Standing Up For Those Diagnosed With Mesothelioma And Asbestos-Related Disease
Last updated on May 17, 2023
While asbestos was once used in many different industries, this substance is also extremely dangerous and has been banned in many products. However, workers in some industries were exposed for many years before the ban, and the risk of exposure even exists today.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation and deserve to have a skilled asbestos attorney by your side. The Masters Law Firm, L.C., has decades of experience standing up for injured people in West Virginia, and our asbestos exposure lawyers are proud to fight for those harmed by this hazardous substance.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the mesothelium – the thin layer of tissue that covers the internal organs. The most common type of mesothelium is pleural mesothelium, which is a cancer of the tissue surrounding the lungs. This cancer is highly painful and has a low survival rate, and treatment often focuses on pain reduction and quality of life.
Experts agree that the primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers cause cancer by being inhaled into the lungs or stomach, where they embed themselves in the surrounding tissues of organs and cause inflammation.
One of the most challenging parts of linking asbestos to mesothelioma is the fact that it can take decades after exposure occurs for the fibers to cause cancer. As such, an individual who worked with asbestos fibers in their early 20s may not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until their 60s or later.
How Do I Know If I’ve Been Exposed To Asbestos At Work?
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is very probable that the cancer developed as a result of exposure to asbestos fibers at some point in your life, either through work or in your home. The party who is responsible for this exposure, such as your employer or the party that manufactured or distributed (or installed) asbestos-containing products, may be held liable for your harm.
Exposure to asbestos fibers was particularly common for workers in industries that utilized asbestos or asbestos-containing materials. This includes shipyard workers, construction workers, miners, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, brake mechanics, demolition specialists, insulators and some military members. These workers’ families have been exposed to asbestos as a result of the fibers being transported into the family’s home on the worker’s clothes.
Can I Sue For Working Around Asbestos After A Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma from your doctor can be a heartbreaking experience, and one that will most likely mean thousands of dollars in treatment to follow, as well as much pain, suffering, and emotional anguish for you and your family. Thankfully, legal options are available.
By filing a claim for damages, you may be able to hold the responsible party liable for your harm, which can provide you with a sense of justice. What’s more, you may also recover financial damages necessary to pay for your medical bills and compensate you for the noneconomic losses you’ve suffered as well.
Bringing forth an asbestos-related claim against a former employer or other parties can be difficult. It can be particularly important to have an experienced asbestos cancer lawyer by your side to investigate your case, collect evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. Attorneys can also represent family members of deceased persons who want to bring forth a wrongful death claim for damages due to mesothelioma.
Choose The Masters Law Firm, L.C.
Understanding your rights and options if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or if you have recently lost a loved one to this terrible cancer type can be confusing, and may feel overwhelming and hopeless. At The Masters Law Firm, L.C., our experienced West Virginia mesothelioma lawyers are here to advocate for you.