Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma attorneys understand the legal complexities of asbestos-related cases. Attorneys can help victims with filing personal injury or wrongful-death lawsuits to recover compensation.
Lawsuits can help cover lost income, medical expenses and suffering and pain. Lawyers are well-versed in federal and state laws and statutes. They can also aid veterans who file claims with the VA.
Statute of Limitations
Mesothelioma lawyers understand that time is of essence when filing lawsuits. To ensure that victims and family members receive financial compensation, a mesothelioma case must be filed before the statute of limitations expires. Compensation from a successful lawsuit may cover funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and suffering and pain.
Mesothelioma cases are complicated, and the statutes of limitations are short. It is therefore important to file a lawsuit as quickly as possible. In Texas the statute of limitations for mesothelioma is two years after the victim's diagnosis. A mesothelioma attorney can help victims family members and loved relatives to understand how the statute of limitations applies to their particular situation.
A mesothelioma lawyer is able to discuss the various factors that affect the time limit for a case. The statutes of the state where mesothelioma patients currently reside and in which state they previously resided may be affected by this. In addition, different states have different deadlines for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. In addition various asbestos-related companies and job sites have distinct limitations on time.
A mesothelioma case is a great option for patients and their families to hold asbestos companies that are negligent in their conduct accountable for the asbestos exposure they caused. Survivors can pursue an individual injury or wrongful death suit or a trust fund claim. A nationwide asbestos law firm with mesothelioma lawyers who are skilled has obtained substantial compensation for its clients, including multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in jury trials. In addition, attorneys have experience in securing compensation from asbestos trust funds for surviving relatives of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. Trust fund claims are a faster and more efficient process than a lawsuit. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the specifics of a client's situation to determine what type of claim would be the most suitable. The asbestos trust will receive the documents prepared by the mesothelioma attorney. The asbestos trust fund will examine the documents and decide whether it is appropriate to pay.
Exposure to Asbestos
A shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Other symptoms include weight loss and fatigue. Consult a doctor as quickly as possible after exposure to asbestos. A doctor will review the patient's medical records and conduct a physical exam. A chest x-ray and lung function tests could be performed. A doctor can also conduct tests such as a CT scan, MRI or biopsy. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose due to the fact that it has a long time between the first exposure and the onset of symptoms.
People who work in shipyards, mills or factories which manufacture or make use of asbestos are at highest risk of developing asbestos-related ailments. However, mesothelioma has been discovered in people with no known asbestos exposure. The asbestos fibers may be inhaled and travel to the lung, where they can damage the lining of the lungs and cause cancer. People who live near areas where asbestos was used are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a durable and fire-resistant material that was once used in many industries. It was utilized for construction, ships and automotive parts. Asbestos was often used in these products without being fully visible. The invisible fibers were released into air when workers cut, sanded or cut the materials. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to lung diseases if inhaled.
Many asbestos victims in Texas have received multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The money received from a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death claim or asbestos trust fund claim can 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, do a physical exam and order imaging tests such as an CT scan or an MRI. These scans are comprised of several X-rays at different angles, and then combine them into a three-dimensional image. They can use an agent that is contrast to highlight the areas of interest. If mesothelioma is suspected doctors will also conduct a biopsy. In a biopsy the doctor will remove some of the tumor cells to conduct tests in the laboratory to confirm the diagnoses.
Depending on your symptoms, doctors may also perform an ultrasound or a CAT (computerized tomography) scan of the abdomen and chest cavity. These scans produce images that display the size and location of tumors. They also aid doctors to determine how far mesothelioma has spread.
A doctor may order 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 healthy enough to receive treatment. The results of the tests on blood will also reveal the substances created by cancer cells, also known as markers.
If you have mesothelioma of the pleural the doctor may drain fluid that builds up in the lungs' lining (the pleura). This relieves breathlessness and can help doctors detect any signs of mesothelioma. In some cases the surgeon may drain the fluid through a procedure called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
In rare instances doctors may recommend an PET scan (positron emission Tomography). These tests are used to determine whether the mesothelioma is active and how quickly it is growing.
A thoracoscopy is a minimal surgical procedure that is utilized to assess the condition of the mesothelioma in your lungs. During the procedure your doctor will cut a small slit between two ribs of the chest wall, and then insert a tube with a camera and light attached. The thoracoscope is then able to reach the pleura and check it for mesothelioma.
In some cases doctors may perform a biopsy to determine how far the mesothelioma tumor has spread. They might also perform lung function tests to see how well your lungs function.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma patients must be treated using a combination chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. This treatment strategy is the most effective method to increase survival rates and improve the quality of life. Doctors may not be in a position to treat mesothelioma. Some patients only live 18-30 months. Cancer is usually diagnosed only when symptoms and the later stages of the disease are apparent.
A correct mesothelioma diagnosis is crucial to receiving the treatment you need. Many patients are misdiagnosed, and these errors can delay the time needed to receive the correct treatment. Doctors order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans or MRIs to identify any possible cancerous masses or tumours in the chest or abdomen. They may also request a tissue or fluid sample from the affected area to test for mesothelioma tumor cells.
After a biopsy is taken, doctors can choose an active treatment plan. If pleural msothelioma is diagnosed, doctors will attempt to reduce the fluid buildup that makes breathing difficult. asbestos lawyer mesothelioma may place an incision into the chest to drain fluid at home regularly or perform surgery to remove lung lining.
Doctors can remove the tumor surgically from the abdominal cavity of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. The type of surgery they choose will depend on the extent the cancer has spread to the peritoneal tissues, and if it is in combination with other kinds of tumors. The procedure can be performed as an extrapleural pneumonectomy, which removes a portion of lining of the chest cavity diaphragm, the chest cavity, and the affected lung or pleurectomy, which removes as much mesothelioma from the pleura as is possible.
Mesothelioma is a challenging disease to treat, and many patients experience severe side effects. The most common side effects include difficulty breathing after surgery, problems eating or drinking as well as nausea after chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their physician the possible adverse effects of mesothelioma.
