Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma lawyers understand the legal complexities of asbestos-related cases. Lawyers can aid victims in filing personal injury or wrongful-death lawsuits in order to collect compensation.
Lawsuits can cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Lawyers are familiar with state and federal laws including statutes of limitations. They can also assist veterans filing claims with the VA.
Statute of Limitations
Mesothelioma lawyers understand that time is of the essence when filing lawsuits. To help victims and their family members receive financial compensation, a mesothelioma case must be filed before the statute of limitations expires. The money received from a successful suit could cover funeral expenses, medical bills as well as lost income and suffering and pain.
Mesothelioma claims are complex and the time limit for filing a lawsuit is very short, making it critical to file a mesothelioma lawsuit as soon as possible. The mesothelioma time limit in Texas is two years from the time a victim receives the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A mesothelioma lawyer can help victims and their loved ones understand the statute of limitations and how it applies to their specific situation.
A mesothelioma lawyer will also explain how various factors influence the statute of limitations in a specific case. The statutes of the state where mesothelioma patients currently reside and the state in which they previously resided may be affected by this. Different states also have different deadlines with respect to personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. In addition, different asbestos companies and job sites have different limitations on time.
A mesothelioma lawsuit is an opportunity for patients and their families to hold asbestos companies accountable for exposure to asbestos. Survivors can pursue an individual injury or wrongful death lawsuit, or a trust fund claim. A national asbestos law firm with experienced mesothelioma attorneys has secured substantial compensation for clients including multi-million dollar settlements as well as jury verdicts. Attorneys have also secured compensation from asbestos trust fund for those who have survived mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Trust fund claims are a speedier and less complicated process than filing a lawsuit. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will review the specifics of a client's case to determine what kind of claim is the most appropriate. The asbestos trust will also receive the documents drafted by the mesothelioma lawyer. The asbestos trust fund will then review the documents and decide if the payout is appropriate.
Exposure to Asbestos
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue and difficulty swallowing. Consult a doctor as quickly as you can after exposure to asbestos. A doctor will go through the patient's medical records and conduct a physical exam. Tests could include a chest x-ray or lung function tests. A doctor may also perform a CT scan, MRI or biopsy. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify due to its lengthy period of time between exposure and the onset.
The highest risk is for those who work in factories or shipyards which manufacture or use asbestos. Mesothelioma is a possibility in those who have not had asbestos exposure. Asbestos particles can be inhaled and then get into the lungs, and cause cancer. Residents who live near sites where asbestos was employed are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a strong and fire-resistant material that was once used in many industries. It was used for construction, ships, and automobile components. Asbestos was frequently incorporated into these products without being fully visible. When workers cut, sanded or cut these materials, the invisible asbestos fibers could be released into the air. Inhaling them asbestos fibers that are microscopic can be ingested or inhaled into the lungs, causing disease.
Many asbestos victims in Texas have received multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Compensation from a lawsuit involving personal injury, wrongful death, or asbestos trust fund claims can pay for costly treatments and pay for lost wages. A Houston mesothelioma lawyer can assist victims to file an action or claim.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
The doctors who diagnose mesothelioma examine your medical history, do physical examinations and request imaging tests, such as an CT scan or an MRI. These scans take several X-rays at different angles and combine them to create a 3D image. They can use a contrast agent to emphasize the areas of interest. A doctor will also perform a biopsy in cases where mesothelioma has been identified as a possibility. During a biopsies, the doctor will remove some of the tumor cells for lab tests to confirm the diagnoses.
Based on the symptoms you're experiencing, your doctor may also recommend an ultrasound or CAT (computerized Tomography) scan for your chest cavity and abdomen. These scans provide images that show the size and location of tumors. They can also be used to determine how far the cancer has taken over.
A doctor may order the collection of a blood sample to assess your general health, and also the function of your liver and kidneys. These tests can determine if you're fit enough to receive treatment. The results of tests of blood will also reveal the substances produced by cancer cells, known as markers.
If you have Pleural cancer, your physician may drain fluid that has accumulated in the lining of your lungs (the pleura). This will help with breathlessness and help doctors spot any signs of mesothelioma. In some cases the fluid can be drained by a surgeon using a video-assisted surgery.
In rare cases doctors may recommend a PET (positron emission tomography) CT scan. These tests are used to determine whether mesothelioma has been active and how quickly it is growing.
A thoracoscopy can be described as a minor surgical procedure that is used to determine the state 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 that has a camera and light attached. The thoracoscope will then reach the pleura and examine it for mesothelioma.
In some instances, doctors will use a biopsy to find out how far the mesothelioma tumor has spread. They may also conduct lung function tests to see how well your lungs are functioning.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma patients must be treated using a combination treatment that includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. This treatment plan is the most effective way to increase the chances of survival and improve the quality of life. Doctors might not be able to treat mesothelioma. Patients may live just 18 to 31 months. This is because the cancer is typically diagnosed when it has advanced into later stages and symptoms are evident.
A correct mesothelioma diagnosis is critical to getting the treatment you require. This could delay treatment for a lot mesothelioma lawyer of patients. Doctors order imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans or MRIs in order to detect any cancerous tumors or tumours in the abdomen or chest. They may also collect samples of fluid or tissue from the affected area in order to check for mesothelioma.
When a biopsy is performed, doctors can choose an active treatment plan. If pleural mesothelioma is the type diagnosed, doctors will try to decrease the amount of fluid in the lungs, which causes breathing difficulties. They can insert a tube into the chest to drain fluid at home regularly or perform surgery to remove lining from the lungs.
For patients with mesothelioma peritoneal surgeons can surgically remove the tumor from the abdominal cavity. The procedure they select will depend on how far the cancer has spread in the peritoneal tissues, and if it is mixed with other kinds of tumors. The surgeon can perform an extrapleural pneumonectomy, which removes the affected lung, diaphragm and part of the the chest cavity. Or, they can perform a pleurectomy that includes peritoneal decortication which eliminates the pleura and as much of the mesothelioma as is possible.
Mesothelioma can be a difficult cancer to treat and many patients experience serious adverse side effects. Some of the most frequent side effects include difficulty breathing after surgery, problems eating or drinking and nausea from chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Patients should discuss potential negative effects of mesothelioma treatment with a doctor prior to starting treatment.