Mesothelioma Patients: Should You Contact a Lawyer?

Mesothelioma affects thousands of individuals and their families each year. It’s an aggressive form of cancer that leaves seemingly leaves all patients with a death sentence. People suffering from the disease are typically given 14 to 22 months to live after they are diagnosed.

Mesothelioma typically has one cause: Exposure to asbestos, a toxic mineral that is used in products to help fireproof them. Although the mineral has stopped being used in most industries and products, the risk for exposure still looms because it has yet to be banned in the United States.

On top of coping with the fallout of this disease, patients also have to consider whether they should hire an attorney to file a claim for compensation based on their diagnosis. This compensation will often be essential in covering medical bills related to treating cancer, help with lost income and ensure the financial security of your family in the future should you pass away from the disease.

But is filing a claim the right decision for you? If your answer is “yes” to any of the questions below, then you should speak with an experienced attorney who can advise you on the options available to you.

Were you unknowingly exposed to asbestos at work? If your company did not alert you to a potential for asbestos exposure or provide proper safety measures, and you developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, they are liable for your disease and compensation is a typical recourse.

Were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military. Veterans that served in the military between 1930 and 1980 have a high risk of developing mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. In fact, veterans account for 30% of the estimated 3,000 mesothelioma cases diagnosed annually.

Were you exposed to asbestos in your home, business, or school? Asbestos is no longer used in buildings to help fireproof them. But, before 1980, it was a regular material in construction. And while there have been efforts to remove asbestos from these spaces — especially schools — the risk is still there in older buildings.

Was your loved one a mesothelioma patient that has recently passed away? If your loved one passed away from this cancer and was exposed to asbestos, you may have a case for compensation, especially if they fall into one of the categories above. You will need to work with the individual in charge of your estate to work with them to file a claim.

Mesothelioma is a devastating disease. If you are diagnosed with it, you should meet with an attorney for a consultation. In most cases, this step is free of charge and will help you learn more about the options available to you and what the steps are toward filing a claim.

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