Emphysema is a leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or "
COPD." Emphysema, which is often brought on by
tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, pipes), causes the air sacs located within the
lungs to enlarge and the walls of the air sacs to eventually fail. Once these air sacs or "alveoli" walls collapse,
breathing becomes progressively more difficult.
If you suffer from tobacco induced emphysema or emphysema caused by a lifetime of work in a contaminated industrial environment, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.