Mesothelioma. It’s an intimidating word and not something you ever want to hear come out of a doctor’s mouth. Unfortunately, cases of mesothelioma diagnosis have been on the rise in recent years. Specifically, mesothelioma refers to a serious and aggressive cancer that affects the lungs and abdomen. If you’ve recently been diagnosed or suspect that you may have this form of cancer, then you’ll want to understand its possible causes as well as your rights during this time.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was commonly used prior to the 1970s for use in building construction. During this time, many construction workers, military workers, steel mill employees, and even oil refinery workers were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the serious health dangers associated with asbestos were discovered. At that point, strict regulations banning the use of asbestos were put into place, but it was already too late. Years later, people who were exposed to asbestos earlier in life are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
What Should You Do if Diagnosed?
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, think back to a time in your life where you may have been exposed to asbestos. This should be easy enough if you worked in construction, steel production, or even for the oil industry. If you’re still in touch with anybody you worked with during that time of exposure, now could also be a good opportunity to speak with them. Have they had a similar diagnosis or showed symptoms of mesothelioma?
From there, you must understand that you have a legal right to file a claim against the person or entity that exposed you to asbestos, no matter how many years ago it may have occurred. Specifically, you may be able to receive financial reimbursement for related expenses, such as:
- medical expenses
- lost wages
- pain and suffering
How to File a Mesothelioma Claim
If you’re thinking about filing a mesothelioma claim, the first thing you’ll want to do is to speak with a lawyer who is experienced in this realm. Specifically, you’ll want to find a mesothelioma lawyer who will take the time to learn about your case, present you with options, and represent you through every step of the claims process. Ultimately, choosing the best mesothelioma lawyer will help to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you’re entitled to.
If you’re currently in need of a mesothelioma lawyer that you can trust, look no further than Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick; we have years of experience and proven success representing people just like you. Contact us today to set up your initial consultation, which will provide you with sound legal advice on how to proceed with your case. From there, we can represent you through every step of the process until your case is resolved.