Mesothelioma is not a very common form of cancer, so many people may hear this term and wonder, “What is mesothelioma?” This is an incurable and terminal cancer with a single known cause, and it is vital to understand this disease, how it develops, and what you can do if you or a family member is diagnosed with it. The first steps you take after diagnosis are crucial, and you should hire a mesothelioma lawyer to assist you in this challenging situation.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an incurable and terminal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. For many years throughout the US, asbestos was widely used in various applications, and thousands of people were exposed, unaware of the fatal long-term health risks. In recent decades, there have been widespread asbestos abatement and removal programs undertaken across the country, but new cases continue to appear every year.
Only about 3,000 mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the US each year. Despite the fact that the health risks of asbestos are now widely understood, these cases continue appearing because of the very long latency period of this disease. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure; just once is enough to cause mesothelioma to develop, but repeated exposures can cause the disease to develop more rapidly.
It can often take several years to multiple decades for the first symptoms to appear noticeably, and by this time, the disease has already likely reached an advanced stage. Once diagnosed, treatment plans are tailored to the individual patient based on the stage of their mesothelioma, other medical conditions, age, and various other factors.
The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs after asbestos fibers are inhaled. The early symptoms may mimic the appearance of pneumonia or other, less serious illnesses, but they will continue to worsen until the patient receives appropriate cancer treatment. However, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the spread of the disease; mesothelioma cannot be cured.
The average five-year survival rate for mesothelioma that has not yet spread is just 23%. Once it spreads through a region of the body, the rate drops to just 15%, and drops further to only 11% once it has reached distant parts of the body. Cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and even experimental treatments may be used to slow progression, manage symptoms, and maintain quality of life as much as possible.
Ultimately, receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is life-changing in several ways. You could not only face expensive medical treatment costs, but also further financial strain due to the inability to work. Additionally, a terminal diagnosis comes as a psychological shock to most people, and this, combined with physical symptoms, results in tremendous pain and suffering.
The attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC have years of experience handling mesothelioma cases that many other attorneys do not accept. These cases are inherently challenging in several ways and require extensive research and work. We have successfully helped clients nationwide file claims to mesothelioma injury trusts, recover workers’ compensation benefits, and file personal injury claims for toxic exposure against employers, manufacturers, and other defendants.
You have a short time to build a mesothelioma case, and the first steps you take after diagnosis are crucial. You should hire a mesothelioma lawyer with proven experience at your first opportunity. The team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC is confident we can provide unmatched representation for your mesothelioma case, and we will do everything we can to help you recover as much compensation as possible. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help.
FAQs
Q: How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?
A: Asbestos causes mesothelioma when asbestos fibers enter the body, most commonly from inhalation. These fibers are very thin, sharp, and light, so they can remain suspended in the air for long periods. Once inhaled, these fibers can become embedded in the pleura of the lungs and gradually form mesothelioma. It’s also possible for peritoneal mesothelioma to form in the abdomen or for pericardial mesothelioma to form around the lining of the heart.
Q: Is Mesothelioma Curable?
A: No, mesothelioma is an incurable cancer. While treatment can help mitigate symptoms, preserve life expectancy, and slow the spread of the cancer, it is ultimately terminal, and the patient will need to transition to palliative care at the final stages of the disease. Early detection can make treatment more effective, but there is still no known way to prevent the spread of mesothelioma or fully cure it.
Q: What Are the Early Signs of Mesothelioma?
A: Some of the early signs of mesothelioma are often mistaken for symptoms of less serious illnesses. Pleural mesothelioma can cause shortness of breath, painful coughing, chest pain, and wheezing. Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause severe nausea, vomiting, sudden weight loss, and abdominal pain. These symptoms will worsen and evolve without immediate intervention, and treatment can only mitigate symptoms and slow the spread of mesothelioma, not cure it.
Q: How Can I Claim Compensation for Mesothelioma?
A: You may be able to claim compensation for mesothelioma in various ways. You could be eligible to file a claim to an asbestos trust fund, claim workers’ compensation benefits through your employer if you developed mesothelioma from your current job, or file a personal injury case for toxic exposure against a specific party responsible for your diagnosis.
Q: Why Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
A: You should hire a mesothelioma lawyer to help you determine your legal options for your diagnosis. You could be eligible to claim compensation through various channels, and your diagnosis has likely caused a difficult financial situation for you and your family. The sooner you hire a mesothelioma lawyer, the more time they have to build your case and help you claim as much compensation as possible for this life-changing diagnosis.
The attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC accept mesothelioma cases nationwide, and we have nearly 30 years of experience helping clients navigate these difficult cases. Our goal in every case is to help our client secure as much compensation as possible for this life-changing diagnosis, and we’re ready to leverage our extensive experience on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a mesothelioma attorney and learn how we can assist you.
