Mesothelioma Claims
A mesothelioma lawsuit can assist victims in obtaining compensation for treatment and other expenses. State laws, also referred to as statutes or limitations, limit the amount of time a patient can bring a lawsuit.
The most common form of lawsuits is of personal injury or wrongful death claims. Juries award damages in the form of money that include both economic and non-economic damages.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a rare disease and it can take a number of years before patients be diagnosed. Patients typically visit their primary doctor with an medical history. Doctors will do physical examinations and inquire about the possibility of exposure to asbestos.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they often request imaging tests. These include chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests provide a clear view of the body. They can reveal the accumulation of fluid around the abdomen or lungs which is a common mesothelioma symptom.
These tests also help to determine the type of mesothelioma. The mesothelioma that is pleural is caused by cancer cells in the lung lining, called the pleura. The peritoneal form is caused by cancerous 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 look for signs of mesothelioma. Doctors will also use 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, known as the MESOMARK Assay, can measure the amount of mesothelin soluble protein (SMRP) within the body of the patient. A high level of this biomarker could be a sign of mesothelioma cell lines.
These biomarkers can be helpful for doctors trying to diagnose mesothelioma at its beginning stages. It is not a substitute for mesothelioma biopsies which is the only way to determine whether cancer has been found within the body. Doctors can perform a non-surgical procedure to collect fluid from the pleura or the stomach using a needle. They then examine it for mesothelioma-related cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma can be found anywhere in the body where asbestos has caused cancerous cells to develop. The most frequent sites are the abdomen, lungs and the heart. Pleural mesothelioma is a cause of pain in the chest, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness. Patients with mesothelioma pericardial or peritoneal often experience pain in their abdominal region, as well as weight loss and fatigue. Mesothelioma symptoms can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic those of many common illnesses. mesothelioma attorney florida may develop after years of asbestos exposure.
X-rays and CT scans may reveal changes in the lungs, including the pleura getting thicker or fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). MRI and PET scans can also be used to look for mesothelioma. Blood tests can be used to check for elevated levels of certain substances that may be indicative of mesothelioma.
A doctor can drain the fluid or tissue to test for cancer cells. The doctor may also perform a procedure called the thoracoscopic needle aspiration procedure to remove a small amount of fluid from the lungs or thoracic cavity. This test is a less invasive version of a biopsy that is performed in the office of a doctor.
If a doctor has diagnosed mesothelioma the doctor will most likely recommend radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to stop the cancer cells from spreading. The radiation can be administered in a hospital or clinic. The radiation is typically delivered as an outpatient. Palliative treatments are typically used to manage pain and other symptoms. It can include painkillers as well as regular draining of fluids or tubes placed in the chest to aid in breathing, and radiation to keep the tumor from becoming larger.
Treatment
Treatment can reduce symptoms and prolong life for those suffering from mesothelioma. Treatment options vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and its stage. The treatment plan can differ depending on the amount of asbestos exposure a patient is exposed to.
The symptoms of mesothelioma resemble other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the disease early. Often, patients will be afflicted with symptoms for several months before being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Doctors will conduct a physical exam and inquire about prior asbestos exposure. They will then perform scans of the blood and imaging to determine the size and the location of the cancer within the body.
The most common mesothelioma form affects the lungs. The most likely patients for developing the disease are those who have worked as welders, plumber or electrician or in the automotive industry.
A buildup of fluid may cause chest pain and breathing problems. Surgery can help remove excess fluid, enhancing a person's life.
Doctors can also use pleurodesis procedure to stop the buildup of fluid in the lungs. In the course of the procedure, a tube is to be inserted into pleura in order to drain fluid. Then, medicine will be injected to prevent further accumulation. Patients can also opt to have a shunt installed on their body. It is a device that moves fluid from one part of the body to another for absorption.
Other treatments include radiation and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells directly. Radiation therapy shrinks tumors using high-energy radiation. Patients who are not eligible for surgery may opt for targeted therapy. This involves targeting the cancer-causing gene in the cancer cells.
Prognosis
The mesothelioma prognosis is contingent on several factors including the type and location of cancer, the stage at diagnosis and general patient health. Patients with mesothelioma can improve their odds of survival by seeking treatment from a specialist in mesothelioma and follow their treatment plan. Patients who participate in a clinical trial may have access to new treatments that are currently under investigation.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of other conditions. This leads to a lot of misdiagnosis. Patients may experience breathing issues, abdominal pain and other symptoms for some time before being diagnosed. These symptoms may be initially mild and can be confused with other illnesses. As a result, it's important to get any symptoms evaluated by a physician as soon as you can.
The chest's lining (pleural mesothelioma) or peritoneum, or in rare instances, the testicles' lining can be affected by mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are pleural mesothelioma, with 85 percent 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 males are more likely than women to work in fields which expose them to asbestos. However females who have been exposed to mesothelioma are two times more likely to live past five years as male patients. This could be due to the way female hormones interact with mesothelioma tumor cells. The prognosis of an individual is also affected by their age, since older patients have a more difficult time recovering from illnesses. It's important to note that some mesothelioma patients have a long life span, even a decade after their initial prognosis.
Compensation
Mesothelioma compensation is a way to help victims pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses related to the asbestos-related disease. Mesothelioma settlements are usually given by the amalgamation of asbestos trust funds, lawsuits, and settlements. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will assist you in determining what forms of compensation may be available for your case.
A person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma can sue the company that makes asbestos-related products to which they were exposed at work. They may be able to seek financial compensation. Mesothelioma lawsuits can be filed on behalf of a victim by their loved one or family member, or a court-appointed representative. If a victim has passed away of mesothelioma or another cancer, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the estate of the victim's deceased loved ones to seek compensation from the parties who are responsible for their loved ones' asbestos exposure.
Many people with mesothelioma are in debt because it can take years from exposure to diagnosis. Mesothelioma compensation can help victims pay off their debts and provide for the future of their family members.
Mesothelioma settlements and lawsuits can also compensate the victims for their pain and suffering. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist families and victims receive the compensation they are entitled to.
A mesothelioma lawyer who is skilled can handle every aspect of a mesothelioma lawsuit for a victim to make the process as painless as possible for their client. Our attorneys at Sokolove Law have helped families and victims members obtain more than $4.7 billion in mesothelioma compensation. Contact us today to begin with a free mesothelioma review. Our lawyers serve clients nationwide. We can meet with you in your home or hospital. Our law firm is only paid if we secure compensation for you.