Middletown Mesothelioma Lawyer

Local Mesothelioma Attorney in Middletown, OH

When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they are often faced with many questions. They may wonder what their legal options are and where the exposure happened. A Middletown mesothelioma lawyer can help victims and families investigate possible exposure at industrial work sites, manufacturers, construction projects, and commercial buildings around Butler County and Southwest Ohio. 

Middletown is a city located between Dayton and Cincinnati in the Great Miami River Valley. Throughout its history as a commercial trade center for manufacturing and industry, companies that worked with or installed products related to steel production, like Middletown Works and Glunt Industries, machinery maintenance, and heavy industry utilized insulation materials and other products containing asbestos.

About Kelley Ferraro, LLC

At Kelley Ferraro, LLC, our asbestos lawyers have been advocating for the rights of victims and families for almost three decades. We have handled nearly 55,000 asbestos cases nationwide and recovered over $1 billion for our asbestos and mesothelioma clients. Keep in mind that past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

The firm represents clients throughout Ohio and the country as co-counsel in asbestos litigation.

Kelley Ferraro, LLC, takes all asbestos claims on contingency, which means you do not owe us any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our large volume of asbestos experience comes from years of focusing on occupational exposure to asbestos and educating families on their rights after a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. 

Our co-founder, Jim Ferraro, also wrote a book about practicing law and taking on cases against big corporations titled “Blindsided.”

Understanding Mesothelioma and Its Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and abdomen. It is most commonly caused by asbestos exposure in Middletown, OH. Once ingested or inhaled, asbestos fibers can lodge in the lungs, abdomen, or heart and remain there for years. Asbestos can cause tissue damage and inflammation that may lead to mesothelioma years later. Symptoms of mesothelioma typically mimic other respiratory illnesses and include:

• Shortened breath
• Chest pain or chronic cough
• Fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss
• Swelling of the abdomen

There are now laws regulating asbestos exposure in the workplace under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration asbestos standards, as well as Environmental Protection Agency regulations on asbestos removal and demolition. However, prior to these regulations taking effect, a substantial number of workers encountered significant asbestos exposure in their jobs. 

There are also statutes of limitations under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10 that limit the time an individual has to file an asbestos claim in Ohio, which is typically two years. 

What to Do After Being Diagnosed?

Once you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you likely have many questions about your medical treatment. One of the first things you should do is seek treatment with doctors who work in treating mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. You may also want to begin gathering any records you have from your employer(s), union, military service, or any paperwork that you have that could assist in discovering where you were exposed to asbestos.

Because mesothelioma takes years to develop after exposure, some people may not recall specific job duties or product manufacturers from earlier in their careers. Another step to take after diagnosis is to secure your medical records and pathology reports that confirm your diagnosis. It’s also important to know that mesothelioma can develop after exposure to asbestos at more than one job.

Families have rights after a loved one passes away from mesothelioma. Legal options may include filing a wrongful death claim or a personal injury claim. Every case is unique and depends on the specifics of asbestos exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 2,669 mesothelioma cases were reported in the United States in 2022. This was equivalent to a rate of 0.6 per 100,000 individuals. Men had a higher rate than women, at 1.0 compared to 0.4.

Why Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

When individuals are diagnosed with mesothelioma, the victim and/or their families may wonder if they have options. An option for them is to hire a mesothelioma lawyer to help them in the process. 

Your Middletown mesothelioma attorney can help your family determine likely sources of exposure from factories, construction sites, power facilities, or industrial sites across Southwest Ohio. Oftentimes, workers were exposed to asbestos products made by a number of different companies throughout their careers.

FAQs

What Are the Four Major Asbestos-Related Diseases?

There are four principal asbestos-related diseases: mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural disease. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the membrane surrounding the lungs or abdomen. Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease due to inhalation of asbestos dust, and pleural disease causes thickening or scarring around the lungs. All can take many years to develop after exposure in the workplace.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a Mesothelioma Settlement?

Some aspects of a mesothelioma settlement can be taxable, and others are not. Payments that account for pain and suffering or medical bills are not usually taxable under federal income taxes. Punitive damages and some interest payments may be taxable. Every settlement is unique, so it’s always wise to speak with a tax professional when seeking damages.

What Are the Signs That Mesothelioma Is Getting Worse?

Symptoms from mesothelioma may worsen or become chronic as the disease advances. Patients may experience increased shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, tiredness, trouble eating, fluid buildup, coughing, or severe weight loss. 

Your symptoms may change depending on the type of mesothelioma you have and its stage. Expect your medical professionals to follow up regularly, working to treat complications and ease your symptoms as they advance.

Is Mesothelioma One of the Worst Cancers?

Mesothelioma is thought to be one of the deadliest cancers, as well as one of the most aggressive. The disease is typically diagnosed after it has spread throughout the body. Symptoms usually occur many years after exposure to asbestos. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, depending on diagnosis and health.

Contact Kelley Ferraro, LLC

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, compensation may be available to you. Kelley Ferraro, LLC, may be able to help you understand mesothelioma laws. Contact us today for a free consultation.