For Veterans: Facing A Mesothelioma Diagnosis | Shrader Law
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Over the next several weeks, we’ll explore some of the key topics of interest for veterans of the military regarding exposure to asbestos and the possible consequences to their health and finances that can result from the exposure.

Veterans at risk for potentially fatal levels of asbestos exposure typically are those who served between the years of the First World War and Vietnam. Those individuals were not made aware of the risks to their well-being at their time of service, and some may not even be aware of them now. The purpose of these next several articles is to educate and inform those who may have been affected by toxic levels of asbestos about their medical, legal, and financial options in the years following exposure.

More information about the risks and consequences of asbestos exposure for veterans of the U.S. Military, including a free consultation of your possible case against those responsible for exposing you to a known dangerous carcinogen, you can contact Shrader Law and Associates, LLP directly any time of the day TOLL-FREE at 1-877-637-6347.

PART V: FACING A MESOTHELIOMA DIAGNOSIS

When you find yourself facing a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is normal to be overwhelmed by a multitude of emotions and sudden responsibilities. This can often elicit an impulse to simply freeze or retreat, actions are typically driven by shock and denial, essentially rendering you temporarily incapacitated.

While it’s important to allow yourself the time to experience your full range of emotions and focus on accepting rather than judging any initial reactions, you should also know that help is available and you are not alone. Often taking action is the most effective way to move out of the initial grief stages of shock and denial and begin moving forward towards coping and acceptance.

Three Actions to Take After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

  1. Choose and begin a treatment plan. Once you have been conclusively diagnosed, you will be referred to a cancer specialist (called an oncologist) if you are not seeing one already. Discussion about treatment should commence immediately, so that you and your doctor may decide on the best plan of action and then begin the process as soon as possible. Malignant mesothelioma treatment holds the most hope of efficacy when started early.
  1. Hire an attorney. As soon as you’ve received news of a mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s important to begin exploring your legal options for recourse. Civil actions against those liable for the asbestos exposure that caused your illness are governed by strict statutes of limitation, which vary state. On top of those constraints, you will also be likely facing a mesothelioma prognosis that imposes time limitations of its own. You are strongly advantaged by finding and retaining an attorney who specializes in asbestos litigation, just as quickly as possible.
  1. Contact the VA. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their time in the service are covered by a special set of benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, which include medical treatment and disability compensation for themselves and their families. Claims may be filed at your local VA office directly, or you may be able to get help filing through your asbestos attorney.