Mesothelioma Lawyer - How to Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer

What Does a Mesothelioma Lawyer Do?

Mesothelioma lawyers help the victims of asbestos exposure receive compensation. The best attorneys have decades of experience handling mesothelioma legal claims. They also have a track record of success against the malicious and unethical asbestos manufacturing corporations.

Asbestos lung cancer lawyers have a similar responsibility of helping patients. Asbestos lung cancer is diagnosed in around 10,000 people in the U.S. each year. The cause of this cancer is asbestos, and patients deserve compensation. An asbestos attorney can help them through the legal system.

How to Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer

These three steps will detail how to find an elite asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma lawyer for your case:

1. Conduct a thorough, nationwide search. Don’t limit your options to local lawyers or law firms. Distance between you, the claimant, and your lawyer is not a concern for mesothelioma cases and asbestos lung cancer cases. The top priority should be finding the best lawyer, no matter where they’re located.

2. Look for lawyers and law firms dedicated to mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer claims. There is a distinct difference between an experienced asbestos lawyer and a personal injury attorney who accepts asbestos cases. Prioritize lawyers who focus solely on asbestos litigation, as they’ll be most knowledgeable.

3. Ask for a free case evaluation. This step gets your information to the lawyers quickly, making initial contact. This step can be done online through websites like Mesothelioma Guide.

5 Tips for Choosing the Best Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma lawsuits can be complex. They often involve uncovering a person’s work history and linking it to potential asbestos exposure incidents, some of which occurred decades prior.

The same is true for asbestos lung cancer lawsuits. They’re also complex and difficult for ordinary people to navigate.

There are many asbestos lawyers to choose from and a lot of competition among firms. Here are some qualities to narrow your search for a lawyer:

• National availability
• Experience and success
• Working on a contingency basis
• Handling all case work
• Empathy and communication
• Find a National Firm

Lawyers for mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer are broken down into two groups: local and national. Instead of filing your case only where you live, national attorneys will file in a state or states most advantageous to your case. Local lawyers likely won’t have this much versatility.

For veterans, finding a national firm is essential. Most military members were exposed to asbestos in multiple states, which requires flexibility in where to file cases.

The best mesothelioma lawyers will travel to meet their clients at home, so distance shouldn’t be an issue. Many patients choose a doctor far from home to give themselves the best survival chances. Choosing a lawyer follows the same logic.

Look for Experienced Lawyers

Choose an asbestos firm that specializes and is experienced in asbestos litigation and understands asbestos trust funds. An experienced mesothelioma law firm will have handled hundreds — if not thousands — of cases and won millions of dollars for clients. A lot of this compensation comes from these trust funds.

Each lawyer’s asbestos case history sheds light on their track record of success. The more cases an attorney has handled, the more likely they’ll succeed with yours.

Veterans should also prioritize experience, especially in handling cases for former military members and their families. The top firms have experience representing veterans, along with a database of all military ships, aircraft and bases that contained asbestos.

Never Pay Upfront

Look for asbestos law firms that work on a contingency basis. This means your lawyer gets a percentage of your compensation. If you don’t win your claim, then your lawyer doesn’t collect fees. This setup prioritizes your best interests above all else and often leads to the highest amount of mesothelioma compensation possible.

The best mesothelioma lawyers value your time and energy. To speed up the process, you should find a lawyer who provides a free case evaluation. This resource will prevent wasting your time with unnecessary phone calls and conversations.

Make Sure Your Lawyer Will Do the Heavy Lifting

Mesothelioma patients and their families face a lot of stress. The same is true for lung cancer from asbestos. Choose a firm that will guard you from overwhelming legal work. Choosing to go through with filing a mesothelioma lawsuit may seem daunting, but choosing a quality firm makes it much easier.

Your lung cancer lawyer or mesothelioma lawyer should do everything from traveling for meetings to researching your asbestos exposure. The most time-consuming task for clients often is the deposition, which is a recording of your testimony. Aside from that, your participation should be minimal.

Pick A Good Communicator

Your asbestos lawyer should be someone who has earned your trust and makes you feel comfortable. When you choose a doctor, you factor in their bedside manner and the quality of their staff. You should have a good rapport with your attorney as well. They should be easy to talk to, able to explain your case, and respond to your questions or concerns in a timely manner.

Don’t hesitate to ask hard questions. If a law firm can’t answer your questions or isn’t available to talk, you can find firms that will. We can even help you ask a question to a mesothelioma lawyer today.

Why Mesothelioma Cases Are Unique

Mesothelioma and lung cancer claims differ from most other types of lawsuits because these cases are linked to asbestos. For decades, many industries relied on asbestos as part of their product-construction process. They included asbestos in compounds and other elements as complimentary pieces of construction components and other items.

However, asbestos is hazardous when inhaled or ingested, a risk that thousands of people have faced.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the first reference to the dangers of asbestos fibers appeared in the British Medical Journal in 1924. However, experts did not link asbestos exposure to lung cancer and mesothelioma until the second half of the 20th century.

Since asbestos was largely unregulated in the United States, many manufacturers used the substance despite knowing of its dangers. They shielded their workers from this important information and put the employees and regular Americans at a daily risk.

For that reason, many companies are liable for their workers or others developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Why Will Filing a Lawsuit Help?

Filing a lawsuit can help in multiple ways, from paying for treatment to covering debt. You can’t put a dollar amount on the quality of life lost due to companies’ tragic negligence. However, there are aspects of mesothelioma and lung cancer that can be quantified.

Some compensation elements your lawyer will include in the case are:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills not covered by insurance
• Travel expenses for medical treatments
• Caregiver expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Disability caused by exposure
• Funeral expenses

Remember that your disease isn’t your fault. It’s the fault of the asbestos corporations that exposed you to this dangerous substance. They should help you and your family cover the costs of treatment, lost wages, travel expenses and more.

Experienced lung cancer and mesothelioma lawyers handle the legal process so you never have to sit in a courtroom. Find a lawyer using our free legal support.

Common Questions About Mesothelioma Attorneys

• Am I eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?

Mesothelioma patients and their families are eligible to file a lawsuit. Taking legal action can provide financial stability and peace of mind.

• Why should I hire a mesothelioma attorney?

Hiring a mesothelioma attorney will help you and your family receive compensation. A lawyer get you money from the asbestos companies to help pay for treatment, lost wages and travel expenses.

• How much does it cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer?

It shouldn’t cost you anything upfront. The top mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency basis and will never require a fee to start your case.

• When should I contact a mesothelioma lawyer?

You should get in touch with a lawyer right away. There’s a time limit for filing mesothelioma claims known as the statute of limitations.

• How much compensation will I receive?

The average case value for mesothelioma claims is between $1 million and $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s Litigation Report. Every case’s facts and value are different, which is why results vary.

Reference: mesotheliomaguide

Mesothelioma

 

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, that is, the membranes that line various organs in the body. This condition is classified as a dangerous type of cancer and can be fatal.

Mesothelioma is classified as an aggressive type of cancer, but it is quite rare. This condition does not cause symptoms until decades after the patient is exposed to asbestos. In the vast majority of cases, patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are aged 60–80 years.

Although it can be treated, most cases of mesothelioma are already at an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important to carry out prevention and regular examinations to prevent this condition.

Types of Mesothelioma

There are four types of mesothelioma cancer, namely:

• Pleural mesothelioma (pleural mesothelioma), which is a cancer that attacks the membranes of the lungs (pleura) and is the most frequent type
• Mesothelioma peritoneum (peritoneal mesothelioma), that is, cancer of the membrane of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum)
• Mesothelioma pericardium (pericardial mesothelioma), that is, cancer in the protective layer of the heart organ
• Testicular mesothelioma (testicular mesothelioma), which is a cancer that attacks the protective layer of the testicles or testicles

In addition to the above types, there is also benign mesothelioma in the lungs and chest cavity called solitary fibrous tumors. However, this condition does not belong to the type of mesothelioma that will be discussed.

Causes of Mesothelioma

The causes of mesothelioma are not yet known for certain. However, mesothelioma is often related to exposure to asbestos or asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is widely used as a building construction material, such as roofing, due to its heat-resistant and fire-resistant properties.

Destroyed asbestos, both in the process of mining and renovating buildings, will produce fine fibers or dust. The fiber is very easy to inhale, then enters and settles in the organs of the body, especially the lungs.

If ingested, asbestos fibers can also spread through the lymphatic system, then settle and cause cancer in the membrane of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Risk factors for mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can occur in anyone, but the risk is higher in people with the following factors:

• Work in fields vulnerable to asbestos exposure, such as mineral mines, construction sites, automotive industry, power generation, textile industry, and steel mills
• Residing in an old building or neighborhood whose soil contains asbestos
• Have family members working in an environment that is prone to exposure to asbestos so that asbestos dust sticks to the skin or clothing and is carried into the house
• Have a family suffering from mesothelioma or a genetic disorder that increases the risk of developing cancer
• Exposure to erionite minerals or radiation from thorium dioxide
• Infected with simian virus (SV40)

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops gradually and usually takes 20–60 years for symptoms to appear. Therefore, the patient may not feel any symptoms when mesothelioma is still in its early stages. However, cancer cells will develop over time and put pressure on nerves or other organs so that symptoms arise.

Symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the affected organ. In pulmonary mesothelioma, symptoms that may appear include:

• Fever and sweating, especially at night
• The body feels very tired
• Cough accompanied by unbearable pain
• Shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs
• Weight loss for no apparent reason
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Difficult to swallow
• Pain in the shoulder or upper arm
• Swelling or deformation of the fingertips (finger tabuh)
• Lumps appear on the tissues below the surface of the chest skin
• While abdominal mesothelioma (peritoneal) can cause the following symptoms:
• Fever or night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Constipated
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lumps or swelling in the abdominal area
• Defecation and urination disorders

Pericardium and testicular mesothelioma is a very rare type of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma usually causes symptoms in the form of chest pain and respiratory problems, while testicular mesothelioma is characterized by swelling or lumps in the testicular area.

When to see a doctor

Symptoms of mesothelioma may resemble those of other conditions. Therefore, immediately take an examination to the doctor if you experience the above symptoms, especially if you have a history of exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis Mesothelioma

In order to determine the diagnosis of mesothelioma, the doctor will conduct questions and answers related to the patient's symptoms and medical history, especially the possibility of exposure to asbestos. A physical examination will also be performed to detect lumps or other symptoms.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform a scan, such as:

• X-ray photo, to detect thickening in the lining of the lungs, fluid in the pleural cavity, or deformation of the lungs
• CT scan, to check the chest and abdomen area, as well as detect the presence of cancer and check if the cancer has spread to other organs of the body
• PET scan, to get a detailed picture of tissues suspected of cancer
• MRI, to get a more detailed picture of the organ and determine the location of the tumor

Based on the test results, the doctor may also suggest further examinations in the form of:

Blood test

A blood test is performed to detect an increase in the level of fibulin-3, osteopontin and peptide in the blood. Levels of these three substances are usually higher in people with mesothelioma.

Examination of liquid samples

If the patient experiences a buildup of fluid in the body due to mesothelioma, the doctor will take a sample of the fluid and examine it in the laboratory to detect the presence of cancer cells.

• There are several types of examination of liquid samples, namely:
• Thoracentesis, that is, the sampling of fluid in the chest cavity
• Paracentesis, that is, the taking of fluid in the abdominal cavity
• Pericardiocentesis, that is, the taking of fluid in the layers (membranes) around the heart

Biopsy

Biopsy is performed by taking a sample of tissue from a specific part of the body for later analysis in the laboratory. There are several types of biopsy examinations, namely:

1. Needle biopsy

A needle biopsy is performed by piercing a long needle into the chest or abdominal cavity.

2. Thoracoscopy, laparoscopy and mediastinoscopy

This biopsy is performed by inserting a studded elastic tube and a special surgical instrument through one or more small incisions. The type of biopsy performed depends on the area of the body being examined, namely:

• Thoracoscopy, to examine the inside of the chest
• Laparoscopy, to examine the inside of the abdominal organs
• Mediastinoscopy, to examine the area around the heart

3. Biopsy through surgery

In some conditions, the doctor will perform an invasive procedure to take a larger tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor can also simultaneously remove the entire tumor if possible.

There are two types of biopsy procedures through surgery, namely:

• Thoracotomy, which is performed through open surgery in the chest
• Laparotomy, which is performed through open surgery in the abdomen

4. Bronchoscopic biopsy

This biopsy is performed by inserting a thin tube through the throat to detect tumors in the respiratory tract. If there is, the doctor will take a tissue sample from the tumor for research.

Stage Mesothelioma

Based on its size and degree of spread, mesothelioma is divided into four stages. This division of stages helps the doctor to know the development of cancer cells and the life expectancy of the patient, as well as determine the appropriate method of treatment.

The following are the stages and life expectancy of people with mesothelioma:

Stage 1

The tumor is still in one area of the body and has not spread to other tissues or organs. At this stage, the life expectancy of the sufferer is 21 months or more.

Stage 2

Cancer cells enlarge and begin to spread to nearby areas, with a life expectancy of 19 months or less.

Stage 3

Cancer cells have spread to surrounding organs, with a life expectancy of about 16 months.

Stage 4

Cancer cells have spread to different areas throughout the body through the bloodstream. At this stage, the life expectancy of sufferers is very low, which is about 12 months.

Treatment of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is one of the types of malignant cancer and cannot yet be cured. The treatment carried out is limited to relieving symptoms and extending the life expectancy of the patient. The method of its treatment is determined based on the following factors:

Based on the above considerations, some of the treatment steps that can be recommended by a doctor are:

1. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the administration of drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This therapy can be done before surgery to shrink cancer cells for easy removal, or after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer reappearing.

2. Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy or radiation therapy is performed by firing X-rays or proton beams at areas of the body affected by cancer. This therapy is usually carried out after surgery to remove the remaining cancer cells.

Radiotherapy can also be performed to relieve symptoms of advanced cancer in patients who cannot undergo surgery.

3. Operation

The operation can be performed on early-stage mesothelioma. There are several options for surgery that a doctor can perform, namely:

• Surgery to remove as many cancer cells as possible from the patient's body. This action can be supported by radiotherapy to relieve pain and inhibit the growth of cancer.
• Surgery to suck out fluid in the chest that interferes with breathing. This action may be accompanied by pleurodesis, that is, the injection of the drug into the chest to prevent fluid from re-accumulating.
• Surgery to remove the tissue around the abdominal cavity, ribs, or lungs affected by cancer cells.
• Surgery to remove the affected part of the lungs and surrounding tissues. The procedure is usually continued by radiotherapy.

4. Multimodality therapy

This therapy is a combination of three or more treatment methods, for example surgical, postoperative chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, to increase the success rate of treatment.

To help the treatment process, the doctor will advise the patient to do the following:

Breathing exercises, to control breathing when experiencing symptoms of difficulty breathing

Body relaxation exercises, to reduce tension in the muscles of the respiratory tract in order to be able to breathe more easily

Complications of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma that has enlarged or spread can compress surrounding organs or tissues. This can lead to a variety of complications.

In pleural mesothelioma, complications that can occur are:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain due to pressure on the nerves and spinal cord
• Pleural effusion

While the complication due to peritoneal mesothelioma is intestinal obstruction, which can be characterized by nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite or feeling full quickly.

Prevention of Mesothelioma

The main way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid contact with everything that contains asbestos. If you work in an environment that is at high risk of exposure to asbestos, then follow the occupational safety regulations that have been set by the company, for example:

• Use personal protective equipment while in work areas that are vulnerable to exposure to asbestos
• Dispose of residual asbestos material in a safe place and does not harm the surrounding environment
• Do not bring home clothes and shoes used during work

In addition, there are several other things that can be done to reduce the risk of mesothelioma, namely:

• Conduct periodic health checks to detect symptoms or signs of diseases associated with exposure to asbestos
• Quit smoking, because cigarettes can increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, including mesothelioma

Follow instructions on how to handle asbestos safely

reference: alodokter