Call Us :216-575-0777
Call Us :216-575-0777
A Chattanooga mesothelioma lawyer can help individuals and families pursue compensation after an asbestos diagnosis caused by occupational exposure, military service, or exposure at home. For many years, due to manufacturing, foundries, railroad operations, power generation, and construction, Chattanooga residents frequently found themselves working with products containing asbestos, right up until the end of the last century.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, learn about your rights by speaking with an attorney who can preserve evidence and help you pursue compensation.
Call US 216-575-0777
Asbestos claims often require analysis of exposure that occurred several decades before the victim was diagnosed with mesothelioma. For close to three decades, Kelley Ferraro, LLC, has represented individuals affected by asbestos exposure along with other catastrophic injuries.
The firm has worked with over 40,000 clients across the country to assert claims against the manufacturers, suppliers, and other companies that put workers at risk of asbestos exposure. Kelley Ferraro, LLC, has the experience and resources to investigate complicated exposure histories and has handled asbestos trust fund claims and more complex litigation.
Attorney Jim Ferraro is the author of “Blindsided,” which is a strong resource for understanding a firm’s high stakes.
Asbestos was once thought to be a great fire-resistant and insulation material. As a result, manufacturers used it in industrial equipment, building materials, boilers, turbines, pipes, insulation, roofs, flooring tiles, and many other consumer products.
In Chattanooga, common employment sites where workers were exposed to asbestos include manufacturers, railroad companies, power plants, paper mills, commercial construction, and factories near the Tennessee River. If you worked around I-24, I-75, or US Highway 27, you may have driven to job sites where asbestos insulation, commercial products, or materials were being installed, repaired, or removed.
Family members and coworkers were also at risk if they came into contact with asbestos fibers. Asbestos exposure isn’t limited to people who directly handled the materials. Electricians, maintenance workers, plumbers, pipefitters, mechanics, welders, and family members of exposed workers who touched asbestos-covered clothing may also develop mesothelioma.
In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there were 2,709 new cases of mesothelioma that year. In Tennessee, there were 41 new mesothelioma cases that year.
Mesothelioma takes years to develop, typically 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure, before you experience symptoms. Early mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious respiratory problems, so it often goes unnoticed until the damage is severe. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include:
Diagnosis usually requires imaging tests and a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells and to prove that you have mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma victims can pursue compensation from a variety of different sources. Eligible victims can make claims against asbestos bankruptcy trusts, file a claim, and qualify for benefits through workers’ compensation or veterans’ benefits. Compensation typically covers:
In Tennessee, victims typically have one year to file a claim under Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-3-104, but there are exceptions. Talk to an attorney to learn about the different deadlines that may apply and whether any exceptions allow more time to file a claim. Family members can also file a wrongful death claim if their loved one passed away from mesothelioma.
Deciding to hire a mesothelioma lawyer allows you to take action against the parties that harmed you. The process involves more than just submitting court documents. Reconstructing work history, discovering what asbestos-containing products you worked with, and identifying all responsible companies takes time and effort.
You have a right to focus on your treatment and recovery. A Chattanooga mesothelioma attorney can preserve evidence, review your employment records, research historical product information, identify all responsible parties, and file claims supported by evidence.
Mesothelioma most commonly affects the lungs. Specifically, it affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs, called the pleura. Cancer that occurs in this area is referred to as pleural mesothelioma and makes up the majority of diagnosed cases. The location of the cancer typically affects symptoms and treatment options.
Symptoms of advanced mesothelioma can include increased shortness of breath, worsening chest or abdominal pain, persistent coughing, difficulty swallowing, severe fatigue, fluid buildup around the lungs or abdomen, and unexpected weight loss. Some people may experience limited mobility or find they can no longer perform daily activities as they once did. If you experience any changes in your symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
Mesothelioma is most frequently diagnosed in patients 65 or older. Because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure, diagnosis often happens during retirement years. While it’s rare for younger adults to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, the disease can occur at any age. This is especially true for individuals who were exposed to high levels of asbestos early in their lives.
You can have mesothelioma for 20 to 50 years before it’s found. This is because mesothelioma takes a very long time to develop. Most people who have been exposed to asbestos have no symptoms for most of this time period. Once you begin to experience symptoms, they’re typically similar to those of more common respiratory illnesses. You may not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until you have advanced testing, like imaging tests and a biopsy.
You or a loved one should not be forced to figure out your legal options after being diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. For almost 30 years, Kelley Ferraro, LLC, has fought for asbestos victims across the country and has secured for over 40,000 clients the compensation they deserve. Contact our office today to learn more about your exposure history and find out what legal options you may have.
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