Tampilkan postingan dengan label Mesothelioma. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Mesothelioma. Tampilkan semua postingan

Kamis, 03 November 2011

Mesothelioma Lawyers and Other Asbestos Disease Lawyers & Attorneys

When you have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease like malignant mesothelioma, legal matters are probably not the first issue on your mind.

It is completely natural to be fearful, angry and concerned over how you will pay for your mesothelioma treatment and what will happen to your family when you are no longer able to work. It is for these last two reasons however that you should be considering legal action from the moment you are diagnosed with mesothelioma. The main reason for this is because of the statute of limitations on legal action. This is a period of time within which you must file a claim, or forfeit your right to do so. The statute of limitations varies from one state to another. Any delay could impact your right to make a claim, but do not assume it is too late. A mesothelioma lawyer may still be able to recover damages on your behalf even if the common statute of limitations has passed. The other reason you need to find a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible is because it may be the only recourse you have in order to get compensation for medical expense and lost income. Because of the system currently in place, –retaining a lawyer and filing a lawsuit may be your best choice to hold corporations accountable and force them to cover your pain, suffering, expenses and losses - all for which they may be found liable.

Call us at (888) 360-4215 to speak with a mesothelioma paralegal
Finding the right mesothelioma attorney will help maximize your chances of winning a settlement in a court of law.

What an Asbestos Attorney Does
A mesothelioma lawyer is one who practices in the field of torts - that is, personal injury law and has experience representing victims of asbestos. Torts cover everything from minor sports injuries caused by a Little League coach's oversight to wrongful death due to gross negligence on the part of a large corporation.

Because asbestos litigation is now entering its fifth decade, has become so frequent and involves such large sums of money, it has become a sub-specialty of the law; in legal terms, asbestos liability is said to be a mature tort. This means that there have been enough cases over a sufficient amount of time to establish case law and precedent.

Since mesothelioma can take years and even decades to appear after initial asbestos exposure, these cases pose unique challenges. Over such periods of time, companies go out of business, change their names and/or go into the production of different materials; they move to other states or even other countries; often, they have been acquired by other corporations and are operated as subsidiaries.

This can cause difficulty in identifying the party who bears ultimate liability. Typically, preparing for an asbestos case requires large amounts of painstaking research which involves close examination of old records, previous cases, legal documents and even photographs. Often, witnesses must be found and asked for testimony regarding events and issues dating back twenty to forty years and more.

In addition, because the onset of the disease is often years after exposure to the cause, establishing this causation ("cause and effect," which is at the heart of all personal injury litigation) often requires the testimony of medical experts.

How to Find the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer
It is tempting to go straight to the Internet and type "mesothelioma lawyer" into your favorite search engine. However, this may not be the best strategy. First of all, such a query will result in well over two million hits. Even if you limit your search to a specific state, you may wind up with a million hits or more. You should be satisfied with your communication with a lawyer and mesothelioma law firms before making your decision.

Consider what is at stake, and then proceed accordingly. You may want to ask a potential mesothelioma lawyer the following questions:

How many mesothelioma (not just asbestos) cases have they handled?
What were the usual outcomes (out-of-court settlement, win, loss, appeal)?
Will the attorney be handling your case personally? (At times attorneys may refer your case to another firm that may be better suited to help in your situation - often providing you with the services of both their firms and another at no extra cost to you- this may be a benefit to you)
Will you be able to speak with him/her as needed? Will your calls be returned in a timely manner and your questions answered clearly?
Will s/he and/or the firm accept the case on a contingency basis? (Because of high costs of this type of case, this is often the only option for many individuals; the lawyer takes his/her fee and expenses as a percentage of the final award)
Will your case be handled on an individual basis, or "bundled" with several other similar cases? (This may hurt you if your case is a strong one, but can be helpful to weaker cases)
Does the attorney or firm have a network of lawyers nationwide who will share their research and expertise in order to build a solid case on your behalf?

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Cancer

Asbestos Attorneys and Your Potential Mesothelioma Settlement

Asbestos attorneys carry out their work in the general field of personal injury law. These trained and experienced attorneys specialize in asbestos exposure laws as well as understanding the devastating disease called mesothelioma, and the impact it has on families. Our asbestos attorneys have over three decades of experience representing victims of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. People who worked around asbestos fibers are most susceptible to developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma attacks the mesothelium – the lining around the abdominal cavity and the lungs and heart – and is often difficult to treat, depending on where it occurs in the body and how much it has spread when found. Often the effects of asbestos exposure are not seen until decades after the exposure, as mesothelioma can develop 30-50 years after exposure.
Diagnosis and treatment of any type of cancer is expensive; mesothelioma is no exception and may even be more costly to patients and their families. Asbestos attorneys know how to investigate these cases and how to maximize the settlement values for mesothelioma victims and their loved ones
Asbestos Cancer Lawyer – Giving Hope to Patients and Their Families


Mesothelioma cases are unique in the legal system. Because the disease itself can take many years, even decades, to develop, the asbestos manufacturing companies that are likely to blame for exposure may have gone out of business, or changed their name. They may have moved their headquarters from one state to another, or even relocated to another country. They may have been acquired by another corporation.
This is why it is important for the asbestos attorney to identify the parties who bear ultimate responsibility for exposing a victim to asbestos in the first place. Typically, preparing for an asbestos case requires large amounts of detailed research such as the examination of old records, previous cases, legal documents and even photographs. Often, witnesses must be found and asked for testimony regarding events and issues dating back twenty to forty years or more.
In addition, because the potential onset of mesothelioma is often years, even decades after exposure to asbestos, establishing that the disease was caused by exposure in a specific location during a specific timeframe often requires the testimony of medical experts.
Need a Mesothelioma Attorney?

Asbestos attorneys are experienced in bringing justice to the victims of asbestos exposure. In general, an experienced asbestos attorney will guide you through each step of the process and will work to minimize potential disruption to your life. Each person’s claim is different, but the general steps involved in filing a claim include: gathering case details, the actual filing of the complaint, the prosecution of the case, the settlement and/or the trial.
Our staff of experienced asbestos attorneys and paralegals will provide you with the attention you deserve and give you as much comfort as you need through the litigation process of a mesothelioma lawsuit. Don’t wait – request a free asbestos legal consultation today.
The information provided on theasbestosattorney.com, a website of Sokolove Law, is general in nature, does not apply to any particular factual situation, and is not and should not be taken as legal, medical, financial, insurance, or other professional advice. We make no commitment or warranty that the factual, legal, medical, financial, or any other information on theasbestosattorney.com, or on any linked website, is accurate, complete, error-free, or current. As such, you should not rely on such information, and should seek professional advice if and as you determine appropriate. No attorney-client relationship between you and Sokolove Law is or may be created by your access to or use of the website or any information herein. We may include on the website information regarding lawsuits, settlements, and judgments for cases that Sokolove Law was not involved in. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Please see our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy, which is new and/or materially revised effective November 5, 2010, and our Disclaimers, which are new effective November 5, 2010, for further information.

Veterans & Mesothelioma

Veterans can develop mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure during their military service.

For decades, the men and women from all four branches (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines) of the United States military have defended our country, both in times of war and in times of peace. Veterans put their lives on the line each and every day, both on the battlefront and at the many U.S. military bases located around the world. Of all the individuals in the United States that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, the veteran population has been affected the most.

The simple reason for this increased risk is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, the only known cause of mesothelioma, was used by the U.S. military in literally hundreds of applications. Because exposure was unavoidable for some, mesothelioma remains one of the most serious diseases affecting veterans today, particularly those who served between World War II and the Vietnam Conflict.

Asbestos was used in all branches of the military for many years, especially during the years of World War II and the Korean Conflict. At that time, shipbuilding was at its peak. In fact, about 4.3 million Americans worked in shipyards during World War II and because of the daily tasks they were required to perform, many were at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases.

Navy veterans are at the greatest risk to develop mesothelioma as asbestos was widely used in Naval ships and shipyards.

Navy veterans were exposed to high levels of asbestos present in many areas of navy ships including boiler rooms, engine rooms, galleys and sleeping quarters. While the soldiers who lived and worked aboard the ships - including gunmen, boilermen, and firemen - were susceptible to inhaling asbestos, those who built and repaired the ships were even more prone to developing diseases associated with the toxic mineral. They were tradesmen such as pipefitters, plumbers, mechanics, shipfitters, electricians, welders and boilermakers to name a few.

There have even been instances where military base secretaries, and others who did not work directly on ships, developed mesothelioma cancer through second-hand asbestos exposure. Second hand exposure occurs when asbestos dust is inhaled from the clothes and hair of others who worked with asbestos on the base or from an abundance of asbestos circulating through the air. Loved ones of shipyard workers have also been known to develop the disease due to the same type of secondary exposure.

Because mesothelioma can remain dormant for several decades, many veterans who served during the 1950s to the 1970s are just being diagnosed with the disease. These brave men and women were unaware that they would face a terminal illness in their later years when they had hoped to be enjoying retirement and extra time with their family. Mesothelioma is a particularly difficult disease to battle, and though there have been great advances in the area of mesothelioma treatment in recent years, the overall prognosis for the disease is not a favorable one.

There has also been some controversy surrounding the U.S. government and their responsibility to those who have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases as a result of their service to the country. While the Veterans Administration offers some guidance to afflicted personnel, it is clear that more must be done to support veterans with mesothelioma, including compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and suffering.

Asbestos Exposure and Cancer

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers may cause an inflammation of internal tissue and disrupt organ function which leads to the development of mesothelioma. Asbestos products were used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of applications. Asbestos companies continued to produce these products even after they were known to be hazardous and harmful to workers and their families. Many of these products were responsible for asbestos exposure sustained by both the individuals who manufactured the products as well as those who used them at commercial, industrial and military jobsites. Renovation and construction both at home and in schools and other public facilities also posed high risk areas for asbestos exposure.

Asbestos related cancer is common among military veterans who we exposed on naval ships, in shipyards and at military bases. Naval ships where exposure occurred include aircraft carriers, battleships, destroyers, submarines, warships and others. Some prominent shipyards where asbestos was prevalent include Brooklyn Navy Yard, Norfolk Navy Shipyard, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. At commercial and industrial locations including refineries, power plants, steel mills, auto production facilities and large construction sites, many workers were put at risk. Some of the occupations of workers at risk include electricians, plumbers, boilermakers, carpenters, mechanics , machinists and more. Additionally, if you lived with someone who was regularly exposed to asbestos and washed their clothes, you could be at risk for second hand asbestos exposure

Mesothelioma Treatment

 Once an individual has been diagnosed by a qualified mesothelioma doctor, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options and to develop a treatment plan. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing mesothelioma and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients often have many questions for their doctors about the treatment options that would be most effective for them. Conventional treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Recently, chemotherapy drugs including Alimta® and Cisplatin have showed promising results in some patients.

Mesothelioma clinical trials as well as experimental treatments are other options that certain mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma experts such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of cancer centers where mesothelioma treatment takes place. Beyond the conventional treatments for mesothelioma, certain alternative therapies may provide assistance to mesothelioma patients. We continually update this section of our site as new mesothelioma treatment information becomes available. Check back often to read about the most recent advances.

Mesothelioma

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is dedicated to serving mesothelioma victims and their families.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body's internal organs, known as the mesothelium. There are three recognized types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease, accounting for roughly 70% of cases, and occurs in the lining of the lung known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum and pericardial mesothelioma originates in the pericardium, which lines the heart.

An individual may be at risk to develop mesothelioma if he or she was exposed to asbestos in the workplace or at home. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and the inhalation of asbestos particles. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those with a past asbestos exposure history experiencing symptoms should consult a physician with experience in accurately diagnosing mesothelioma. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be caught at an early stage. At earlier stages of mesothelioma progression, more treatment options are available and oftentimes a better prognosis is given. Additional mesothelioma information and statistics can be found in this section.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, more precisely malignant mesothelioma, is a rare form of cancer that develops from the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs, the mesothelium. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.[1]
Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), thepericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart),[2] or the tunica vaginalis (a sac that surrounds the testis).
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. It has also been suggested that washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma.[3] Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking greatly increases the risk of other asbestos-induced cancers.[4] Those who have been exposed to asbestos have collected damages for asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma. Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in law practices regarding mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).
The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss. The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-ray and CT scan, and is confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination. Athoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies. It allows the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space (called pleurodesis), which prevents more fluid from accumulating and pressing on the lung. Despite treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or sometimes surgery, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Research about screening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

A patient with mesothelioma usually begins showing symptoms 15 to 50 years after their exposure to asbestos. The cancer may take decades to develop in the body and symptoms do not arise until after the cancer is present. Common early symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, coughing, shortness of breath and reduced respiratory function. Many patients are unaware they have developed mesothelioma or the severity of their condition as mesothelioma symptoms typically resemble symptoms of less serious illnesses and occur so long after the initial exposure.


If you have a history of asbestos exposure, the leading cause of mesothelioma, and believe you may be showing signs of mesothelioma, it is best to seek immediate medical advice. Informing your doctor of previous asbestos exposure can alert them to the possibility of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma.


If you have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should strive to gather as much information as possible about symptoms, doctors and the disease of mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma Center offers a free packet covering the nation's leading mesothelioma doctors and treatment centers, as well as financial assistance options to help cover medical costs. To receive your packet in the mail, please enter your information below.

Veterans and Mesothelioma

During the better part of the 20th century, the United States Armed Forces used asbestos in the production of many types of ships, buildings and vehicles, thus exposing countless soldiers and workers to this terrible mineral. At its peak, asbestos was used predominantly in factories during World War II and many U.S. veterans suffered from mesothelioma as a result, because the harmful effects of asbestos were not known until decades later. Even now, as asbestos use and production has declined significantly, many veterans could still be afflicted, unaware of the early symptoms of mesothelioma.


The Mesothelioma Resource Online offers a comprehensive list of American naval vessels and military ships that were produced using asbestos, as well as a state-by-state directory of Veterans Affairs center and hospitals to assist service men and women who are suffering from mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Previously, diagnosing mesothelioma in its early stages had been a difficult, almost impossible task, because the early symptoms of this disease resemble those of similar diseases and sometimes even basic illnesses. The severity of mesothelioma is defined by four stages, with prognosis becoming bleaker as each stage progresses, so the discovery of symptoms in the first two stages is essential for ensuring a greater mesothelioma life expectancy. Additionally, the difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma is caused by a large latency period, meaning that it can take decades between the initial exposure to asbestos and development of symptoms. However, if you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and experiences initial symptoms such as chest pain, violent coughing, and fatigue, it is essential that you consult with a physician immediately.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma Resource Online has created and developed this site to provide answers and support for people diagnosed with mesothelioma, as well as their families and loved ones. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos and has long been considered a mystery and incurable. However, over the past two decades, physicians, scientists and researchers have begun to unravel this mystery and help peoplediagnose mesothelioma in its earlier stages, while providing more extensive forms oftreatment, vast resources, and general information to make coping and survival more about optimism rather than uncertainty.