Mesothelioma is rare and fatal type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is the thin layer that
surrounds and
shields internal organs. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers may
be inhaled or
ingested which causes a disruption to internal tissue and organs including the heart, lungs, brain, and reproductive organs.
Unfortunately, over 5,000 products have been made in the last hundred years that contain asbestos.
Deadly asbestos exposure
causing Mesothelioma has been seen in consumers, individuals who manufactured products containing asbestos, and workers on
commercial and industrial job sites. People working in construction sites, steel plants, factories, refineries, shipyards,
railroads, power plants, and automotive plants may all be at risk for toxic exposure to asbestos. Multiple companies
continue to manufacture asbestos products even though the deadly effects of asbestos have been known for over 60 years.
Individuals have become sick with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure and their families, may now be eligible for financial
compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits or asbestos settlement funds.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos affects men over three times more often than it does to women. Mesothelioma most
often is diagnosed in patients aged 50 to 70 years old. This rare cancer can come in the form of three different types of
mesothelioma that include:
- Pleural Mesothelimoa – This is the most common type of the disease which affects the lining
surrounding the lungs
called the pleura. Often times this disease is asymptomatic, but symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, and
chronic cough.
- Pericardial Mesothlioma – This form of the disease originates just outside the heart in the
pericardium and may
also remain asymptomatic and dormant for many years.
- Peritoneal Mesothlioma – This occurs in the peritoneum, which is the abdominal cavity lining.
Like the other two
forms of the disease symptoms may not be present for many years or they may include weight loss, nausea, swelling of the
belly, anemia, and bowel problems.
The average survival time is one year after any diagnosed mesothelioma, as the cancer is usually in its advanced stages.
This is why a victim of asbestos exposure and resulting cancer should consult with a mesothelioma attorney as soon as
possible. A mesothelioma lawyer can help victims and their family recover damages for loss of income, medical expenses, pain
and suffering, and death.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits – Finding an Asbestos Attorney
If you or a loved one have been
diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to know what your legal rights are. Finding
the right mesothelioma attorney may be a tough choice, but one of the most important decisions you may ever make. You are
entitled to a qualified mesothelioma lawyer who has been successful with previous mesothelioma lawsuits and can give you
personal service and see things through the entire claim process. You should not delay in selecting an asbestos attorney for
the following three reasons:
- Mesothelioma Attorneys Can be Great Resources – The more experienced mesothelioma law firms can be
an excellent
source of information about anything relating to asbestos, mesothelioma, doctors, treatment options, and your legal rights.
- Financial Stress – Being diagnosed with mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos can bring
financial pressures,
loss of income, increased medical expenses, and non covered treatments. Knowing that money may be on the way from a
mesothelioma claim may bring you financial help.
- Statutes of Limitations – There is a statute of limitations time period determined by each state
that could affect
your mesothelioma lawsuit. In most cases, the statute of limitations starts on the day you were diagnosed with
mesothelioma.
