Mesothelioma Cancer Claims
If you know someone you love who has mesothelioma or other cancers, you can bring a wrongful-death claim on their behalf. This type of legal action seeks compensation from asbestos companies that exposed victims to the dangerous substance.
Mesothelioma victims can receive compensation in a variety of ways, including a settlement or trial verdict asbestos trust fund awards and VA benefits. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand your the eligibility requirements for each claim.
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest you might have mesothelioma your doctor may conduct a number of tests. These tests help doctors identify the cancer and determine how far it has spread. These tests can also help them determine the best treatment options.
The first test most doctors order is an X-ray of the chest. This test can show whether the lining of your lungs has become more dense or is showing signs of inflammation. It also can reveal if there is fluid in the space between your lungs and chest wall. It can reveal whether there are calcium deposits within the lung lining. This could be a sign of mesothelioma.
The next step is for doctors to perform a computed tomography scan (CT scan). This type of scan uses multiple X-rays and a computer create cross-sectional images of the body. The CT scan can reveal thickened or fluid areas in the lung lining. It also informs doctors where cancer is located and the extent of its spread. It could also be used to determine the most suitable location to perform a biopsy.
In some cases, doctors are able to detect mesothelioma using a needle biopsied. A needle that is thin and long is placed into the tumor. Local anesthesia is used to carry out the procedure. The needle is guided by imaging tests like an CT scan or an ultrasound, and it can remove a tiny piece of tissue to test for mesothelioma.
Another way to diagnose mesothelioma is with laparoscopy, or a surgical biopsy. During this procedure doctors make a series of small cuts into your abdominal wall. They then insert an instrument with a light and camera on the end, also known as a laparoscope, through one of the cuts. The doctor can then use the laparoscope to examine any area that appears to be odd.
Mesothelioma is classified as epithelioid and/or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is the most popular type of mesothelioma and has a better prognosis. If your mesothelioma is an sarcomatoid type you are likely to suffer from a lower prognosis, as well as a shorter life time. The type of mesothelioma you are suffering from will determine the treatment options your doctor suggests.
Treatment
Several treatments are available, depending on the type of mesothelioma that you have and the extent to which it has spread. Doctors may suggest a combination and suggest clinical trials to evaluate new treatments.
A specially-trained team of health professionals will be part of your mesothelioma treatment program called a multidisciplinary group (MDT). The team includes doctors, nurses and other support personnel. You will receive an examination and medical tests. Doctors use the results of these exams along with other information about your illness to determine your prognosis.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma can affect the tissues that surround the lungs. It can cause a dry, painful cough (dyspnea), and fluid to build up inside the chest cavity. It can also spread to areas around the heart, bones, and abdominal wall.
There are four stages for the pleural cancer, which range from Stage I (the most advanced) to Stage 4 (when the cancer has spread outside of the lung). Your doctor will perform a variety of tests to determine how much mesothelioma is growing and where it's located in your body.
Pleural mesothelioma is treated through chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Surgery is a vital component of mesothelioma treatment because it mesothelioma cancer claims eliminates cancerous tissue. Doctors can also undergo pleurodesis procedure to reduce the amount fluid in the chest cavity.
Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill cancer cells and stop their growth. Doctors can administer chemotherapy through intravenous injections or pills. It is usually given in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery and radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy is an important part of mesothelioma therapies. It is often utilized in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery. It can be used to shrink mesothelioma-related tumors and make them more responsive to other treatments.
Many patients with mesothelioma participate in trials to determine whether the experimental treatment is superior than standard treatment. A clinical trial is a study that determines if the new treatment option is safe and efficient. If you choose to participate in a clinical trial the doctor will discuss the study's objectives as well as any possible side effects.
Prognosis
The prognosis of mesothelioma is based on the type, stage and location. The sooner a patient is diagnosed, the greater options for treatment they'll have. Patients may qualify for government-sponsored programs or insurance that covers the cost of their treatment.
Mesothelioma patients should keep an eye out for unusual coughing, difficulty breathing abdominal pain, changes in bowel and weight loss. Anyone who suspects they have symptoms should see a doctor right away. Typically, the first step is a physical examination and an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will conduct tests to diagnose and locate the tumors. These include chest X-rays and CT scans. They can also request blood tests as well as lung function tests and biopsies.
A biopsy is the only method to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. A doctor will extract cells from an area of tissue to test for cancerous mesothelial cell, which look similar to other cells but are difficult to detect using standard laboratory tests. These cells can be retrieved from a surgically removed tissue sample. A mesothelioma expert can review the results of these tests in order to make a diagnosis.
Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent type of this rare cancer it is found in the lung's lining (pleura). Other types include peritoneal and testicular. Mesothelioma could also spread to the lymph nodes, bones, and other organs.
The stage of cancer in pleural msothelioma determines the speed at which disease will grow and the chance of survival. The stages are determined by the area and extent of the tumor: pleural localized, that extends to the chest (Stage II), extending into other body parts (Stage III).
A doctor will evaluate the health of a mesothelioma patient and their personal goals when discussing treatment options. Certain doctors may use chemotherapy and/or radiation in combination with surgery to improve the outlook of a patient. These treatments can shrink tumors that press against vital organs or nerves. They also help reduce the pain that is caused by mesothelioma-related fluid accumulation. Mesothelioma patients need to follow an appropriate diet during and after treatment to avoid malnutrition. The best mesothelioma specialists will usually work to ensure their patients are getting adequate nutrition.
Compensation
Compensation for mesothelioma assists victims and their families to recover financial losses. It won't fix the damage caused by asbestos, however, it can help with medical expenses and other expenses out of pocket such as transportation to treatment centers for mesothelioma. Compensation can also help ease the emotional and physical trauma caused by mesothelioma being diagnosed.
Compensation can be sought in the form of a mesothelioma lawsuit or a trust fund claim. A lawsuit is the most common method to seek compensation, but for some mesothelioma patients, a trust claim may be more advantageous. A mesothelioma attorney can help you evaluate all legal options and determine the most appropriate one for your particular situation.
A lawsuit is the process of filing a complaint to an appropriate court against the corporations accountable for your exposure to asbestos. A mesothelioma attorney will review your asbestos exposure history to determine which defendants you should seek compensation from. The named parties have a specific time limit to respond. They can either pay out the amount of their claim, or dispute it and go to trial.
Asbestos victims can bring a lawsuit to seek compensation from companies that put their lives at risk through mining, manufacturing or distribution of asbestos-containing products. A mesothelioma lawsuit may seek financial damages for victims, including loss of income, out-of-pocket expenses as well as psychological and physical stress, and more.
A wrongful death suit can be filed if a victim of mesothelioma passes away. The family members or the estate of the deceased could be able to file the suit. If a settlement cannot be reached the family members of the victim could receive additional compensation when a mesothelioma case is awarded.
Workers' compensation may also be a source of compensation. Asbestos victims exposed to asbestos at work may be entitled to benefits. These can help with medical expenses and other financial needs. Also, veterans suffering from mesothelioma that is peritoneal or pleural may be eligible for Social Security Compassionate Allowance which is a quick-track process that provides immediate financial aid. Certain communities also offer grants for mesothelioma or other types of financial assistance. These grants can be used to assist with food, housing and transportation costs.