Malignant mesothelioma can occur in the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs, the peritoneum, which is surrounding the abdomen, and the pericardium, which lines the heart. Each type of malignant mesothelioma can be further broken down into three distinct histological categories, or cell types; epithelioid mesothelioma, sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a very rare disease, but its signs and symptoms are so common that they can sometimes be mistaken for an everyday illness, making it very difficult to diagnosis. Many patients can have symptoms for up to six months before diagnosis, but may have actually been exposed to asbestos, the leading cause of mesothelioma as many as 50 years ago.
In the late 19th century, many manufacturers and builders became very interested in a long, thin fibrous crystal known as asbestos. They began mining it and using it for electrical insulation in hotplate wiring and building insulation. One of six naturally occurring silicate minerals, asbestos is resistant to heat, fire, electrical and chemical damage. Often, manufacturers would mix it with cement or weave it into fabrics and mats.
Unfortunately, during the manufacturing process, the thin fibers could be released into the air and be either ingested or inhaled, causing serious health problems including mesothelioma, pneumonia, and various respiratory infections.
It is believed that approximately 70-80% of all mesothelioma cases are linked to working with asbestos. For the family members of workers, they are at an increased risk of developing respiratory problems and mesothelioma as well from exposure to the dust and particles that remain on the clothing they bring home from the work environment.
Some occupations that were involved in asbestos mining or use of asbestos include automotive mechanics (asbestos was used for brake linings), railroad workers, shipbuilding, oil refining, power generation, construction/demolition. In addition, in the paper and pulp mills asbestos was used in the drying felt. Moreover, in our military, naval vessels were made containing asbestos.
Even those who did not work in asbestos mines, or live with someone working in an asbestos mines can be at an increased risk by living near an asbestos mine. During the mining process, particles can be released into the air, and you may have ingested or inhaled them during that time, unknowingly – secondary exposure.
Although commercial use of asbestos was outlawed in the late 1980s and 1990s, there are still many buildings and homes in the United States containing asbestos products such as cement and insulation.
Mesothelioma Treatment Support Law
Fortunately, as so many new cases of asbestos-related mesothelioma have emerged, so has a new group of lawyers focusing their attention specifically on asbestos laws and getting patients the vindication they deserve. These lawyers have become known as mesothelioma lawyers.
Mesothelioma lawyers work to gain compensation for patients who have asbestos-related mesothelioma from the businesses who are neglecting them. By law, patients who were exposed to asbestos while working and have developed cancer have a right to compensation.
Legal Advice
It is important to discuss any and all concerns you have about your case with your attorney. However, you may be wondering where to turn for legal advice, and where to find a lawyer that specializes in asbestos law and asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Statute of Limitations
There are a few things to be aware of, such as the statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit as a victim of asbestos cancer, or mesothelioma. Each state has its own laws and deadlines regarding when you can file a lawsuit, and most depend on years from diagnosis.
For example, in the state of Pennsylvania, you must file a lawsuit within 2 years after your diagnosis with mesothelioma. However, the state of North Dakota will give you 6 years after initial diagnosis to file a lawsuit.
In addition, there is a limitation on wrongful death claims for each state as well. Both Pennsylvania and North Dakota require family members to file a wrongful death claim within two years after a loved one has passed. Your lawyer will know what the statute of limitations is for your state.
Legal Resources
If you do not know where to begin to look for an attorney that specializes in mesothelioma treatment support law, here are some great resources to get you started. It is best to avoid television advertisements, and to find someone personal you can trust. If it helps, take along a friend or family member to help you make your decision and ask any questions you may have forgotten.
Local Resources
A good place to start is your doctor’s office waiting room. It may be something you overlook every visit, but the next time you are in for a check-up, or you may want to make a special trip, look at some of literature, i.e. pamphlets, magazines, and information booklets sitting around. These can be great resources for of information with names of local mesothelioma treatment support law firms, and phone number that you can contact to set up an interview.
In addition, it may be a good idea to ask your physician, or his/her staff if they have any information regarding local lawyers who deal with asbestos/mesothelioma cases. If your provider specializes in mesothelioma, it is very likely that lawyers who focus on asbestos-related mesothelioma are aware of this, and have dropped off their business card and some useful information.
Moreover, treatment center where you may go for chemotherapy and radiation therapy are other good sources for legal information. They may have the same types of pamphlets and brochures that you can find at your physician’s office. Again, lawyers specializing in asbestos/mesothelioma treatment support law will more than likely have dropped off their contact information and business cards.
Online Resources
Many great websites can point you in the direction of finding a lawyer in your area to handle your case.
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is a great resource for finding information on mesothelioma law, lawsuits, and legal advice. You can access their website by clicking on the link: http://www.maacenter.org/mesothelioma/law.php
Another great website where you can find information about mesothelioma law and find a lawyer in your area is Asbestos.com – Brought to you by the Mesothelioma Center. For more information click on the link: http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/
http://www.mesothelioma.com/lawyer/faq.htm
http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/choosing-lawyer.cfm
http://www.maacenter.org/mesothelioma/law.php
http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/
http://www.jessehand.com/mesothelioma-treatment-support-law/
