This month we will cover two sides of mesothelioma: the legal elements and the medical elements. Each side of this disease can be heavily daunting. One side of the coin gives you a diagnosis that in a large majority of the cases is fatal within 2 years. There are many obstacles to cover to prolong life and protect and preserve the quality of life that remains. The other side of the coin represents the law and the illegal exposure to asbestos that was the cause of your deadly illness. Most will want to legally pursue options to hold the parties of this exposure responsible and go after monetary compensation.
Your first inclination about asbestos-related illness will come from a medical diagnosis. Most people are devastated and do not know exactly where to begin. Finding a medical professional or specialist near you will be your first priority. Your next priority will be understanding the legal implications of the negligence of others afflicting you with a deadly disease and you will want to take legal recourse.
Both sides of this coin represent a battle – each with specific steps and understandings you must comprehend and master in order to win the war. This months’ blogs will help to empower you with information to cover both fronts.
A diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma will hit hard. Upon all of the medical information a patient must take in, there is also a legal side to this illness. This legal side exists because in most cases of mesothelioma cancer, an employer or manufacturer is to blame. Consulting with a mesothelioma attorney will give any victims of asbestos exposure the options to legal advice necessary in setting up a successful lawsuit.
Malignant mesothelioma is rare cancer with tumors that most often affect the lining of the lungs, chest cavity (pleura) or lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). The cancer is typically attributed to long term exposure to asbestos. This heat and fire resistant material was used in thousands of products, exposing thousands to the deadly carcinogen. Household products such as ceiling tiles, hair blow dryers, insulation and even automotive breaks all contained asbestos.
Malignant mesothelioma affects more men than women and, on average, most victims are given a mesothelioma diagnosis at the age of 60. Symptoms begin some 30 years after being in contact with the asbestos but because they mimic the symptoms of common ailments, it can go misdiagnosed for decades. Mesothelioma symptoms include: abdominal bloating and pain, chest pain when breathing deeply, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath and weight loss.
Malignant mesothelioma is often hard to diagnose, even under the microscope. It can be hard to distinguish between this disease and similar conditions and tumors. Patients should try to utilize a specialist to ensure they get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Normally, there is no cure unless, like other cancers, it is found extremely early and the tumor is removed with surgery.