Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma lawyers are knowledgeable about the legal complexities associated with asbestos-related cases. Attorneys can assist victims to file personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits in order to obtain compensation.
Lawsuits can help pay for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and discomfort. Lawyers are familiarized with the laws of both states and federal including statutes. They can also assist veterans submit claims to the VA.
Statute of Limitations
Mesothelioma lawyers understand that time is of the crucial importance when filing a lawsuit. A mesothelioma suit must be filed within the statute of limitations to allow the victims and their families receive financial compensation. The money received from a successful lawsuit may be used to pay funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Mesothelioma cases are extremely complex and the statutes of limitation are comparatively short. Therefore, it is crucial to make a claim as quickly as possible. In Texas the statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases is two years following a victim's diagnosis. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist patients and their loved ones understand the statute of limitations and how it applies to their specific situation.
A mesothelioma attorney can also explain how various factors affect the statute of limitation in a specific case. For example, a mesothelioma victim's state of residence can affect which state's statutes apply to their case. Different states also have different deadlines with respect to personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Also, asbestos-related companies and work sites may have different laws.
A mesothelioma suit is an opportunity for patients and their families to hold asbestos companies responsible for asbestos exposure. A person who has suffered from asbestos exposure can file a personal or wrongful death suit or a trust claim. A nationwide asbestos law firm with mesothelioma lawyers who are skilled has received substantial compensation for its clients including multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements. Attorneys have also secured compensation from the asbestos trust fund for survivors of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Trust fund claims are a faster and more efficient process than a lawsuit. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will analyze the specifics of a particular client's case and determine which claim is best suited to the situation. The mesothelioma attorney will also prepare the necessary documents for the patient to submit to the asbestos trust. The asbestos trust fund will review the documents and decide whether the payout is appropriate.
Exposure to Asbestos
The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath and chest pain. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss and difficulty swallowing. Consult a doctor as quickly as possible after exposure to asbestos. A doctor will review a patient's medical history and conduct a physical examination. A chest x-ray as well as lung function tests may be carried out. A doctor can also conduct a CT scan, MRI or biopsy. Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because of its long period of latency between exposure and the onset.
The highest risk is those who work in shipyards or factories which manufacture or use asbestos. However, mesothelioma has been discovered in people with no asbestos exposure. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled, and then move to the lungs, where they harm the lining and can cause cancer. Residents who live near sites where asbestos was used are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a strong and fire-retardant material that was once used in many industries. It was used in ship construction, automobile parts, insulation and many other products. Asbestos was frequently incorporated into these products but 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, causing illnesses.
Many asbestos victims in Texas have received multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The compensation from a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death claim or asbestos trust fund claim could help pay for costly treatments and also cover the loss of income. A Houston mesothelioma law firm can help victims file a lawsuit or claim.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Doctors who diagnose mesothelioma look over your medical history, conduct physical examinations and request imaging tests like the CT scan or MRI. These scans combine of X-rays that are taken from different angles to create a 3D image. They can use a contrast agent to highlight the areas of interest. If mesothelioma is suspected, the doctor may also perform an examination. During a biopsies the doctor will remove some of the tumor cells to conduct lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Depending on the symptoms you are experiencing, your doctor might also suggest an ultrasound or CAT (computerized Tomography) scan for the abdomen and chest cavity. These scans create images that display the size and location of tumors. They can be used to determine how far the cancer has been able to spread.
A doctor may request the collection of a blood sample to assess your general health, as well as the functioning of your liver and kidneys. These tests can determine if you're in good enough health to receive treatment. The results of tests of blood can also reveal substances produced by cancer cells, also known as markers.
If you are diagnosed with pleural cancer, your doctor may need to drain the fluid that has accumulated within the lining of the lungs (the pleura). This can help relieve breathlessness and help doctors spot any signs of mesothelioma. In some instances, the fluid may be removed by a surgeon using a video-assisted surgery.
In rare cases doctors may recommend a PET (positron emission tomography) CT scan. These tests are utilized to determine whether mesothelioma is spread and how quickly it is growing.
A thoracoscopy, a minor surgery, can be used to determine the state of mesothelioma within your lung. In the course of the procedure, your doctor will make a small incision between two ribs on your chest wall and insert a tube with an imaging camera and a light. The thoracoscope will then reach the pleura to examine it for mesothelioma.
In certain cases doctors may decide to perform biopsy to determine the extent of the cancerous mesothelioma. They can also conduct an examination of the lung function to determine the effectiveness of your lungs.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma patients should be treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. This is typically the most effective way to increase survival rates and improve quality of life. However, doctors might not be able to cure mesothelioma. Some patients could live for just 18 to 31 months. asbestos lawyer mesothelioma is usually diagnosed when symptoms and later stages of the disease are apparent.
The correct diagnosis of mesothelioma is critical to getting the treatment you need. Many patients are misdiagnosed and these mistakes can delay the time to receive the correct treatment. Doctors will usually request imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs to identify any cancerous masses or tumors in the abdomen or chest. They will also take samples of fluid or tissue from the affected area to test for mesothelioma.
When a biopsy is performed doctors can then choose an active treatment plan. If Pleural mesothelioma is the cause that is diagnosed, doctors will seek to decrease the amount of fluid in the lungs that causes breathing difficulties. They might place an incision in the chest to drain fluid frequently at home or undergo surgery to remove the lung's lining (pleurectomy).
For patients with mesothelioma of the peritoneal region doctors can remove the tumor from the abdominal cavity. The surgery they choose will depend on the extent the cancer has spread to the peritoneal tissues, and if it is mixed with other kinds of tumors. They can elect to perform extrapleural pneumonectomy which eliminates a part of the lining of the chest cavity, the diaphragm, and the affected lung or pleurectomy and peritoneal decoration that removes as much mesothelioma from the pleura as possible.
Mesothelioma can be a challenging cancer to treat, and many patients experience serious adverse effects. Some of the most common adverse effects include breathing difficulties after surgery, problems eating or drinking and nausea following chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their doctor the possible adverse effects associated with mesothelioma.