Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, and specifically malignant mesothelioma, is a rare kind of cancer that is caused by asbestos and affects the cells of the mesothelium, which are within the inner linings of the body’s organs.

Mesothelioma generally results in death, and treatment is extensive and expensive.

A large percentage of the populations who specifically work in careers in which they are exposed to asbestos suffer from this form of cancer. Asbestos can be inhaled or ingested. Sadly, family members or other individuals who wash the clothing of individuals who have been exposed to asbestos, also suffer the risk of a mesothelioma diagnosis. Furthermore, if you are a smoker, the severity of this type of cancer can be further exacerbated.

Sadly, for decades manufacturers and distributors have hidden the dangers of asbestos from the public, while manufacturing and selling asbestos-containing products to the public while making profiting tremendously.

Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, such as cement, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Anyone having exposure to these products as a result of occupational requirements are entitled to an award.

In the mid-20^th century, US Navy vessels were built using asbestos to protect the ship from chemical damage. Sadly in retrospect, this chemical matter itself has resulted in the claims of mesothelioma brought by navy veterans.

There are different types of mesothelioma and the organ, which is affected, defines each. Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer is occurring.

Pleural Mesothelioma is one of the most common forms of Mesothelioma diagnosed in 75% of the population. This type of cancer affects the pleura, which is the tissue lining of the chest cavity that encloses the lungs. You may experience the following signs or symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain beneath the rib cage
• Painful coughing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin of your chest

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the peritoneum. Peritoneum is the thin membranes that lubricate and protect the abdominal cavity and once this area is affected it prevents the abdomen from functioning properly. Sings and symptoms may include:

• Abdominal swelling
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Lumps of tissue in the abdomen

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the heart and is very dangerous and also the rarest form of mesothelioma.   Some signs and symptoms include chest pains and breathing difficulty. But this is the most unclear form of cancer and requires immediate attention.

Those who have worked in the US Navy, car manufacturing plants, industrial plant workers, aircraft mechanics, miners, auto mechanics, firefighters, metal workers, insulators, HVAC repair workers, shipyard workers, power plant workers, hairdressers, boiler workers, cement plant workers and construction workers are some of the individuals that may have been exposed to dangerous asbestos levels and may be entitled to damages for injuries suffered.

On average Mesothelioma tends to develop 10-40 years after exposure to asbestos, and therefore, those affected, may not longer be alive. Despite the length of passage of time between exposure and diagnosis, you are still eligible for filing of a lawsuit and seeking compensation. In the state of Michigan, the law requires that you file a lawsuit within three (3) years of diagnosis of Mesothelioma or within three (3) years of death of a loved one. For this reason, it is important to act promptly and consult with a lawyer. Although the victim has already died, spouses and other heirs have legal rights to file a wrongful death action, which can result in recovery of substantial money damages.

Those suffering from Mesothelioma, or if deceased, their spouses, have an excellent chance of seeking compensation from such manufacturers, who were manufacturing and selling asbestos-containing products. Damages tend to be extensive if litigated correctly, but there is a need to bring such claims quickly and adequately to protect your rights by hiring a competent Mesothelioma lawyer. Our attorneys at Downriver Lawyer pride themselves on being successful in these type of litigations.

Most asbestos cases settle before they get to a jury, and with complete facts, correct paperwork, and an efficient lawyer, you may be able to collected as quickly as less than one year form the date of your lawsuit.

While an exact dollar amount that you are likely to receive is hard to estimate, our lawyers investigate the level of hardship you or the deceased’s family has suffered as a result of pain and suffering and medical bills, all of which are key factors in determining the dollar amount you are entitled to.

Even though injury may have occurred year ago or even a decade ago, our experienced lawyers at Downriver Lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturers whether they are still viable or bankrupt. It is our goal to maximize recovery for our clients. There are over 65 asbestos trusts created as a result of such dangers, to compensate those affected by Mesothelioma and asbestos related diseases. It is important that you obtain what you deserve not only to cover costly medical treatment but as financial security for loved ones that are also affected. This is why clients from all over Michigan seek out our services.