Mesothelioma Claims
A mesothelioma lawsuit can aid victims in receiving compensation for their treatment and other expenses. State laws, also known as statutes or limitations, restrict the time that a person can file a lawsuit.
The most common form of lawsuits is of personal injury or wrongful death claims. The jury awards money damages, which can include economic and non-economic damages.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a rare illness and it can take a number of years for patients to be diagnosed. Patients usually visit their primary doctor with symptoms and an medical history. Doctors will perform an examination of the body and ask about asbestos exposure.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will often order imaging tests. These include chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests give a detailed view of the body. They can reveal a build-up of fluid around the abdomen or lungs which is a typical mesothelioma sign.
These tests can also be used to determine the type of mesothelioma. The mesothelioma that is pleural occurs when cancerous cells within the lung lining (pleura) cause the disease. The peritoneal type is caused by cancer cells found in the abdominal cavity. In a surgical biopsies doctors will take a sample of tissue from the affected area or tumor and examine it under a microscope to check for signs of mesothelioma. Doctors can also conduct a test called a cytology to detect cancerous cells from samples of fluid taken from the lungs or stomach.
A blood test, dubbed the MESOMARK Assay, can measure the amount of soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) within the body of the patient. This biomarker has high levels and could indicate mesothelioma.
These biomarkers are thus beneficial to doctors who are trying to identify mesothelioma at its beginning stages. However, they are not a substitute for mesothelioma-related biopsy which is the sole method to know whether cancer is present within the body. Doctors can conduct a non-surgical biopsy to take fluid from the pleura or stomach using a needle. They then analyze it for mesothelioma cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma can occur anywhere in the body where asbestos has caused cancerous cells to develop. The most common locations are the abdomen, lungs and the heart. Pleural mesothelioma can cause pain in the chest, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness. People with peritoneal and pericardial cancer typically experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. The signs of mesothelioma can be difficult to identify due to their similarity to those of other common diseases. It can take years after exposure to asbestos before mesothelioma can grow.
CT scans and X-rays may detect changes in the lungs, such as thickening or fluid buildup of pleura (pleural effusion). MRI and PET scans can also be used to detect mesothelioma. Blood tests can be used to determine high levels of certain substances within the body that could indicate mesothelioma's presence.
A doctor can remove the tissue or fluid to look for cancerous cells. The doctor can also perform an operation known as the thoracoscopic needle aspiration procedure to remove some of the fluid from the lungs and thoracic cavity. This test is a less painful version of a biopsy that is performed in a doctor's office.
If the doctor finds mesothelioma in the body, he or she may suggest surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells and stop the spread. The treatment and surgery typically take place in an outpatient environment, and the radiation can be given in a clinic or hospital. Palliative treatments are typically used to manage pain and other symptoms. The treatment options include painkillers, regular drainage of fluids or a tube placed in the chest to help in breathing. It could also involve radiation to stop the tumor from growing.
Treatment
For those diagnosed with mesothelioma, treatment can ease symptoms and extend life. Treatment options vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and its stage. The treatment plan could differ depending on the amount of asbestos exposure a patient has.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other diseases, like pneumonia or the flu. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the disease at an early stage. Often, patients will be afflicted with symptoms for several months before being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
To diagnose the illness doctors will conduct an examination and ask about previous exposure to asbestos. They will then perform blood tests and imaging scanners to determine the severity and the location of the cancer within the body.
The most prevalent mesothelioma form affects the lungs. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the course of their work as a construction worker, welder plumber, electrician, or autoworker are most likely to develop this illness.
Pleural mesothelioma can trigger the accumulation of fluid causing chest pain and difficulty breathing. Surgery can help remove excess fluid, enhancing the quality of life for patients.
Pleurodesis is a different procedure doctors can employ to stop future accumulation of fluid in the lung. During the procedure, a tube will be inserted into the pleura in order to drain the fluid. Then, medication will be injected to stop further buildup. Patients can also opt to use a shunt which is a device used to transfer fluid from one region of the body to the next for absorption.
Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy attacks the cancer cells by directly killing them. Radiation therapy shrinks tumors using high-energy radiation. Patients who are not eligible for surgery may undergo targeted therapy. This involves targeting the cancer-causing gene inside the cancer cells.
Lee's Summit mesothelioma lawyer of mesothelioma can be affected by several factors that include the type and stage of cancer, the location and general health status of the patient. The mesothelioma prognosis could improve by seeking treatment from a specialist who is experienced in mesothelioma treatment and follow their treatment regimen. Patients who participate in a clinical trial may be eligible for new treatments that are still being studied.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be compared to the symptoms of a variety of other diseases, so they are often incorrectly diagnosed. Patients may suffer from abdominal pain, breathing difficulties and other symptoms prior to being diagnosed. Because these symptoms are initially mild, people can easily confuse them with other conditions. It's therefore important to have any symptoms examined by a doctor as soon as possible.
The lining of the chest (pleural mesothelioma) also known as the peritoneum or in rare cases the testicles' lining can be affected by mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common cause of mesothelioma-related cases, accounting for 85 percent of all diagnosed cases occurring in patients who are over 75 years old.
The survival rates for mesothelioma may vary between women and men. Men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos than women because they are more likely to work in industries where asbestos is present. Women who are exposed to mesothelioma have twice the chance of surviving the past five years than male patients. This is probably due to the interaction between female hormones and mesothelioma cancer cells. Age also affects their prognosis because older patients tend to have a harder time recovering from the disease. It's important to know that some mesothelioma patients live for years, or even a decade beyond their initial prognosis.
Compensation
Mesothelioma compensation assists victims to pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses related to this asbestos-related illness. The majority of mesothelioma settlement is made through the combination of asbestos trust funds, lawsuits, and settlements. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in determining the amount of compensation that is available in your particular case.
Mesothelioma patients can bring a personal injury lawsuit to receive financial compensation from asbestos-related manufacturers they were exposed to while at work. Mesothelioma lawsuits can be filed by a loved one, a family member, or a court appointed representative on behalf of the victim. The estate of a victim who has died from mesothelioma is able to file a wrongful-dea lawsuit to seek compensation from the parties responsible for the victim's asbestos exposure.
Since it can take a long time from exposure to diagnosis many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma carry significant financial burdens resulting from their treatment. Mesothelioma settlements can help victims of the disease pay off their debts and provide for their families' future.
Mesothelioma settlements and lawsuits may also be used to compensate victims for their pain and suffering. An attorney for mesothelioma can help victims and families get the compensation they deserve.
A skilled mesothelioma law firm can handle every aspect of a patient's mesothelioma case and make the process as easy as they can for their client. At Sokolove Law, our attorneys have secured more than $4.7 billion in mesothelioma settlements to help victims and their families. Contact us today for a free review of your mesothelioma claim. Our lawyers serve clients nationwide. We are able to meet with you in your home or in a hospital. Our law firm is only paid if we secure compensation for you.