Memphis Mesothelioma Lawyer

Dedicated Mesothelioma Attorney in Memphis, TN

A Memphis mesothelioma lawyer can assist individuals and families in filing for compensation after a mesothelioma diagnosis brought on by asbestos. If you or someone you love has received a mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s important to know your legal options to preserve your right to compensation before evidence is lost. Kelley Ferraro, LLC, can help. 

The Advocate You Need

Our firm has been helping those affected by asbestos exposure and other serious injuries for nearly 30 years. During that time, Kelley Ferraro, LLC, has worked with over 40,000 clients from all walks of life across the country to help individuals and families hold manufacturers and big corporations accountable for injuring workers and consumers through dangerous products.

Investigating asbestos exposure histories, finding accountable businesses, and obtaining compensation through legal proceedings and asbestos bankruptcy trust funds are all areas in which Kelley Ferraro, LLC, has vast experience. The firm’s dedication to defending clients in difficult, high-stakes situations is reflected in partner Jim Ferraro’s book, “Blindsided.”

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissue lining the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testes. In most cases, mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can enter the body by inhalation or ingestion. The fibers, which are microscopic, can become embedded in the mesothelium tissue and remain there for decades. After years of exposure, mesothelioma cells can begin to grow and spread, causing symptoms to appear.

Since Memphis was home to many job sites that used asbestos products, workers and residents were at risk of exposure. The areas of highest exposure were ship repair facilities along the Mississippi River, local manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, warehouses, and commercial construction. 

Workers were likely exposed to asbestos insulation, piping, roofing materials, and machinery during construction and maintenance of these companies, along with facilities along I-40, I-55, and I-240.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 2,709 new mesothelioma cases in 2023 across the country. This was a 40% decrease since 2014. In Tennessee, 41 cases were reported in 2023. Mesothelioma is often discovered years or decades after asbestos exposure. Sometimes, victims experience symptoms that replicate other respiratory issues. Some of these symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Fatigue
• Sudden weight loss
• Fluid in the chest

Due to the dangers of exposure to asbestos, Tennessee created Asbestos Accreditation Requirements. This establishes the guidelines and standards for approving asbestos inspectors and companies involved in its removal. While this helps prevent exposure today, it does not take away the injuries incurred throughout past decades.

How to Receive Compensation

Mesothelioma victims may be eligible to file for compensation through a number of different legal claims. Your ability to file for compensation depends on where you were exposed to asbestos, what company or companies were responsible for the exposure, and whether those companies have the resources to pay a settlement or judgment. Common sources of compensation include:

• Asbestos bankruptcy trust funds
• Personal injury claims filed against the manufacturer, supplier, or company responsible for your exposure
• Workers’ compensation if you were exposed during the course and scope of employment
• Veterans’ benefits if you were exposed during active military service

Many individuals exposed to asbestos products were exposed to multiple products made by a variety of different companies. As a result, workers can become exposed over the course of their careers. This can allow an individual to receive compensation from multiple avenues.

Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer

When you hire a mesothelioma lawyer, you have someone on your side investigating the cause of your asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure can occur in multiple locations and often happens decades before a diagnosis is made. If you attempt to file a claim yourself, you may be responsible for gathering all the necessary documentation yourself. Hiring a lawyer allows you to have peace of mind that your claim is going to be handled professionally.

An experienced Memphis mesothelioma attorney can evaluate your asbestos exposure at every job you’ve had. We can determine if you are eligible to file a claim with an asbestos bankruptcy trust fund and can help you obtain your employment and medical records. Our lawyers can work with your doctor to engage professional witnesses, calculate your damages, and make sure your claim is filed in a timely manner according to Tennessee law.

FAQs

What Test Confirms Mesothelioma?

A biopsy confirms mesothelioma. An X-ray, CT scan, PET scan, and MRI can detect abnormalities in your body, but only a biopsy can confirm mesothelioma. A biopsy is when your doctor removes a small sample of tissue for testing. The sample is analyzed by a pathologist, who looks for cancer cells under a microscope.

Is Mesothelioma One of the Worst Cancers?

Mesothelioma is one of the worst cancers you can receive because your body has no early signs of it growing. By the time you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it may have been growing for decades. Treatment for mesothelioma can help alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life. However, there is no universal cure for all patients.

Why Can You File a Claim for Mesothelioma?

Individuals file mesothelioma claims because their exposure to asbestos was most likely preventable. Plaintiffs in these claims believe the manufacturer, supplier or company you worked for knew about the dangers of asbestos exposure but didn’t inform workers or take proper safety precautions. If you are eligible to file a claim, you can receive compensation for your losses.

Can I Receive Compensation if I Don’t Know or Remember Where I Was Exposed?

Yes, you can still file a claim for compensation if you don’t know or remember where you were exposed. In fact, most people do not know where they were exposed to asbestos. Since mesothelioma takes decades to develop, many only discover they have the disease around retirement. An attorney can review work records, military history, union records, and old product databases to find out where you were exposed.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can cause many medical and financial hardships for you and your family. At Kelley Ferraro, LLC, our asbestos lawyers have been advocating for the rights of asbestos victims for almost 30 years. We have represented over 40,000 clients across the country who have sought legal recourse. Contact us today to see what options you may have regarding your exposure.