Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma lawyers can assist asbestos victims with filing lawsuits and trust funds claims. National law firms have more resources and experience than local law firms.
Asbestos victims should choose a firm that has a history of filing large mesothelioma settlements as well as jury awards. Attorneys must also be prepared to appear in the court should they need to.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ greatly based on the stage and location of the cancer. The pleural variant, for example, occurs in the linings of the chest cavity and abdomen. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, breathing difficulties and the accumulation of fluid in these regions. The peritoneal variety can cause stomach pain, constipation and weight loss.
The type of exposure to asbestos can also affect mesothelioma symptoms. Workers who work in areas that have asbestos-related exposure -- including shipyards, power plants asbestos removal companies, and factories -are particularly susceptible to contracting the disease. Additionally, workers who worked at the World Trade Center during and after the 9/11 attacks -as well as those in the vicinity of the site are also at risk.
If you have mesothelioma, it is important to consult your doctor immediately. The doctor will conduct an examination of the body and inquire about the person's past exposure to asbestos. If the doctor suspects that mesothelioma is present, they can conduct a blood or imaging test. In addition to a CT scan of the chest, doctors can also perform a PET (positron emission tomography) scan, which employs an indicator to identify cancerous cells.
The blood test is usually used to determine the levels of specific substances that are more prevalent in mesothelioma sufferers - fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related proteins. In addition, the doctor might perform an echocardiogram, a test that measures how well your heart is functioning and can identify the presence of fluid in your lungs, or abdomen.
If the mesothelioma has been localized, the surgeon may suggest surgery to remove any tumors. The surgeon might also suggest chemotherapy or radiation to prevent the cancer from spreading or returning.
To confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma the patient must submit a sample taken of fluid or tissue and analyzed in the laboratory. This is referred to as biopsy, and it can be done many different ways. A needle biopsy can be used to collect lymph node samples in the area around the mesothelioma. Or, a procedure known as pericardiocentesis is used to drain fluid from the sac around the heart.
Diagnosis
If someone suspects they might have mesothelioma, they should immediately visit their primary care physician. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past history of exposure to asbestos and will conduct some preliminary tests.
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to detect. Its symptoms may be similar to other types of cancer but mesothelioma usually does not show up on tests for diagnosis until the end of the disease. Therefore, a mesothelioma diagnosis can be a shock and a nightmare for the patient.
The first diagnostic test that the medical team will likely employ is a chest X ray. It will detect signs of lung disease, like thickening and excessive fluid. It could also reveal that the lining of the lung or the lining around the abdomen is affected. A biopsy is then needed to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
best mesothelioma lawyers may experience different outcomes depending on the stage of their mesothelioma. Patients can expect to live for between 2 and 3 years if the cancer has not spread. If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs and tissues the chance of survival for 5 years drops to 5-10 percent.
The most frequent form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, affects the linings of the lungs. It can trigger symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue and constant coughing. In extreme cases, mesothelioma may result in a collapsed lungs (pneumothorax).
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma, and affects the abdomen's lining. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Mesothelioma lawyers can assist clients to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. Compensation is available against companies who have exposed asbestos-exposed workers to mesothelioma. It is important to choose an organization that has experience and is aware of the complicated mesothelioma facts and laws. The firm should be ready to represent its clients in court, should they need to, for the best outcomes.
Treatment
Mesothelioma lawyers can assist victims recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other types of damages. They can aid victims in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit against asbestos-related companies who exposed them to this deadly cancer.
Many people suffering mesothelioma are not aware of anyone else suffering from this disease and feel isolated. It is because it is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue surrounding organs, primarily the lungs. It can cause breathing problems and chest pain, as well as coughing. Mesothelioma can also manifest in the heart, abdomen or testicles. It is a painful disease that is not curable. However, it can be managed through surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatments.
The survival rate is affected by the severity of the mesothelioma and the type of it. Certain types of this cancer grow slowly and are not likely to spread to other parts of the body. Other forms are faster-growing and more aggressive form that often metastasizes. Patients with mesothelioma who are surgically eligible, and in a less-advanced stage have the greatest chance to survive.
Doctors can send a sample of tissue or fluid from the affected area to a laboratory for analysis to determine if mesothelioma is present. They can check the blood for high levels of substances in mesothelioma patients. These include fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptides. They can also perform a PET scan, which can reveal the areas where there is more activity in cancer cells.
MRI, CT scans, bronchoscopy or laparoscopy are other methods that can help identify mesothelioma. They may also perform a chest X-ray, echocardiogram and an chest CT scan to check for other lung diseases.
The most prevalent mesothelioma-related exposures is from working in an asbestos mine, in shipyards or in the military. But it is also possible to develop mesothelioma after exposure to contaminated consumer products such as talcum powder. Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have been compensated through mesothelioma lawsuits. An attorney can explain to you the various types of claims that are available.
Compensation
There are a variety of ways in which mesothelioma victims and their families can get compensation. They can file a lawsuit on their own, or as part of a group action lawsuit, or get an agreement outside of court. In certain cases, mesothelioma lawyers can assist victims in filing asbestos trust fund claims.
Asbestos lawsuits have a limited period of time to file, so those affected must contact mesothelioma lawyers at the earliest opportunity. Mesothelioma is an uncommon and deadly form of cancer and it is crucial to act quickly to ensure that legal rights are secured.
Lawyers can help victims and their families collect evidence to prove exposure to asbestos. This can include medical records as well as wages loss receipts. Lawyers can assist in identifying potential asbestos exposure sources. Many companies exposed to asbestos are now insolvent and have set aside millions of dollars for victims of mesothelioma.
Asbestos-related patients in California have been awarded millions of dollars through verdicts and settlements. Mesothelioma lawyers in California have experience in filing claims and getting compensation for clients. They are well-versed in local laws and regulations that pertain to asbestos litigation. They can assist clients comprehend the options available to them, and determine if you are eligible for compensation.
Many people have died from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in the United States. There have been a number of asbestos-related lawsuits in California alone. These lawsuits have resulted millions of dollars being awarded to the plaintiffs and their families.
San Francisco mesothelioma attorneys can help victims family members and loved ones file a lawsuit against asbestos-related firms. Their expertise in asbestos litigation and their experience in the field allows them to build, file and resolve a claim with the greatest chance of success.
The San Francisco mesothelioma attorneys at Brayton Purcell have helped numerous families in the state of California to obtain justice for their asbestos exposure. They have won some of the largest asbestos verdicts ever. They are dedicated to helping asbestos victims receive the compensation they deserve.