Mesothelioma Claims
A mesothelioma lawsuit could aid victims in receiving compensation for treatment and other expenses. State laws, also referred to as statutes or limitations, limit the time that a person can make a claim.
Most lawsuits are in the form of personal injury or wrongful death claims. Juries award monetary damages that include non-economic and economic damages.
Diagnosis
It could take years to recognize mesothelioma. This is a rare illness. Patients typically visit their primary physician with complaints and an medical history. Doctors will conduct physical examinations and inquire about any possible exposure to asbestos.
Imaging tests are typically requested by doctors when they suspect mesothelioma. This includes chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests offer a precise view of the body. They can show the accumulation of fluid around the lungs or abdomen, which is a common mesothelioma-related symptom.
These tests can also help determine the type of mesothelioma. The mesothelioma pleural type occurs when cancer cells in lung the lining (pleura) cause the disease. The peritoneal type is caused by cancer cells in the abdominal cavity. In a surgical biopsy, doctors will remove a small amount of tissue from the affected area and examine it 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 lungs or stomach.
A blood test referred to as the MESOMARK test can determine the amount of mesothelin-soluble peptide (SMRP) in the body of the patient. High levels of this biomarker may indicate the presence of mesothelioma cell lines.
As a result, biomarkers can be beneficial in diagnosing mesothelioma at its earliest stages. However, they are not an alternative to mesothelioma biopsies which is the sole reliable method to determine whether cancer is present in the body. Doctors can conduct non-surgical biopsies to remove fluid from the stomach or pleura using a needle, and analyze it for mesothelioma-related cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma can be found anywhere in the body where asbestos has caused cancerous cells to form. The most common locations are the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma causes pain in the chest, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness. Patients with peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma often suffer from pain in their abdominal region, as well as weight loss and fatigue. Mesothelioma symptoms are difficult to identify because the signs mimic the symptoms of a variety of common illnesses. It may take years after exposure to asbestos before mesothelioma can develop.
CT scans and X-rays may reveal changes in the lungs, such as fluid buildup or thickening of pleura (pleural effusion). MRI and PET scans are also used to detect mesothelioma. Blood tests can be used to determine high levels of certain substances within the body, which indicate the presence of mesothelioma.
A doctor can drain the fluid or tissue to check for cancerous cells. A doctor may also perform an operation called the thoracoscopic aspiration. This procedure removes a small amount of fluid from the thoracic cavity or lungs. This test is a less painful alternative to a biopsy, and can be done in the office of a doctor.
If a doctor diagnoses mesothelioma the doctor will most likely recommend radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to stop the cancer cells from spreading. Radiation can be administered in a clinic or hospital. The radiation is typically delivered as an as an outpatient. The use of palliative therapy is commonly to help manage pain and other symptoms. The treatment options include painkillers, regular drainage of fluids, or a tube inserted inside the chest to aid in breathing. It could also involve radiation to prevent the tumor from advancing.
Treatment
Treatment can help ease symptoms and prolong life for those suffering from mesothelioma. There are many options available, based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. The treatment plan will also differ based on the amount of asbestos exposure the patient has.
The symptoms of mesothelioma resemble other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. This makes it difficult for doctors to recognize mesothelioma in the early stages. Most patients experience symptoms for several months before being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Doctors will conduct a physical exam and inquire about any prior asbestos exposure. They will then conduct blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the cancer and its location in the body.
The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lungs. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the course of their work as workers in the construction industry, welding, plumber, electrician or autoworker are most likely to contract this disease.
Pleural mesothelioma may cause a buildup of fluid, creating chest pain and difficulty breathing. Surgery can help remove excess fluid, improving the quality of life of a patient.
Doctors may also opt for a procedure called pleurodesis to prevent the formation of further fluids in the lung. In the course of 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 may also choose to have a shunt placed on their body. It is a device that moves fluid from one part of the body to another for absorption.
The treatment of chemotherapy and radiation are both options. Chemotherapy attacks the cancer cells by directly killing them. Radiation therapy shrinks tumors using high-energy rays. Patients who aren't eligible for surgery can undergo targeted therapy. This involves targeting the cancer-causing gene in the cancerous cells.
Prognosis
The prognosis of mesothelioma can be affected by a variety of factors, including the stage and type of cancer, its location and general health status of the patient. The prognosis for mesothelioma can improve if patients seek treatment from an experienced specialist in mesothelioma therapy and adhere to their treatment regimen. Patients who participate in an clinical trial could be able to access new treatments still under study.
Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions, so they are often misdiagnosed. Patients may experience abdominal pain, breathing difficulties and other symptoms before being diagnosed. Because these symptoms are so simple at first, people can easily confuse them with other illnesses. It is therefore essential to have any symptoms evaluated by a doctor as soon as you can.
The lining of the chest (pleural mesothelioma) or peritoneum, or in rare instances, the membrane surrounding the testicles can be affected by mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are pleural mesothelioma. 85 percent of them being diagnosed in patients who are older than 75 years old.
Men and women have different survival rates for mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that men are more likely than women to work in industries that expose them to asbestos. Females exposed to mesothelioma have a twice higher chance of surviving past five years than male patients. This is likely due to the hormonal interactions between female hormones and mesothelioma tumor cells. The prognosis of a person is also influenced by their age, as older patients have a more difficult recovery from disease. It's also important to note that some mesothelioma patients live years or even a decade over their initial prognoses.
Compensation
Mesothelioma compensation assists victims to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses associated with the asbestos-related disease. Mesothelioma settlements are usually granted by combining asbestos trust funds, lawsuits and settlements. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will help you determine what types of compensation are applicable to your situation.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma may sue the company that makes asbestos-related products to which they were exposed at work. They can seek financial compensation. Mesothelioma lawsuits can be filed by a loved one or a family member or a court appointed representative on behalf of the victim. If a victim has passed away from mesothelioma, awrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the estate of the victim to collect compensation from those accountable for their loved ones' asbestos exposure.
Many patients with mesothelioma end up in debt because it can take years from the time of exposure to diagnosis. Mesothelioma compensation can help these sufferers pay off their debts and pay for the future of their families.
Mesothelioma lawsuits and settlements can also be used to compensate victims for their suffering and pain. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist victims and their families get the compensation they deserve.
richmond mesothelioma attorney can handle every aspect of a mesothelioma lawsuit for a victim, making the process as stress-free as they can for their client. At Sokolove Law our lawyers have secured more than $4.7 billion in mesothelioma settlements for 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 will only be paid if we are able to get you compensation.