Mesothelioma Claims
A mesothelioma lawsuit can assist victims to receive compensation for treatment and other expenses. State laws, called statutes or limitations, limit the amount of time a patient can make a claim.
The most common form of lawsuits is of personal injury or wrongful death claims. Juries award monetary damages that include both economic and non-economic damages.
Diagnosis
It could take years to recognize mesothelioma. This is a rare disease. Patients usually visit their primary doctor with symptoms and an medical history. Doctors will conduct an examination of the body and inquire about any possible exposure to asbestos.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they usually order imaging tests. This includes chest X-rays (CT scans) as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography. These tests provide a clear view of the body. These tests may reveal a buildup of fluid in the lungs or abdomen, which is a mesothelioma-related symptoms.
These tests also help to determine the type of mesothelioma. The mesothelioma pleural type occurs when cancer cells in lung lining (pleura) cause the disease. The peritoneal type is caused by cancerous cells found in the abdominal cavity. In the course of a surgical biopsy, physicians will remove a small piece of tissue from the affected area to examine under a microscope for signs of mesothelioma. Doctors may also perform an cytology test in order to check for the presence of cancerous cells in the fluid samples taken from the stomach or lungs.
A blood test known as the MESOMARK test can determine the amount of soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) in the body of the patient. The presence of this biomarker can be a sign of mesothelioma.
These biomarkers are therefore helpful to doctors who are trying to identify mesothelioma at its beginning stages. However, it is not an alternative to a mesothelioma biopsy which is the sole method to know whether cancer is present within the body. Doctors can perform non-surgical biopsies that remove fluid from the stomach or pleura with a needle, and then analyze it for mesothelioma-related cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma can be found anywhere in the body where cancerous asbestos-induced cells have formed. The most frequent sites are the lungs, abdomen and heart. Pleural mesothelioma causes chest pain as well as difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. Patients with pericardial and peritoneal cancer often experience abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Mesothelioma symptoms are difficult to recognize because the symptoms mimic those of many common illnesses. It can take years after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to grow.
X-rays and CT scans can show changes in the lungs, for example, thickening of the pleura or the accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). MRI and PET scans can also be used to search for mesothelioma. Blood tests can be used to check for elevated levels of certain substances that could indicate mesothelioma.
A doctor can drain the fluid or the tissue to check for cancerous cells. The doctor can also carry out a procedure called thoracoscopic needle aspiration to remove some of the fluid from the lungs or thoracic cavity. This test is a non-invasive alternative to biopsies, and can be done in a doctor's clinic.
If the doctor finds mesothelioma, they may recommend surgery, radiation and chemotherapy to kill the cancerous cells and prevent them from spreading. Radiation can be administered in a clinic or hospital. The radiation is typically given as an outpatient. Palliative treatments are often used to control the symptoms of pain and other. Palliative treatment can include painkillers and regular drainage of fluids, or a tube inserted inside the chest to aid with breathing. It may also include radiation to prevent the tumor from advancing.
Treatment
For patients diagnosed with mesothelioma or other cancers, treatment can alleviate symptoms and prolong the life. Treatment options vary based on the type of mesothelioma and its stage. The treatment plan can vary based on the level of asbestos exposure that the patient has.
Mesothelioma symptoms are comparable to the symptoms of a variety of illnesses like the flu and pneumonia. This makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the disease in the early stages. Often, patients will suffer for a long time before being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Doctors will conduct a physical exam and inquire about prior asbestos exposure. They will then conduct scans of the blood and imaging to determine the severity and extent of the cancer's presence in the body.
The most frequent mesothelioma form is a lung cancer. Most likely to develop the disease are people who have worked as welders or electrician or in the auto industry.
A buildup of fluid could lead to chest pain and breathing difficulties. Surgery can eliminate excess fluid, which can improve the quality of life for patients.
Doctors can also utilize pleurodesis procedure to prevent the formation of further fluids in the lungs. In this procedure the tube is inserted into the pleura to drain the fluid and then the medicine is injected into the pleura to prevent future buildups. Patients may also choose to have a shunt, which is a device used to transfer fluid from one area of the body to the next for absorption.
Other treatments include radiation and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy fights cancer cells directly by killing them. Radiation therapy shrinks tumors using high-energy rays. People who aren't suitable for surgery can undergo targeted therapy, which involves targeting the cancer-causing genes within the cancerous cells.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma is dependent on a variety of factors that include the stage and type of cancer, the site and general health condition of the patient. A mesothelioma prognosis can improve by seeking treatment from an experienced specialist in the field of mesothelioma and adhere to their treatment plan. In addition, patients with mesothelioma who participate in an clinical trial could be able to access new treatments still under study.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be compared to those of many other conditions and, therefore, they are frequently misdiagnosed. Patients may suffer from abdominal pain, breathing issues and other symptoms before they are diagnosed. These symptoms may be initialy mild and may be easily confused with other illnesses. Wilmington mesothelioma lawyers is why it's crucial to have any symptoms checked out by a doctor as soon as you can.
The lining of the chest (pleural mesothelioma) also known as the peritoneum or in rare cases, the testicles' lining can be affected by mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are pleural mesothelioma. 85 percent being diagnosed in patients who are older than 75 years.
Survival rates for mesothelioma can differ between women and men. Men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos than women as they tend to work in areas that have asbestos in them. Females exposed to mesothelioma have a twice higher chance of surviving past five years than male patients. This is likely due the interaction between female hormones and mesothelioma cancer cells. The age of a person also affects their prognosis because older patients suffer more difficulty recovering from the illness. It is important to remember that mesothelioma patients can endure for a long time, or even a decade after their initial prognosis.
Compensation
Mesothelioma Compensation assists victims in covering their medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the asbestos-related illness. This mesothelioma settlement is often granted by amalgamating asbestos trust funds, lawsuits, and settlements. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist you in determining what forms of compensation might be available to you in your particular case.
A person diagnosed mesothelioma could bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer of asbestos-related products to which they were exposed while at work. They may be able to seek financial compensation. Mesothelioma lawsuits can be filed on behalf of the victim's loved one, family member or an appointed representative by the court. If a victim has passed away from mesothelioma, awrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the estate of the victim to seek compensation from the parties who are responsible for their loved ones' asbestos exposure.
Many patients with mesothelioma end up in debt due to the fact that it can take years from the time of exposure to diagnosis. Mesothelioma compensation may help patients pay off their debts and also provide for the future of their family members.
Mesothelioma settlements and lawsuits can also compensate the victims for their suffering and pain. A mesothelioma attorney can help victims and families receive the compensation they are entitled to.
A skilled mesothelioma law firm can handle every aspect of a mesothelioma lawsuit for a victim, making the process as painless as possible for their client. At Sokolove Law, our attorneys have secured over $4.7 billion in mesothelioma-related settlements for patients and their families. Contact us today to begin with a free mesothelioma review. Our lawyers serve clients nationwide. We can meet with you at your home or hospital. Our law firm is paid only when we are able to secure compensation for you.