Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma lawyers can assist asbestos victims file lawsuits and fund claims. National law firms have more resources and expertise than local law firms.
Asbestos victims should choose a firm with an established track record of large settlements and jury awards for mesothelioma. Attorneys must be ready to go to the court if required.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms vary widely based on the location of the cancer and its stage. The pleural type is for instance, and it is found in the linings of the chest cavity as well as the abdomen. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and the accumulation of fluid in these areas. The peritoneal variant can cause difficulty eating, constipation, stomach pain and an unproven loss of weight.
The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type of asbestos exposure that led to the development of the disease. Workers at sites that have used asbestos, like power plants, shipyards and asbestos removal firms, are more susceptible to the disease. People who worked at the World Trade Center before and after 9/11, and those who live near to the site are also at risk.
When someone experiences mesothelioma symptoms, they should see their doctor immediately. The doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure, and then perform physical examination. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, they can order blood tests and imaging tests. Doctors can also order an PET scan (positron-emission tomography) that uses a tracer in order to detect cancerous cell.
The blood test is usually used to measure the levels of certain substances that are more prevalent in mesothelioma sufferers - fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related proteins. Additionally, the doctor may do an echocardiogram. This is an examination that determines how well your heart is functioning and detects the presence of fluid in your lungs, or abdomen.
If mesothelioma has been found to be localized, surgeons may suggest surgery to remove any tumors or other growths. The surgeon could also recommend chemotherapy or radiation to prevent the cancer from spreading or recurring.
To confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis, a small amount of tissue or fluid needs to be taken and examined in a laboratory. This is called biopsy, and it can be done many different ways. For example needle biopsy could be performed to obtain lymph node samples from the region near the mesothelioma or a procedure known as pericardiocentesis may remove fluid from the sac surrounding the heart.
Diagnosis
If someone suspects they might have mesothelioma they should immediately visit their primary doctor. The doctor will inquire about the patient's history of exposure to asbestos, and conduct some preliminary tests.
Mesothelioma can be a challenging cancer to diagnose. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to those of other ailments. It is not uncommon for the cancer to only manifest in later stages. A mesothelioma diagnose can be scary and shocking for the patient.
The first diagnostic test the medical team will likely employ is a chest X-ray. This test will look for signs of lung disease, like thickening and excessive fluid. It could also reveal that linings around the lungs, or even the abdomen's linings are affected. A biopsy will be required to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Based on the stage of mesothelioma, patients may experience different outcomes. Patients can expect to live for between 2 and 3 years in the event that the cancer has not spread. However, if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or organs or tissues nearby, the 5-year survival rate drops to 5 to 10 percent.
Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma type and is most often affecting the lung's lining. It can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, fatigue and chronic coughing. In severe cases, pleural mesothelioma can cause a collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen. It is less frequent than Pleural Mesothelioma. It can cause abdominal pain nausea, weight loss and other signs.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help clients get compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Compensation can be sought against companies who have exposed asbestos-contaminated workers to mesothelioma. It is important to select an experienced firm who understands the complex mesothelioma laws and the facts. If needed, the firm must be able to defend in court on behalf of its clients to achieve the most effective results.
Treatment
Mesothelioma attorneys can assist victims recover compensation from medical expenses, lost income and other types damages. They can assist victims in filing mesothelioma suits against asbestos companies that exposed them to deadly cancer.
Many people who suffer mesothelioma don't know any other sufferers and feel isolated. It is an uncommon cancer that affects the thin tissue surrounding organs. Most commonly, it affects the lung. It can cause breathing problems and chest pain, as well as coughing. But mesothelioma can also develop in the abdomen, heart or testicles. It is a painful condition which has no cure however, it can be treated by chemotherapy, surgery and other treatments.
The survival rate is affected by the severity of mesothelioma as well as its type. Some forms of the cancer are slow-growing and may not be able to spread to other parts of the body. Other forms are faster-growing and more aggressive form that typically metastasizes. Patients with mesothelioma that are surgical candidates and are in a less advanced stage have the greatest chance to survive.
Doctors can send an ounce of fluid or tissue from the affected area to a laboratory for analysis to identify mesothelioma. They can test the blood for high levels of substances in mesothelioma patients, such as fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptides. It is also possible to do a PET scan to see where the cancer cells are more active.
MRI, CT scans, laparoscopy or bronchoscopy are additional methods that can help identify mesothelioma. They are also able to perform chest X-rays as well as echocardiograms and chest CT scans to look for other lung conditions.
The most common mesothelioma-related exposures are those who work in an asbestos mine, shipyards, or in the military. However, it is also possible to contract mesothelioma from secondary exposure through toxic consumer products like talcum powder. Mesothelioma lawsuits have benefited many patients who were diagnosed with the disease. A lawyer can inform you the different types of claims that are available.
Compensation
There are several ways victims of mesothelioma, and their families, can receive compensation. They can file a suit on their own or as part of a class action lawsuit, or they could receive an agreement out of court. In certain cases mesothelioma lawyers can also assist victims in filing asbestos trust fund claims.
Asbestos lawsuits have a limited time for filing, which is why victims should seek out mesothelioma attorneys as soon possible. Mesothelioma is a rare form of aggressive cancer is best treated as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Lawyers can assist victims and their families gather evidence to prove exposure to asbestos. This could include medical records as well as receipts for wage loss. Lawyers can also assist with finding possible sources of asbestos exposure. Many companies that were exposed to asbestos are now insolvent, and have set aside billions of dollars for mesothelioma victims.
Asbestos-related patients in California have been awarded millions of dollars through verdicts and settlements. Mesothelioma attorneys in California have a wealth of experience with filing claims and getting compensation for their clients. They are familiarized with local laws and regulations that pertain to asbestos litigation. They can assist clients understand the options available to them and determine if you are qualified to receive compensation.
Thousands of people have died from mesothelioma, asbestos-related diseases in the United States. In California alone there have been hundreds of asbestos-related lawsuits filed. These lawsuits have resulted in millions of dollars being awarded to the plaintiffs and their families.
Mesothelioma lawyers in San Francisco can help victims and their families file a lawsuit against responsible asbestos companies. browse around here of asbestos litigation and industry experience will allow them to construct, file and resolve a claim with the greatest chance of success.
Brayton Purcell, a San Francisco-based firm of mesothelioma lawyers has helped a number of families in California obtain justice for exposure to asbestos. They have secured some of the largest asbestos verdicts ever. They are committed to helping victims get the compensation they are due for their asbestos-related damages.