Mesothelioma is one of the more rare forms of cancer which primarily attacks the lining of the lung, or the linings of the abdomen or heart. The mesothelium is a lining that covers the majority of your internal organs, hence the name.
While the origins of many types of cancers cannot be traced to any specific cause, mesothelioma can be directly traced back to exposure to asbestos or asbestos dust. The use of asbestos in thousands of products and applications increased after World War II and it was only some thirty years later, in the mid 1970s, that the relevant Health and Safety authorities throughout the world restricted the use of asbestos products in industry and in the home.
While a number of asbestos products may have been banned, particularly since the mid 1980’s, we are still faced with the fact that many buildings built before then contain asbestos products. Some asbestos products are still available today, even though the risk of exposure to the material has been widely reported. There is still no complete ban of this material.
We are faced, therefore, with a generation that was not protected from the physical damage caused by asbestos. Millions of workers were exposed to asbestos dust, by working in industries such as shipyards, asbestos mines and mills, the construction industry (particularly carpenters, drywall installers, etc) and many others. In addition, family members of trades people have been indirectly exposed simply by perhaps doing the laundry of their family member, and are consequently suffering with this disease.
Symptoms sometimes appear as long as 20 to 50 years after exposure. The mesothelioma symptoms which present themselves are, therefore, sometimes not immediately correctly diagnosed. They can easily be mistaken for more common conditions such as chest or heart problems. The symptoms are generally difficulty of breathing, coughing, chest pains, excessive tiredness or anemia. If the mesothelioma is present in the abdomen, symptoms would include weight loss, stomach pains, and abdominal swelling.
If a medical history reflects that the patient had been exposed to asbestos, however long ago, this should be fully investigated. The mesothelioma diagnosis, although sometimes difficult, can be confirmed after a physical examination, chest X-rays, or MRI scans have been completed. A biopsy would be the final confirmation of the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Depending on the location of the abnormality, tissue samples can be taken from the chest, throat, lungs or abdomen. Normally this will be done using advanced medical procedures such as scopes, but if these do not yield the required results, more extensive surgery may be required.
Because mesothelioma does not respond well to standard treatments for cancers, such as chemotherapy and radiation, the prognosis is generally very poor, and the disease is terminal. If it is diagnosed earlier, the patient may expect to live for up to five years after diagnosis. Most patients, however, do not live longer than 6 to 18 months after diagnosis.
Because of the research done into the damage caused by asbestos and asbestos dust, many families now consult a good mesothelioma attorney, of whom there are a number in Louisiana, who would be able to advise them of their legal position. The initial news that you or a family member have contracted this terminal disease is devastating, and thinking beyond the disease and what it means to you, is almost impossible. However, it is important to understand that you may be able to claim compensation, particularly if you were exposed to asbestos without any knowledge of the physical and terminal damage it was doing to your body.
A mesothelioma lawyer, experienced in such matters, will be able to give you sound and objective advice, based on facts and past cases. At a time when you are battling to come to terms with the reality of something you knew nothing about, a good lawyer will become an essential ally and advisor. It is crucial to establish the link between your disease and your exposure to asbestos. Legal firms today are working on an increasing number of cases, where the exposure was sometimes up to 50 years prior to diagnosis.
Unwittingly, you may have been carrying the disease for many years. The mesothelioma lawsuit will protect your rights, and will recompense you and your family for your loss. While it may seem inadequate, many families have benefited from the mesothelioma settlement and have been able to recover costs such as medical bills (which can be exorbitant), funeral costs, and loss of income.
Mesothelioma is one of the more rare forms of cancer which primarily attacks the lining of the lung, or the linings of the abdomen or heart. The mesothelium is a lining that covers the majority of your internal organs, hence the name.
While the origins of many types of cancers cannot be traced to any specific cause, mesothelioma can be directly traced back to exposure to asbestos or asbestos dust. The use of asbestos in thousands of products and applications increased after World War II and it was only some thirty years later, in the mid 1970s, that the relevant Health and Safety authorities throughout the world restricted the use of asbestos products in industry and in the home.
While a number of asbestos products may have been banned, particularly since the mid 1980’s, we are still faced with the fact that many buildings built before then contain asbestos products. Some asbestos products are still available today, even though the risk of exposure to the material has been widely reported. There is still no complete ban of this material.
We are faced, therefore, with a generation that was not protected from the physical damage caused by asbestos. Millions of workers were exposed to asbestos dust, by working in industries such as shipyards, asbestos mines and mills, the construction industry (particularly carpenters, drywall installers, etc) and many others. In addition, family members of trades people have been indirectly exposed simply by perhaps doing the laundry of their family member, and are consequently suffering with this disease.
Symptoms sometimes appear as long as 20 to 50 years after exposure. The mesothelioma symptoms which present themselves are, therefore, sometimes not immediately correctly diagnosed. They can easily be mistaken for more common conditions such as chest or heart problems. The symptoms are generally difficulty of breathing, coughing, chest pains, excessive tiredness or anemia. If the mesothelioma is present in the abdomen, symptoms would include weight loss, stomach pains, and abdominal swelling.
If a medical history reflects that the patient had been exposed to asbestos, however long ago, this should be fully investigated. The mesothelioma diagnosis, although sometimes difficult, can be confirmed after a physical examination, chest X-rays, or MRI scans have been completed. A biopsy would be the final confirmation of the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Depending on the location of the abnormality, tissue samples can be taken from the chest, throat, lungs or abdomen. Normally this will be done using advanced medical procedures such as scopes, but if these do not yield the required results, more extensive surgery may be required.
Because mesothelioma does not respond well to standard treatments for cancers, such as chemotherapy and radiation, the prognosis is generally very poor, and the disease is terminal. If it is diagnosed earlier, the patient may expect to live for up to five years after diagnosis. Most patients, however, do not live longer than 6 to 18 months after diagnosis.
Because of the research done into the damage caused by asbestos and asbestos dust, many families now consult a good mesothelioma attorney, of whom there are a number in Louisiana, who would be able to advise them of their legal position. The initial news that you or a family member have contracted this terminal disease is devastating, and thinking beyond the disease and what it means to you, is almost impossible. However, it is important to understand that you may be able to claim compensation, particularly if you were exposed to asbestos without any knowledge of the physical and terminal damage it was doing to your body.
A mesothelioma lawyer, experienced in such matters, will be able to give you sound and objective advice, based on facts and past cases. At a time when you are battling to come to terms with the reality of something you knew nothing about, a good lawyer will become an essential ally and advisor. It is crucial to establish the link between your disease and your exposure to asbestos. Legal firms today are working on an increasing number of cases, where the exposure was sometimes up to 50 years prior to diagnosis.
Unwittingly, you may have been carrying the disease for many years. The mesothelioma lawsuit will protect your rights, and will recompense you and your family for your loss. While it may seem inadequate, many families have benefited from the mesothelioma settlement and have been able to recover costs such as medical bills (which can be exorbitant), funeral costs, and loss of income.
Nick Johnson is lead counsel with Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs in many states and focuses on injury cases involving Fen-Phen and PPH, Paxil, Mesothelioma and Nursing Home Abuse. Call Nick Johnson at 1-888-311-5522 or visit http://www.johnsonlawgroup.com