Mesothelioma & Asbestos
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, affects the mesothelium—a thin lining that envelops various body cavities and internal organs. It can develop wherever this membrane exists, including the linings of the lungs, chest, abdomen, heart, and the outer surfaces of most internal organs. The primary cause is exposure to asbestos, as microscopic airborne asbestos particles can irritate cells and lead to the development of mesothelioma.
Because these asbestos particles remain in the body after inhalation, it may take many years, even decades, for mesothelioma to become apparent after initial exposure. There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure, and even brief encounters with asbestos fibers have been found to cause mesothelioma or related diseases.
National Mesothelioma Statistics
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, yet it has a serious impact, especially in the United States. Understanding the scale of the problem and the prevalence of mesothelioma and related diseases is critical for raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the need of seeking compensation for sufferers.
The prevalence of mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases
According to the American Cancer Society, around 2,500 to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.
While this figure may appear minor in comparison to other types of cancer, it is significant given the disease’s severity and aggressiveness. In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos-related disorders such as asbestosis and lung cancer are responsible for an estimated 34,000 deaths in the United States each year.
Mesothelioma Lawyer
A mesothelioma lawyer focuses on lawsuits concerning asbestos exposure. Hiring an attorney is the most effective way to obtain compensation that can assist pay for cancer treatments, safeguard your family’s financial future, and hold asbestos product manufacturers liable for your disease. Learn what you should look for in a mesothelioma lawyer and how they can help.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Malignant mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages since the symptoms are often mild or similar to more prevalent, everyday diseases. The most widespread symptoms of mesothelioma are:
- Back pain
- Anemia
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Enlarged abdomen
- Pleurisy, or inflammation of the tissues lining the lungs
- Recurrent build-up of fluid in the lungs
If you or a family members has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any asbestos-related disease, you should have other family members checked for signs of asbestos-related disorders.
Types of Mesothelioma Cancer
PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA
This is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for almost 75% of all cases. This type of cancer originates in the chest cavity and lungs and can spread to any organ, including the brain. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms include persistent chest pain, significant trouble breathing, coughing, weight loss, exhaustion, and fevers.
TESTICULAR MESOTHELIOMA
Also known as tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, this rare type of mesothelioma affects the inner lining of the sac enclosing the testis and accounts for 0.3% to 5% of all malignant mesothelioma cases. The primary clinical symptom in patients with malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis is a painless scrotal tumor with fluid accumulation (hydrocele).
PERICARDIAL MESOTHELIOMA
This odd type of mesothelioma affects approximately one percent of mesothelioma patients and begins in the membrane protecting the heart. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include heart palpitations or murmurs, chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and fever.
PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA
Peritoneal mesothelioma, which accounts for 10 to 20 percent of all mesothelioma cases, begins in the abdominal cavity and can spread to the liver, spleen, or colon. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include stomach pain or swelling, nausea, vomiting, foot swelling, fever, constipation, diarrhea, anemia, and sudden weight loss.
MESOTHELIOMA CELLULAR STRUCTURE
There are three varieties of mesothelioma cells, which are identified based on the form and composition of tumor cell samples. Treatment methods for all three categories are similar; however, certain clinical trials and treatments target specific cells.
Epithelioid mesothelioma: Epithelioid mesothelioma affects tube-shaped cells that line and protect internal organs, accounting for 50 to 70 percent of all mesothelioma cases. More research has been done on epithelioid mesothelioma, which has the best prognosis.
Biphasic (mixed) mesothelioma: Biphasic tumors, which account for 20 to 35 percent of mesothelioma cases, are made up of sarcomatoid and epithelioid cells. Biphasic mesothelioma can grow and spread at different speeds depending on the ratio of the two cell types. Performing a surgical biopsy is frequently necessary to adequately diagnose this kind.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: This subtype of mesothelioma, which accounts for 7 to 20% of all instances, is considered the most aggressive and is frequently difficult to identify due to the sarcomatoid tumors’ similarities to other types of malignant and benign illnesses.
What Does Mesothelioma Lawyers Do?
A mesothelioma lawyer’s job is to assist victims and surviving family members in pursuing legal action for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related ailments.
Manufacturers of asbestos-containing items concealed the mineral’s risks, exposing millions of Americans to deadly diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
A mesothelioma lawyer can help hold these corporations accountable and force them to admit the pain and suffering they have caused.
How Can Hiring a Mesothelioma Lawyer Help Me?
A mesothelioma lawyer can assist you with:
- Investigating compensation possibilities that can benefit your family.
- Building a case against the ones who caused your disease.
- Handling every stage of the legal process for you
- Seeking justice for you or someone you love who has been damaged by asbestos exposure.
Types of Legal Claims Mesothelioma Lawyers Handle
Mesothelioma lawyers handle a variety of asbestos cases. A mesothelioma lawyer can advise you on which claim(s) to bring depending on the facts of your case.
Mesothelioma victims file personal injury lawsuits against the firms that caused their illnesses in order to collect compensation.
Wrongful death cases are filed by spouses, family members, or estate representatives to seek compensation for the mesothelioma victim’s death.
Asbestos trust fund claims give victims access to compensation that has already been set aside by product makers that have gone out of business.
Veterans with mesothelioma can get monthly cash and medical care from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Those who have already received VA benefits may still file a mesothelioma lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claims to seek additional compensation.
Compensation Recovered by Mesothelioma Lawyers
A mesothelioma lawyer may seek financial recompense for their clients through a settlement or trial decision. Most mesothelioma patients receive a settlement and never have to enter a courtroom.
Mesothelioma settlements often reward individuals between $1 million and $1.4 million.
If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will be heard in court, where a judge or jury will decide whether to award compensation to the victim via a trial verdict. The typical mesothelioma trial verdict is between $5 million and $11.4 million.
Notable compensation amounts obtained by mesothelioma attorneys include:
A $250 million verdict for an Indiana steelworker with a pleural mesothelioma.
The family of a California janitor who died from pleural mesothelioma received a $107 million verdict.
The family of a late New York laborer with pleural mesothelioma received a $60 million verdict.
An Illinois laborer who acquired pleural mesothelioma received a $12 million settlement.
A Texas pipefitter who had pleural mesothelioma received a $8 million payout.
$3.64 million for an Arizona delivery worker with peritoneal mesothelioma.
$3.26 million to an Illinois insulator who got peritoneal mesothelioma.
Many clients receive compensation within 90 days.
Support and Awareness for Mesothelioma Victims:
Several attorneys support and work with many advocacy organizations and causes, such as
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO): ADAO is dedicated to assisting the thousands of victims affected by asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy, and community and political actions.
Dr. David Sugarbaker launched the International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) in 2002, which involves a variety of disciplines from famous cancer research facilities such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dada-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Health, and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: The Meso Foundation is committed to eradicating mesothelioma and the suffering it causes by sponsoring research, offering education and support to sufferers and their families, and pushing for federal funding for mesothelioma research.
The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, based in Toronto, Ontario, is one of the world’s top five cancer research institutions and a recognized global pioneer in lung cancer research and treatment. Recent research has included important experiments on radiation therapy.
What is the main difference between a Mesothelioma Law Firm and Other Firms?
Law firms specializing in mesothelioma assist asbestos victims who were diagnosed with cancer and other asbestos-related conditions.
This distinguishes them from other firms that specialize in a different area of law or handle a wide range of matters. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, you must consult a mesothelioma law company for a variety of reasons:
A general personal injury lawyer may be skilled at their craft, but asbestos disputes are different and more complex.
Competing against corporations that have exposed workers to asbestos needs extensive knowledge and related experience.
Mesothelioma attorneys at asbestos legal firms understand how and where industries and specific companies used asbestos, as well as how workers were exposed to it.
They also have investigative staff who can help discover incriminating evidence concerning previous asbestos exposure.
These companies recognize asbestos-related ailments and serve their clients with compassionately.
5 Qualities to Look for in a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Top asbestos lawyers possess unique characteristics that enable them to establish the strongest possible case for your disease. Learn about the five qualities you should seek for in a lawyer below.
1. Free Legal Consultation.
An qualified lawyer should provide a free consultation in which you can tell your story and explain how mesothelioma has affected your family.
Afterward, the lawyer should be able to explain your legal rights in a straightforward and understandable manner. You won’t be obligated to work with them, and any information you open up will be kept strictly confidential.
This free consultation gives you the opportunity to get to know the lawyer and the legal office. Consider it a casual talk in which you may express your worries, ask questions, and determine whether they’re the best person to handle your case.
2. There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
Top mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency basis. In other words, they only get paid if they successfully obtain compensation for you or your family. This means that there is no financial risk in seeking legal action.
3. Extensive experience filing lawsuits and asbestos claims.
Your mesothelioma attorney should have a proven track record of representing mesothelioma clients in lawsuits and filing asbestos trust fund claims on client’s behalf.
The best mesothelioma lawyers are also knowledgeable about the statutes of limitations (filing deadlines) in each state and jurisdiction. This knowledge means they’ll know when and where to file your legal claim in order to obtain you the most money possible.
4. Employed by National Mesothelioma Law Firm.
When you hire a nationwide mesothelioma law company, you will have the support of a team of highly qualified professionals.
You can expect access to:
Several asbestos attorneys.
Investigators
Nurses Paralegals
Support staff
Medical experts
These devoted professionals will guarantee that you receive the best possible legal representation and support throughout the entire procedure.
5. Access to Specialized Resources.
The top mesothelioma lawyers can swiftly and readily obtain detailed asbestos company documents, complete medical data, and other critical facts to enhance your claim.
With their extensive knowledge, these lawyers can give you the best opportunity of receiving the recompense you deserve.
What Happens When I Consult a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Your lawyer and their staff will commit themselves to your legal case, allowing you to focus on obtaining treatment and spending time with your loved ones. Although each case is unique, the majority of mesothelioma claims follow a similar path.
1. Find the companies at fault.
Even if you can’t recall when or where you were exposed to asbestos, a skilled mesothelioma attorney can find out. Most mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure that occurred 10-50 years ago.
Top mesothelioma lawyers have access to databases that include thousands of firms, asbestos-related products. A mesothelioma lawyer might utilize this information to determine which corporations should be held responsible in your case.
2. File Your Mesothelioma Claim.
A mesothelioma lawyer will go over all of your legal choices and recommend the best type(s) of claim to file.
You may be eligible for compensation from one or more asbestos companies, increasing the value of your claim.
The top mesothelioma attorneys will know when to file your claim depending on any statutes of limitations that may limit your capacity to file legal action.
3. Receive Compensation for Your Family.
Mesothelioma lawyers typically seek compensation through mesothelioma settlements and/or asbestos trust fund claims.
Mesothelioma compensation may be used for:
- Daily living expenses
- Funeral costs
- Home Health Care
- Lost income
- Medical therapies.
- Travel expenses
- And whatever else you see fit.
- More than 99% of mesothelioma lawsuits are settled outside of court, with an average payout of $1 million to $1.4 million.
Mesothelioma settlements also allow clients and their families to get compensation sooner, typically within 90 days.
Conclusion
Finally, anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure should consult with a mesothelioma lawyer. These legal specialists offer vital aid and support to mesothelioma victims, assuring that they receive the recompense and justice they deserve. If you or a loved one has been harmed by mesothelioma, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel to preserve your rights and demand the compensation you deserve.
FAQs About Lawyers for Mesothelioma
1. What is the definition of a mesothelioma lawyer?
A mesothelioma lawyer is a legal expert who focuses on asbestos legal claims and defends persons who have been affected by mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that results from asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma lawyers fight for asbestos victims’ legal rights, helping them seek justice and compensation for their life-altering illness.
Partnering with a mesothelioma lawyer provides you with not only legal experience but also a caring ally who knows the physical, emotional, and financial toll this disease has on you and your loved ones.
2. When should I contact a mesothelioma attorney ?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Statutes of limitations limit the amount of time you have to file a mesothelioma claim.
Contacting a mesothelioma attorney will help you avoid missing crucial deadlines for claiming compensation.
3. What if I cannot afford a mesothelioma attorney?
Hiring a mesothelioma attorney does not need any upfront fees.
The top mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid a specific percentage of whatever compensation you earn from a settlement or verdict.
4. How do I select a mesothelioma lawsuits attorney?
Choosing a lawyer with years of experience handling mesothelioma claims increases your chances of receiving financial compensation.
These lawyers have specialist resources to determine the specifics of your asbestos exposure and which firms to file claims with.
Be mindful to inquire about your lawyer’s previous success with mesothelioma cases comparable to yours.
5. How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit take?
It depends. Some victims get compensation within 90 days, but it can take up to 12-18 months to complete a mesothelioma litigation.
Your mesothelioma lawyer will keep you informed throughout the legal procedure, ensuring that you and your family completely understand the compensation timeframe.
Also read: Oilfield Injury Lawyer
