Mesothelioma Attorneys
Questions About Mesothelioma
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that on average gives its victims less than 24 months to live after being diagnosed with the disease. Mesothelioma results from exposure to or inhalation of dust particles from asbestos.
Are there different types of mesothelioma?
There are three different types of mesothelioma. The different forms are pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma. The three different forms have various symptoms that are associated with the disease.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
There are a variety of symptoms associated with mesothelioma. Symptoms can include but are not limited to coughing, coughing up blood, vomiting, chest pain, abdominal swelling or pain, nausea, breathing problems, problems swallowing, fever, weight loss, rasping, shortness of breath, blood clotting abnormalities, and bowel obstruction. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be nonspecific, which can lead to a medical misdiagnosis. To ensure proper diagnosis, inform your doctor of any and all exposures to asbestos that you may have encountered.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that has been used for many centuries. The Ancient Greeks gave it the name "asbestos," which quite literally means inextinguishable. Asbestos was valued for its fireproofing characteristics and is soft and flexible. Asbestos was widely used up until the 1970s. It has been used in insulation, ceilings and walls and in things such as toasters and hairdryers.
How long have doctors known about the dangers of being exposed to asbestos?
The Ancient Greeks acknowledged the risks of exposure to asbestos, but it wasn't until the 1900s that doctors began to reexamine the dangers associated with the mineral. In the 1920s an English doctor diagnosed the first case of asbestosis, which was followed by a study of English workers who had been exposed to asbestos. The study concluded that 25% of the workers showed signs of related lung disease. At that point, laws were established to help protect and provide ventilation for workers who were exposed to asbestos on a regular basis.
When did companies stop using asbestos?
Unfortunately, although companies have known about this deadly exposure for decades, they chose to ignore the risks in pursuit of financial gains. They had the choice to make changes or to continue as they had and chose to continue exposing their employees to the deadly material. Their selfish actions have resulted in undue pain, suffering and ultimately death for thousands of innocent workers.
What if I was never directly exposed to asbestos but worked near to it or others who used it?
Many victims are indirectly exposed to asbestos. You may have worked in a building that contained it or on a site where others used it. Spouses of employees who were exposed to asbestos are at risk too. They were not directly exposed to it, but came in contact with it through touching contaminated clothing.
What should I do if I or someone I know has been exposed to asbestos?
You need to contact an attorney that handles mesothelioma and other asbestos cases immediately. You have rights and may be eligible for compensation. Every state has statutes of limitations that exist and there may be a specific time frame in which you need to file a lawsuit. Contact a mesothelioma attorney immediately to ensure that you receive the compensation that is due to you.
Can I contact any attorney to help me file a lawsuit?
It is important to find an attorney or law firm that handles cases involving asbestos or mesothelioma. Just as it is important to find medical care that specializes in these cases, finding the right attorney can also make all the difference. Cases against companies and manufacturers who used asbestos despite the warnings and risks involved are on the rise. Some law firms have even established teams to specialize in cases involving asbestos or mesothelioma.
How much can I be awarded from a lawsuit?
The amount awarded each victim depends on a variety of factors. Things that will be taken into consideration are age, the type of disease resulting from exposure to asbestos, amount and nature of exposure to asbestos and medical condition. A jury recently awarded a victim six million dollars for injuries that resulted from repeated exposure to asbestos. The jury awarded both the husband and wife three million dollars each for their pain and suffering that resulted from the negligence of the husband's employer. Amounts will vary depending on the severity of the situation. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately to discuss your rights and options.