Fact Sheet About Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form cancer that affects the mesothelial tissue that lines the lungs and stomach cavity. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s patient website:
- About 3,000 people are diagnosed each year with mesothelioma in the United States.
- More men than women are diagnosed with mesothelioma, and about two-thirds of those diagnosed are over the age of 65.
- It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma will live at least five years after the diagnosis.
- It is generally advised that those who have been exposed to asbestos be periodically screened for signs and symptoms of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma has been linked to exposure to asbestos. Once used as insulation material for homes and buildings (amongst other uses), the dangers of asbestos are known and its use is prohibited. This current ban on the use of asbestos does little to help the thousands of construction and shipyard workers who were exposed to asbestos in years past.
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If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the news can be devastating. The law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., has obtained compensation for numerous mesothelioma clients. While monetary compensation does not change a mesothelioma diagnosis, a monetary award can help alleviate some of the worry you may be experiencing about how you will pay for medical bills or what can happen to your family in the future.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Asbestos Exposure
Thanks to ongoing research, organizations and agencies like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency have identified asbestos as a cancer-causing agent in humans. Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of mesothelioma may not manifest in an exposed individual for decades. Besides mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of other injuries and conditions, such as:
Asbestosis
Asbestosis, a chronic lung disease in which the lung tissue becomes inflamed and scarred. Asbestosis can result in severe coughing, breathing difficulties, and permanent lung damage.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer, which can spread from the lung tissue to other areas of the body. A person with lung cancer may exhibit a dry cough, breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath.
Malignant mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer primarily affecting the cells that line the lungs and abdominal cavity. As noted above, the prognosis for those diagnosed with mesothelioma is not good.
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While a mesothelioma lawsuit cannot prevent individuals from acting carelessly, a lawsuit can provide monetary damages to compensate you for the injuries such conduct causes. Contact Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. for a free consultation.
Investigating Mesothelioma Claims Requires Resources
Unfortunately, although the link between asbestos and mesothelioma is clear, recovering compensation is not as straightforward a matter as might be anticipated. Success in recovering compensation comes after a significant investment in time and resources locating the people and items of evidence necessary to show that your injuries or condition was caused by exposure to asbestos.
One potential problem in any mesothelioma case can be proving that you have mesothelioma at all. The defendant – that is, the one from whom compensation is sought – may attempt to claim that you do not actually have mesothelioma. The defendant may claim, for instance, that you are suffering from another form of cancer, or that your doctor otherwise misdiagnosed your signs and symptoms. Your own doctor can help confirm your diagnosis. You may also be asked to allow yourself to be examined by an independent medical professional to either confirm or deny your diagnosis. Your medical records and treatment records would also be reviewed and explained by your doctor and other medical professionals.
Another element of proof in mesothelioma cases involves connecting your diagnosis of mesothelioma to asbestos exposure. Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for up to 50 years after exposure. In other words, by the time symptoms of mesothelioma appear, the building at which you worked may have been torn down and coworkers may have all passed. A resourceful mesothelioma attorney may be able to locate and preserve records, inspection reports, and other forms of evidence that can prove that you were exposed to asbestos at your place of work.
Even in cases that may appear to be clear-cut or obvious, the assistance of an experienced mesothelioma attorney can prove invaluable. Tracking down the necessary witnesses and evidence takes a significant amount of time and money beyond what most individuals have available to them. By contrast, an experienced attorney will usually have the necessary resources to be able to locate witnesses and evidence.
Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. offers a FREE CONSULTATION.
Contact us today to discuss how we can helpPhiladelphia Office
2001 Market St Suite 2900
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 567-3500
Fax: (215) 567-6019
