Mesothelioma law firm
Asbestos Lawyers near me
Mesothelioma law firm ads
Asbestos lawyers NYC
Mesothelioma Lawyer: Understanding the Facts
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, and abdomen. It is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was widely used in construction and industrial materials until the 1970s.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, finding an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer is crucial. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the companies responsible for exposing you to asbestos, which can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Here are some key facts about mesothelioma lawyers:
1. Mesothelioma lawyers specialize in this specific area of law. They have extensive knowledge of the legal and medical aspects of mesothelioma cases, and they are familiar with the companies that have used asbestos in the past.
2. Mesothelioma lawyers have a proven track record of obtaining compensation for their clients. They understand the physical and emotional toll that mesothelioma can take on its victims, and they work tirelessly to get them the justice they deserve.
3. Most mesothelioma lawyers offer free consultations. This means that you can speak to a lawyer about your case without any financial obligation. During the consultation, the lawyer will review your case, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with an assessment of your legal options.
4. Mesothelioma lawsuits can be complex, and they often involve multiple companies that were responsible for exposing the victim to asbestos. A mesothelioma lawyer has the experience and resources needed to identify all of the responsible parties and hold them accountable.
5. Mesothelioma cases are subject to strict time limits. Depending on where you live, you may have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after your diagnosis. A mesothelioma lawyer can help ensure that you meet all deadlines and preserve your right to pursue compensation.
Finding the right mesothelioma lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. When choosing a lawyer, look for someone who has experience in mesothelioma cases, offers free consultations, and is dedicated to fighting for your rights. With the right legal representation, you can pursue the compensation you need to cope with the devastating effects of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Lawyer: When You Need Legal Help
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer commonly linked to asbestos exposure. Sadly, this cancer often goes undiagnosed until it becomes aggressive, resulting in a devastating prognosis. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that usually affects the outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity, but can also occur in the abdomen or heart. This type of cancer is very serious and often requires extensive medical treatment.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s essential to seek the advice of a mesothelioma lawyer. These lawyers specialize in helping individuals and families affected by asbestos-related diseases. They can help you understand your legal rights and options, and provide guidance and support throughout the legal process.
Mesothelioma Lawyers Can Help You:
– File a mesothelioma lawsuit: If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma lawyers can help you file your claim and navigate the legal process.
– Negotiate settlements: In some cases, asbestos companies may agree to settle out of court. A mesothelioma lawyer can help negotiate a settlement that ensures you receive the compensation you deserve.
– Determine eligibility for compensation: Mesothelioma lawyers have experience with the types of compensation available to mesothelioma sufferers. They can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds, workers’ compensation, or other sources.
– Provide legal representation: If you do need to go to court, a mesothelioma lawyer can provide legal representation. They will argue your case and work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your illness.
Mesothelioma can be a devastating diagnosis, but you don’t have to face it alone. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact a mesothelioma lawyer for a consultation today.
What is a mesothelioma lawyer?
A mesothelioma lawyer specializes in winning compensation for asbestos-related diseases. The best mesothelioma lawyers are experienced in winning asbestos lawsuits and claims. Top attorneys can assist victims and loved ones during asbestos litigation to receive compensation through settlements and verdicts.
Is mesothelioma a tort?
Mesothelioma or asbestos litigation is a type of toxic tort lawsuit. These lawsuits are typically brought against manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of asbestos, a known carcinogen used at one time in many products.
How do you prove mesothelioma?
Imaging Tests for Mesothelioma Diagnosis Imaging tests use x-rays, radioactive particles, or magnetic fields to determine the cause of symptoms that may be signs of mesothelioma. These tests may also be used to indicate how far the cancer has spread, and to help determine if treatment has been effective.
Mesothelioma Statistics
If you’ve received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you’ve likely been told the condition is rare. Because of that, it’s not always easy to find information that’s easily digestible. That’s why we’ve compiled mesothelioma statistics to help patients better understand their condition. Let’s start by taking a look at how the cancer affects those in the United States.
Mesothelioma in the United States
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) compiled data from the National Program for Cancer Registries and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program to calculate incident rates and annual percent change for mesothelioma in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, United States. From 2003 to 2008, an average of 1.05 mesothelioma cases per 100,000 persons were diagnosed annually in the United States—which equates to more than 3,000 people.
While mesothelioma cases develop in Hawaii, the numbers are below the national average. It’s estimated that 0.58 to 0.82 per 100,000 will receive an official diagnosis. That puts the average number of cases per year in Hawaii below the 25th percentile nationwide.
Fortunately, because of federal restrictions and workplace safety initiatives, mesothelioma diagnoses are on the decline. According to the National Cancer Institute, 0.20% of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S. were mesothelioma. The following year, the rate was down to 0.17%
In addition to the 3,000 new mesothelioma cases per year, it’s estimated that 2,500 patients die annually from the condition. Prognoses are based on a number of factors, including exposure length, age, and more.
Where Mesothelioma Occurs in the Body
There are four different types of mesothelioma, which are differentiated by where they originate in the body. The location of the cancer affects how the disease develops and what a patient’s treatment options are.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common, as it accounts for 80 to 90% of all diagnoses. This cancer develops in the linings of the lungs. It’s estimated that 2,500 patients receive this diagnosis on a yearly basis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of the cancer. It accounts for approximately 15 to 20% of all diagnoses. With only 500 diagnoses occurring per year, this cancer develops in the abdominal lining.
Pericardial and testicular mesothelioma account for one percent and less than one percent of diagnoses, respectively. With fewer than 50 diagnoses per year, pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart. Testicular mesothelioma develops in the lining of the testicles. There are only 100 cases described in medical literature.
Asbestos Exposure and Demographic Factors
While anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop cancer, the typical mesothelioma patient is a man older than 65 with a labor or military background. Some of the most at-risk occupations include construction, firefighting, manufacturing, chemical refining, power generation, shipbuilding, and military service.
It’s estimated that 80% of mesothelioma incidences occur in men. For the women that make up the rest of the diagnosed, they typically develop the condition as a result of secondhand exposure.
In regard to race and ethnicity, the majority, 93.2%, of mesothelioma patients are white. The remaining incidents include 5.5% Hispanic, 4.7% African American, and 1.2% Asian/Pacific Islander.
Latency Period and Survival Rates of Mesothelioma
In order to understand a mesothelioma prognosis, it’s important to first understand the average latency period. The latency period is the length of time between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms. While it can take anywhere from ten to 50 years for patients to develop symptoms, the average latency period is between 35 and 40 years. It’s important to note that there is no significant statistical difference with symptoms development between pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma patients.
Even with an average latency period, there are factors that affect it. Patient characteristics and occupation are two common factors. For example, the average latency period to a male mesothelioma patient is 30 to 40 years, while the average latency period for a female patient is more than 50 years. Additionally, it’s been noted that construction workers tend to have a shorter latency period than shipyard workers.
Once a patient understands when they were exposed to asbestos in relation to when they started experiencing symptoms, it’s time to understand the prognosis. According to the American Cancer Society, the survival rates for the different types of mesothelioma are as follows:
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: a one-year survival rate of about 92% and a five-year survival rate of about 65%
- Pleural mesothelioma: a one year survival rate of about 73% and a five-year survival rate of about 5%
- Pericardial mesothelioma: a one-year survival rate of 51%, with an average life expectancy of around six months
- Testicular mesothelioma: a median survival of 20 to 23 months
It’s important to note that the timeframes above only apply to the stage of cancer when it is first diagnosed. If the cancer grows or spreads, the prognosis will change. Additionally, the numbers don’t take into account a patient’s overall health or age, or how well the cancer responds to treatment.
Representing Mesothelioma Victims
If you’ve received a mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s likely you were exposed to asbestos and may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The Frost Law Firm, PC represents mesothelioma victims in Hawaii as well as around the country. If you believe negligence contributed to your diagnosis, we can help you file a claim to seek monetary recovery.
While we understand compensation will not change your diagnosis, it will help you take care of your medical bills and ensure the negligent party is held accountable for their actions. Because of the complexity of mesothelioma claims, it’s important to get in touch with our law firm as soon as possible. When you schedule a case review with us, our Hawaii mesothelioma lawyers will review what you’ve been through and help you decide how best to proceed. Contact us today for more information.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Because of the impact mesothelioma has on the body, patients are likely to experience a number of uncomfortable and painful symptoms. If you’ve received this diagnosis, it’s likely you’ll want to have an understanding of what you’ll be dealing with—including what you’ll be experiencing physically. While symptoms of mesothelioma vary from person to person, there are some similarities among the majority of cases.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are not unique to the cancer, so it can be challenging for doctors to initially make the connection between what a patient is experiencing and what is going on inside their body. In order to understand how symptoms develop and present, let’s start by taking a look at the influencing factors.
Factoring Influencing Mesothelioma Symptoms
While the latency period and symptoms vary for each patient, doctors are able to determine why a patient may experience worse or different symptoms than someone else with the same type of cancer. This is because there are a number of factors that affect a person’s experience with the disease.
The first factor has to do with asbestos exposure. Long-term, high-level exposure to asbestos is more likely to cause symptoms to emerge sooner. This means that a diagnosis could happen on the lower end of the 10 to 50 year range. The type of asbestos also affects the cancer. For example, exposure to crocidolite, which is one of the most dangerous types of asbestos, is likely to cause symptoms faster.
In addition to the factors related to asbestos exposure, symptoms will change depending on the cancer cell type and how it spreads. With cell type, epithelioid mesothelioma typically involves symptoms that are less severe than sarcomatoid mesothelioma. As the cancer spreads to different organs, symptoms are likely to change and worsen.
General Mesothelioma Symptoms
As mesothelioma develops, it typically does so on the lining of the lungs or abdomen. According to the American Cancer Society, some of the most common symptoms include dry cough or wheezing, shortness of breath, respiratory complications, pain in the chest or abdomen, fever or night sweats, fluid around the lungs, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
As you can see, those symptoms are also associated with a number of other conditions. That is one of the reasons diagnosing mesothelioma is so challenging. If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos and that could be why you’re having different pain, be sure to explain that to your doctor.
It’s important to note that the stage a patient’s cancer is at plays a role in the symptoms they experience and the severity. While symptoms do overlap between the four stages, the late-stage symptoms are usually more aggressive because the cancer has metastasized to other organs and lymph nodes.
Common Symptoms by Type of Mesothelioma
The four different types of mesothelioma develop in different areas of the body. As a result, patients with different cancers experience different symptoms. Once a doctor has identified the location of the mesothelioma, they can make an accurate diagnosis and start treating any associated pain and discomfort. Let’s take a look at symptoms related to the different types of mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
As the most common form of this type of cancer, pleural mesothelioma develops in the lungs. As a result, symptoms tend to manifest in the chest cavity and cause respiratory problems. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Persistent dry cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing up blood
- Blood clotting disorders
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen, which is where most symptoms present. Because there are multiple organs in the abdominal cavity, the symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor. Common experiences include:
- Abdominal bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexpected weight loss
- Anemia
- Bowel obstructions
- Hernias
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
As the second rarest form of this cancer, pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart—also called the pericardium. Because of that, symptoms most often develop in the chest cavity. This type of mesothelioma is aggressive, so symptoms tend to progress quickly, including:
- Chest pain
- Heart murmur
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pericardial effusion
Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms
As the rarest form of this type of cancer, not much is known about testicular mesothelioma. What is known, however, is that it develops in the lining of the testes—also known as the tunica vaginalis testis. As a result, reported symptoms include:
- Fluid buildup
- Testicular pain
- Swelling around the scrotum
- Inflammation of the epididymis
- Lump or mass in the scrotum
Managing Mesothelioma Symptoms
While it can be challenging to manage the symptoms of mesothelioma, it is not impossible. Your medical team will formulate a plan of attack so you can receive necessary treatments while managing the pain and discomfort you’re experiencing.
In the early stages and for mild pain, symptoms are often treated with over-the-country nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) containing ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, or acetaminophen. As the cancer progresses and moderate pain develops, opioid medications are often prescribed in addition to the NSAIDs. Common medications used include hydrocodone, codeine, methadone, and oxycodone.
Depending on treatment options and how far the cancer has progressed, surgery may be an option. While that can extend a person’s life in the long run, severe pain often follows operations. As a result, pain is often managed through patient-controlled analgesia. This is when the patient manages the dosage of a prescribed painkiller, which is most often done with a morphine drip. Higher doses of moderate pain relievers may also be used, like fentanyl and hydromorphone.
Contact Frost Law Firm, PC
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s possible the cancer developed as a result of asbestos exposure. Depending on the factors surrounding the exposure, there could be grounds to file a claim against the person or entity responsible.
While the use of asbestos in certain industries was popular decades ago, it is heavily regulated and has been for years. This is because of the harm that the material causes to the people that inhale or digest it. When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma and can trace the condition back to asbestos, legal recourse may be available.
The Hawaii mesothelioma lawyers at Frost Law Firm, PC are dedicated to helping cancer victims and their families handle the expenses of a diagnosis. We understand how costly it can be to treat and manage this incurable disease, which is why we’ve developed the skills and resources to pursue successful claims on behalf of our clients.
If you think you may be eligible for compensation related to your mesothelioma diagnosis, schedule a consultation with our attorneys today. We’ll review your case and provide you with honest legal advice on how best to proceed based on your unique circumstances.
