NFL Hall of Famer Diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer

Dec. 21, 2009 - PRLog -- Weitz & Luxenberg lawyers in the Asbestos Litigation Unit have represented thousands of families affected by mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other asbestos-related health problems. Our attorneys have witnessed firsthand that those diseases can strike men and women from all walks of life, even those that involve very limited exposure to asbestos.  

The overwhelming tragedy of those diagnosed with mesothelioma came to light during a halftime ceremony at a Utah State University basketball game this month, when the University announced their football stadium was to be renamed in honor of legendary alumnus and NFL great Merlin Olsen. The 69-year old Hall of Fame Defensive Tackle is currently battling mesothelioma and undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

Olsen, along with Los Angeles Rams legends Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier and the late Lamar Lundy, were collectively known as the “Fearsome Foursome” that dominated the National Football League in the 1960s. Olsen was named defensive Rookie of the Year in 1962.  After playing in 12 of the Rams’ 14 games in 1962, he went on to play in 198 consecutive games. Olsen made a record-setting 14 appearances in the NFL Pro Bowl, and was voted defensive MVP in 1968. His jersey was retired by the Rams in 1977, and Olsen was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1982.
After Olsen’s retirement from the playing field, he transitioned into the broadcast booth, providing colorful commentary for both NFL and college bowl games. To non-football fans, Olsen is most recognized for his roles as Jonathan Garvey on the “Little House on the Prairie” television series and his starring role in the “Father Murphy” series that was created and produced by Olsen's long-time friend Michael Landon.

Mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis, are chronic lung conditions caused by exposure to asbestos. When microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled, their sharp, jagged edges cause them to become lodged in the lungs. This ultimately causes scarring and other abnormal changes to lung tissues that can lead to cancer tumors decades after exposure.  

Weitz & Luxenberg has represented thousands of construction workers (http://www.mesotheliomajobs.com/construction-workers.html), Navy veterans and workers in other trades who developed mesothelioma cancer after being exposed to asbestos. Our lawyers have also helped family members and other individuals who developed cancer after inhaling the dust and fibers on the clothing of someone who worked with it.  The firm recently secured a $16.25 million jury verdict on behalf of a dentist who developed mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos-containing dental tape.

Those who have been harmed by asbestos may get a free case review by visiting our website, http://www.weitzlux.com. Follow Weitz & Luxenberg on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WeitzLuxenberg

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Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading personal injury law firm in the U.S. The firm has the top mesothelioma lawyers. In addition to asbestos cancer cases, the firm takes defective product cases. The firm offers free case reviews from www.weitzlux.com