Mesothelioma Lawyer
Mesothelioma is a life-threatening medical condition caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. When inhaled, some of these fibers embed themselves in the lining of the lungs, causing the cells to swell. The damage resulting from swelling leads to the development of tumors. Many victims are unaware of the dangers of these asbestos fibers, and when the condition is identified, most victims are given less than 12 months to live.
Are you or someone you love a mesothelioma victim?
At Phillips Law Group, our team of injury attorneys and support staff has been helping to protect the rights of injury victims for more than 27 years. During this time, we have represented more than 155,000 consumer clients and recovered more than $750,000,000 in compensation for our clients.
For a free review of your mesothelioma claim, complete our “Free Case Evaluation” form or call 1-800-706-3000 . There are no fees if we accept your case and are ready to help you today.
Phillips Law Group – Free Consultation. Phone: 1-800-706-3000
How can I know if I have a case of mesothelioma?
As mesothelioma is a very specific type of medical condition, those who are diagnosed with this condition are likely to have grounds to file a lawsuit.
However, as each case is unique, we recommend that you contact a mesothelioma attorney at our firm to review the details of your claim.
What is my mesothelioma case worth?
In Arizona, there are no damage limits or financial limits for wrongful death lawsuits.
When trying to recover compensation, there are a number of mesothelioma trust funds from which a victim may be eligible to receive compensation. These trusts were created by companies through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, allowing them to continue doing business while paying their debts. Trusts are commonly managed by trustees, who are responsible for determining how much compensation is paid to those who claim against them.
To be eligible, victims must provide proof that they have suffered an asbestos-related injury and may be required to meet certain medical criteria. It is important to note that plaintiffs cannot sue businesses that have already filed for bankruptcy without having reorganized under the US bankruptcy code.
There is also a statute of limitations, which determines how long victims and their families have to file a lawsuit.
For mesothelioma claims, there is a two year limit to file your claim. However, there may be circumstances specific to your claim that may shorten or extend this time frame. If you think you have a mesothelioma claim, we encourage you to contact a mesothelioma attorney at our law firm for a free evaluation of your claim.
Do you have some questions? We have answers. Phone: 1-800-706-3000 .
Are there different types of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can occur in a thin layer of tissue that covers many of the body’s organs. Most commonly, asbestos fibers are embedded in the lining of the lungs; however, other cases can be found in the tissue surrounding the abdomen, around the testicles (in men), and the heart.
There are four primary types of mesothelioma, which are defined by the location of the tumor.
- Pleural mesothelioma: It is the most common form of mesothelioma, whose tumor forms in the chest of the victim. Approximately 70% of mesothelioma cases have this type of condition. Pleural mesothelioma mortality rates are quite high, however life expectancy can be extended if the cancer is detected early. People with stage 1 cancer have an approximate life expectancy of 3 years or more, compared to 12 months for those with stage 4.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma is where the tumor forms in the lining of the abdomen. Up to 20% of mesothelioma cases have this type of condition. With surgery and thermal chemotherapy treatment, the life expectancy of victims with this type of mesothelioma is at least five years.
- Pericardial mesothelioma: Involves the formation of tumors in the lining of the heart. This condition is quite rare, with approximately 200 reported cases. Patients who have undergone successful surgery have lived for many years beyond the life expectancy rate for this form of mesothelioma, which can range from six weeks to just over a year.
- Testicular mesothelioma: This is another rare type of mesothelioma, with medical documentation having fewer than 100 reported cases. Treatment options include surgery and chemotherapy, with a life expectancy of approximately two years.
Although treatments are available, in most cases mesothelioma is incurable.
Philips Law Group. Phone: 1-800-706-3000 .
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is generally known as a disease that takes a long time to develop. In many victims, symptoms may not appear until more than 20 years after initial exposure.
Because fatigue, weight loss, and chest pains don’t start to appear until the tumors press against the nerves, victims who experience these problems are often at a stage 3 to 4 level of disease.
However, some victims may experience shortness of breath, which can be caused by fluid produced by the lungs in the early stages of the condition. If so, early detection may provide an opportunity to begin treatment before the cancer spreads.
Some other symptoms of mesothelioma may include:
- Chest pain
- Muscular weakness
- Fatigue
- fluid around the lungs
- Blood clots
- Dry cough
- wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- balance problems
It is important to note that since these symptoms are similar to many other physical ailments, it is important to discuss any concerns you may have with your preferred physician.
Occupations that have a high risk of exposure to asbestos
There are several ways a person can be exposed to mesothelioma, including:
- Occupational exposure: It is usually the most common cause of exposure. Since most workers are exposed to asbestos fibers repeatedly for many hours each day, the potential for inhaling asbestos fibers is significant.
- Second hand exhibition:When workers are exposed to asbestos fibers, their clothing is also exposed. When they get home, workers can bring those fibers into their residence, which can then expose family members and others to those fibers. An example might be when a husband comes home after installing asbestos-laden insulation and hugs his wife without having changed his clothes. That physical connection can result in the transfer of fibers that the wife can inhale later. Another example might be when a person is washing clothes that have asbestos fibers in them. As clothes are loaded into the washing machine, the fibers can become airborne, giving rise to the potential for them to be inhaled. Secondhand exposure is also known as “secondary asbestos exposure”,
- Environmental exposure: This tends to occur when people come into contact with asbestos in a natural setting; An example would be workers who are exposed while in an asbestos mine or perhaps in a manufacturing facility that processes asbestos.
Some industries that have been shown to have high rates of asbestos exposure for workers, including:
- asbestos mining
- auto repair
- chemical plants
- Construction (carpenters, dryers, painters, tilers)
- demolition
- Fight against fire
- Oil refineries
- paper mills
- printing factories
- Roofing
- Naval building
- steel fabrication
If you worked in these types of industries and have developed symptoms that seem consistent with those associated with mesothelioma, you may want to contact your doctor immediately.