What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a term for a group of six naturally occurring rocks (minerals) which are valued for their durability, strength, ability to be manipulated and woven, lack of conductivity, heat resistance, and fire retardant properties.

What are diseases are most commonly related to asbestos exposure?

Common asbestos related diseases included pleural plaques, asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

How is one exposed to asbestos?

Generally, the vast majority of people exposed to asbestos were exposed through their employment as they worked in or around asbestos.  Numerous professions are commonly linked to asbestos exposure as it was used frequently.   Additionally, family members of employees who worked around asbestos can be exposed with that family member brought asbestos home on their clothes.  For a list of common types of workers exposed to asbestos, click here.

A person may also be exposed to asbestos because it is present in their home, or it was present in some product that they used, i.e., joint compound, drywall, brakes, etc.  To see a list of products which contained asbestos, click here.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the mesothelium.

What is the Mesothelium?

The mesothelium is the term for the membrane which covers, supports, and protects most internal organs and structures in the body.

What is Pleural Mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs, called the pleura, which covers the lungs and attaches to the chest wall.

What is Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the heart, called the pericardium, which covers the heart and attaches to the lungs, chest wall, and other nearby structures.

What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, which covers many organs in the abdomen and attaches to the abdominal wall.

What are common symptoms of Mesothelioma?

The symptoms of mesothelioma often depend on where the cancer is located.  Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, weight loss, gastrointestinal distress and heart pain.

How does a person get Mesothelioma?

Though there may be other environmental or toxic exposures which could cause mesothelioma found elsewhere in the world, a diagnosis of mesothelioma in the United States is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos.

How is Mesothelioma diagnosed?

Typically, mesothelioma will be spotted on a chest X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI or other type of picture of the affected area.  The next step is likely a biopsy where the tumor can be examined by a pathologist, and tests can confirm a diagnosis.

How long does it take Mesothelioma to Develop?

The latency period between when a person is exposed to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma varies from person to person, but generally is between 15 and 50 years.

How rare is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is diagnosed in about 2,500 to 3,000 new patients every year and this number is not expected to decline any time in the near future.

Is there a cure for Mesothelioma?

No, there is not.  Though research and clinical trials are currently being conducted into alternative therapies and treatments, at present there is no cure.

What are the treatments for Mesothelioma?

There are numerous treatment options for patients with mesothelioma, that range from radiation to surgery to chemotherapy.  There are also alternative therapies that may help increase the quality of life of mesothelioma patients.

What is the life expectancy for Mesothelioma patients?

This question is largely dependent on the type of mesothelioma, the location of the mesothelioma, the stage of the mesothelioma, the age of the patient, and the patient’s general overall health.  On average, however, a large majority of patients succumb to the disease within 18 months after diagnosis.

Do I have a lawsuit?

This often depends on the type of asbestos related disease a patient is diagnosed with, and your personal health history.  The question will be to determine if the disease can be linked to asbestos exposure, and then is it possible to demonstrate how the patient was exposed to asbestos and by whom.

Do I need a lawyer?

While there is no rule that requires a plaintiff to hire a lawyer to file a lawsuit, it is recommended that plaintiffs claiming an asbestos related illness hire counsel who are experienced in asbestos litigation.  Experience attorneys can simply the process and enhance the possibility of recovery.

Who can file a case?

Typically, the case will be filed by the person diagnosed with the asbestos related disease.  If the individual is deceased before a case can be filed, typically the executor of the estate will file the case.  If there is no estate, a family member will likely be able to file the case on behalf of the deceased individual.  If the person is medically incapable, it will be whoever possesses legal power of attorney, or again may be filed by a family member.

When must a case be filed by?

Each state has what are called statutes of limitation, that limit the amount of time in which an individual can bring a case.  These dates vary from state to state.  A good rule of thumb if considering filing an asbestos related to case is contact an attorney as soon as possible, if not immediately, after diagnosis.

Where will my case be filed?

Your case may not be filed in your home town, or even in your state.  Your attorney can help you determine where the appropriate jurisdiction for filing is based on your work history and the opportunity for the best results.  Even if your case is not filed in your home state, you will not typically be required to travel.

Will my case settle or go to trial?

This depends on a multitude of factors, including what the demands of the plaintiff are, the disease, exposure history, and the desires of the plaintiff.  Many defendants will attempt to settle before trial, and a substantial majority asbestos related disease cases, like mesothelioma, will not go to trial.  A decision on settlement is the plaintiff’s, however, and the individual, or their representative, will have the final determination.

What happens if I don’t know how I was exposed to asbestos?

In some cases, individuals will have no idea how they were exposed to asbestos, as they may not recall seeing it anywhere, or seeing products which were labeled as containing asbestos.  In these instances, an attorney can assist by going over the person’s work history.  Experienced  firms have access to records that demonstrate what products contained asbestos and what worksites had asbestos present.  By comparing the list, exposure can often be identified.  The same process can also be done for family members who may have lived with the individual and who may have unknowingly brought asbestos home.