Mesothelioma: An Overview and Legal Guide -- MesoLink.org

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos on a regular basis. This cancer can take many decades to develop, usually at least several decades. Therefore, people that worked with asbestos perhaps thirty or forty years ago are only now being diagnosed with this disease. Mesothelioma can affect several vital organs: the most popular variation (Pleural Mesothelioma) is that which affects the lungs, causing fluid build-up which in turn causes a variety of symptoms such as breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and difficulty swallowing; the second variation (Peritoneal Mesothelioma) affects the stomach and abdominal area and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, bowel obstruction and loss of appetite; and the rarest version (Pericardial Mesothelioma) affects the heart and can cause palpitations, persistent coughing and chest pain. However, because mesothelioma takes so long to manifest you will find that the onset of these symptoms comes many, many years after the actual exposure that causes the disease.

Many employers and the manufacturers of asbestos knew about the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma when they exposed employees to this material. And now that the effects of this exposure are coming to light, these companies are being forced to pay out millions to sufferers who have been sentenced to a short life span as well as being subjected to pain and misery. And because so many cases of mesothelioma are now coming to light, a wide range of lawyers and law firms have started to specialise in mesothelioma law suits to get victims and their families the compensation they deserve.

Legal Guide

The first thing to remember is that it is very important to find a lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis. This is because there is a statue of limitation from state to state, which means that there is a time limit set with regards to how long you have got to take action. Failing to adhere to this could render your case ineligible, and you could miss out on a hefty payout which could help you and your family through this difficult time.

You should also look for a lawyer that is experienced in dealing with mesothelioma lawsuits as these lawyers will have the resources and contacts to deal with your case quickly and efficiently. There are so many law firms and independent lawyers that now deal with this type of case, that you should have no problem finding someone to assist. You can search the Internet for a suitable lawyer, as this will enable you gauge how much experience each lawyer has had in dealing with these lawsuits.

Once you have found a lawyer, you will need to make an appointment to discuss your options fully, although many online companies will allow you to make your initial contact by e-mail and they will then evaluate your case and contact you with the options. Your lawyer can advise whether you should pursue your case, and if so which direction to take it in. Your lawyer will also need to put a water-tight case together, which is another reason to get legal advice and assistance as early as possible. Further investigations may be required, which will also take time. It could be that you are unsure of when and where you were exposed to asbestos, and your lawyer will need to hire someone to look into this.

Your case may not even get to court, as many lawyers are able to get substantial out of court payouts for clients. And you will not have to worry about paying your lawyer unless you do get compensation, as most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the compensation claimed. If they are unsuccessful in getting compensation, then you do not have to pay anything.

In order to maximise the chances of getting compensation for your illness, you must seek legal assistance as soon as possible for the reasons stated above. Payouts in the past have ranged from thousands of dollars to hundreds of millions, depending on a number of factors which your lawyer will discuss with you. There is no guarantee that your claim will be successful, of course. But, since you do not have to pay for legal fees unless you do receive compensation, you have nothing to lose by filing a lawsuit.