Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma lawyers are knowledgeable about the legal complexities of asbestos-related cases. Attorneys can help victims file personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits to receive compensation.
Lawsuits can be used to cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and discomfort. Lawyers are familiar with state and federal laws, including statutes of limitations. They can also assist veterans with claims to the VA.
Statute of Limitations
Lawyers who specialize in mesothelioma know that time is crucial when filing a suit. To ensure that victims and their family members receive financial compensation, a mesothelioma lawsuit must be filed before the time limit for filing expires. The money received from a successful lawsuit could be used to pay medical bills, funeral expenses loss of income, pain and suffering.
Mesothelioma claims are complicated and the statute of limitations is short, making it critical to make a mesothelioma claim as soon as you can. The mesothelioma statute of limitations in Texas is two years from the date the patient receives an mesothelioma diagnosis. A mesothelioma attorney can help victims and their loved ones to understand the statute of limitations and the way it applies to their particular situation.
A mesothelioma lawyer will also provide a list of the many factors that impact the time limit for a case. The laws of the state where a mesothelioma patient currently resides and in which state they were previously a resident could be affected by this. Different states also have different deadlines in relation to personal injury and wrongful deaths lawsuits. Additionally, different asbestos companies and job sites have different statutes of limitation.
A mesothelioma lawsuit is a crucial option for patients and their families to hold asbestos companies that are negligent in their conduct accountable for causing asbestos exposure. Survivors can pursue an individual injury or wrongful death suit or a trust fund claim. A nationwide asbestos law firm that has experienced mesothelioma attorneys has secured substantial compensation for clients including multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts. Attorneys have also secured compensation from the asbestos trust fund for patients with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illnesses. Trust fund claims provide the fastest and most straightforward process than a traditional lawsuit. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will analyze the particulars of a client's situation to determine what type of claim would be the most appropriate. The asbestos trust will also receive the documents prepared by the mesothelioma lawyer. The mesothelioma trust fund will review the documents to decide whether a payout is appropriate and if they will accept or reject the claim.
Exposure to Asbestos
The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue and difficulty swallowing. It is essential to see with a physician immediately following being exposed to asbestos. A doctor will go over a patient's medical history and conduct a physical examination. Tests could include a chest x-ray, or lung function tests. A doctor may also perform a CT scan, MRI or biopsy. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, as the disease has a long latency period between exposure and the onset of symptoms.
People who work in shipyards, mills and factories which manufacture or employ asbestos are at most risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. However, mesothelioma is discovered in people with no asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled and then move into the lungs and cause cancer. People who live near locations where asbestos is utilized have a higher chance of developing mesothelioma as well.
Asbestos was once a popular material used in a variety of industries. It is strong and fire retardant. It was used in ship construction automotive parts, insulation and many other products. Asbestos was often used in these products, but it was not visible. When workers cut, sanded, or drilled these materials, the invisible asbestos fibers could be released into the air. Inhaling them asbestos fibers, tiny particles could be inhaled or ingested into the lungs and cause illness.
Many asbestos victims in Texas have received multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The money received from a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death claim or asbestos trust fund claim could aid in the cost of costly treatments and cover lost income. A Houston mesothelioma lawyer is able to help victims file lawsuits or claim.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
The doctors who diagnose mesothelioma will review your medical history, perform an examination and then order imaging tests like a CT scan or an MRI. These scans combine a series of X-rays that are taken from different angles to create a 3D image. A contrast agent can be used to identify areas of interest. A doctor will also perform a biopsy if mesothelioma has been suspected. During mesothelioma asbestos lawyers removes a portion of the tumor's cell for laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Based on your symptoms, doctors may also perform an ultrasound or a CAT (computerized tomography) scan of the abdomen and chest cavity. These kinds of scans produce pictures that show the size, shape and location of any tumors. They also allow doctors to find out how far the mesothelioma has spread.
A doctor might also recommend a blood test to determine your overall health and how well your kidneys and liver are functioning. These tests will determine if you're healthy enough to receive treatment. The results of the tests of blood will also reveal the substances produced by cancer cells, referred to as markers.
If you have pleural cancer, your doctor might drain the fluid that has accumulated within the lining of the lung (the pleura). This can help relieve breathlessness and aid in identifying any indications of mesothelioma. In some instances, the fluid may be removed by a surgeon using an assisted surgery that is video-based.
In rare instances doctors might recommend a PET (positron emission tomography) CT scan. These tests are used to check whether mesothelioma is active and how fast it is growing.
A thoracoscopy can be described as a minor surgical procedure that can be used to check the condition of the mesothelioma in your lung. During the procedure, your physician makes a small cut on the chest wall between 2 ribs, and then inserts a thin tube with a light and camera attached. The thoracoscope is then able to reach the pleura and check it for mesothelioma.
In some cases doctors may perform biopsy to determine the severity of the cancerous mesothelioma. They can also perform a lung function exam to determine the efficiency of your lungs.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma patients must be treated with a combination chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. This is typically the best method to increase survival rates and quality of life. However, doctors might not be able to treat mesothelioma. Some patients live for only 18-30 months. This is because the cancer is typically diagnosed after it has progressed into the later stages and symptoms are present.
A correct mesothelioma diagnosis is essential to receive the treatment you require. This can delay treatment for many patients. Doctors may request imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans or MRIs to identify any possible cancerous masses or tumors in the abdomen or chest. They may also collect a sample of tissue or fluid from the affected area in order to test for mesothelioma.
After a biopsy, doctors can determine the best course of action. If pleural mesothelioma is the type diagnosed, doctors will attempt to decrease the amount of fluid in the lungs which makes breathing difficult. They might place a tube into the chest to drain fluid regularly at home or perform surgery to remove the lung's lining (pleurectomy).
For patients suffering from mesothelioma of the peritoneal region doctors can remove the tumor from the abdominal cavity. The surgery they choose will depend on how far the cancer has spread into the peritoneal tissues, and if it is mixed with other types of tumors. They can undergo an extrapleural pneumonectomy, which removes the affected lung, diaphragm and part of the lining of the chest cavity. Or, they can perform a pleurectomy with peritoneal decortication, which removes the pleura as well as as much mesothelioma as possible.
Mesothelioma can be a challenging cancer to treat and a lot of patients suffer from serious adverse side effects. Some of the most frequent side effects are breathing problems after surgery, difficulty drinking or eating and nausea from chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Before starting treatment, patients should discuss with their physician the possible side effects of mesothelioma.