Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that comes about mostly due to exposure to asbestos. Over the years, many people working with asbestos and those around them have contracted mesothelioma. The real tragedy in all of this is that it is very hard to take care of and those who contract it are unlikely to survive for very long. This cancer affects the linings of several major organs including the lungs, the heart and the abdominal cavity. It may also affect the testis.
Common symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath (due to buildup of fluid between the lining and chest cavity, wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. More severe cases may result in tumor growth, jaundice, low blood sugar, blood clots in the veins and more.
Treatments have had little effect in the past but they include surgery to remove the infected lining, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgery has not had very satisfactory results. Radiation usually applies to a localized type of the mesothelioma. It only happens post-operation and even then, it only reduces the symptoms of the tumors forming. None of these treatments have been extremely effective so far and they are not very cheap as you may imagine.
To date, miners working with asbestos have developed mesothelioma and this has provided the need for legal action to take place. Much as this is an occupational hazard, people’s lives are being risked and compensation must be made. This is the reason that a mesothelioma lawyer would be necessary. There are several things that you must know about your mesothelioma lawyer before you proceed with the case.
First of all, your lawyer must be qualified enough to deal with the case at hand. There is a lot of know about the disease and its prognosis. Your lawyer should have adequate information on mesothelioma and previous cases involving it. Yu should also look for someone you are very comfortable with since you will be discussing intimate details of your disease with them. Your lawyer also does not have to be in the same state as you. If you fail to get help where you are, try filing a suit out of state. Your lawyer can advise you accordingly.
A good track record is important for an attorney to have since it points to experience in the field. Your lawyer should be able to travel with you to gather data on the particulars of your asbestos infection and should be able to calculate the compensation you should get with regards to the facts surrounding the case. No good lawyer will guarantee the outcome of a case, but they will do their best to help you out.
There are two different types of lawsuits you can file; personal injury or wrongful death. The first is filed by the individual who has come to harm via asbestos exposure and the other is filed by the family of the individual who has passed away due to asbestos exposure. Whatever the case, your mesothelioma lawyer should be able to help you handle it professionally.