm has donated over $10.2 million to help launch a new world-class cancer research and treatment facility in Springfield, Illinois. The dedication was yesterday. SimmonsCooper has dedicated its practice to fighting on behalf of victims of mesothelioma cancer, a rare and deadly disease caused by asbestos exposure.
Much of the desire behind the pledge was spurred by Simmons’ and Cooper’s work representing asbestos victims.
“We learned in our research that treatment options for asbestos, which is a cancer growth lining the lungs, are limited. This way through our pledge, we felt we could help on the front end,” Simmons said after the ribbon-cutting celebration.
Learn more about the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute.
Understanding the Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos or related materials. This cancer occurs in the protective lining which surrounds vital organs. The lining is called the mesothelium, hence the name mesothelioma.
This cancer can be found in the tissues protecting the heart, lungs, stomach and abdomen. When it is found in the lungs it is called pleural mesothelioma; in the heart it is known as pericardial mesothelioma. In the stomach area, the condition is called peritoneal mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms have common features regardless of location in the body. Shortness of breath, appetite problems, swelling, and fever are all named as symptoms. These are known as “non-specific” symptoms and could relate to a variety of medical problems. When knowledge of past exposure to asbestos or other carcinogens is added to the diagnosis, a doctor can begin to rule out other possible causes and concentrate on locating tumors or abnormal growth.
The most common form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. Many patients are exposed to asbestos through construction projects or other environments where asbestos particles become airborne. Without a respirator, these particles enter the airway and can cause cancer.
Unfortunately, pleural mesothelioma does not manifest itself for many years. Some patients do not manifest the cancer for decades. Unfortunately, after such a long period of time once the symptoms begin to manifest, pleural mesothelioma may be in advanced stages.
Treatment for pleural mesothelioma depends on many factors. The age, health and medical history of a patient are all important factors, as well as the current stage of the cancer. Catching mesothelioma early is crucial for successful treatment, but only a doctor can tell you what specific options are appropriate in your case.
A doctor has several courses of action available when recommending treatment. Surgery is one course. A section of lung and surrounding tissues may be removed to prevent further spread of the disease. In some cases the entire affected lung may be removed.
Chemotherapy is another option. This treatment involves swallowed or injected drugs designed to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells. Radiation treatments can also kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This option uses high-powered x-rays directed at the affected areas to destroy mesothelioma cells.
A doctor will choose the most effective course of treatment after performing diagnostic tests, evaluating the scope and seriousness of the cancer and the patient’s ability to withstand the procedures. In some cases, surgery may be too much for a patient’s body to take; in others it may be required for basic comfort or survival. Much depends on the patient.
A recurring theme in all literature about cancer, especially malignant mesothelioma, is early detection. It’s important to tell your doctor if you even suspect you may have been exposed to asbestos at some time in your life. Have this information entered into your medical records so you can be monitored for any symptoms which may indicate the development of pleural mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposure in Mechanics - New Study
There was a new study published in March in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene called “Asbestos Exposuures of Mechanics Performing Clutch Service on Motor Vehicles.”
The study looked at the historical asbestos exposures of mechanics that performed clutch services on vehicles. Chrysotile abestos was used in about 25-60 percent of brakes and manual transmission clutches for the majority of the past century.
See the journal here.
