Mesothelioma is a type of cancer of the lining of the body’s organs and is usually caused by a person’s exposure to asbestos. This type of cancer is usually formed on the outer lining of the lungs, and will cause shortness of breath and chest pain. It is actually a very rare diagnosis, and is usually found in people that have worked on job sites where they have inhaled asbestos particles.
Asbestos has been known to cause mesothelioma for decades, however, many companies continued to use this material because of its manufacturing benefits. As a result, many employees have continued to be exposed to this harmful toxin, even though employers were well aware of the consequences. This is why many companies have been forced to pay millions of dollars in asbestos law suits. A person who has been exposed to asbestos should consult a personal injury lawyer immediately.
Many times, a person will be exposed to asbestos, and continue to live healthily for years. This is because mesothelioma is a cancer that can lay dormant for many years. Although most companies have finally disposed of asbestos in the workplace, they may still be facing lawsuits for exposure that occurred years ago. Once the person is diagnosed with mesothelioma, he or she will have the right to obtain damages with a personal injury suit.
There are many attorneys who will specialize in mesthelioma suits, simply because so many people affected by this disease are able to sue. Most of the time, the attorney will negotiate a settlement in which the client will receive a specified amount of money. As long as the amount of money is sufficient to the plaintiff, this can be beneficial to both parties because they will not have to go though a trial. In this case, the settlement is usually negotiated fairly quickly, and parties will not have to wait for a trial date.
Some jurisdictions will place a statute of limitations on mesothelioma lawsuits, which is why a plaintiff should file immediately. Mesothelioma is a particularly deadly cancer, and a patient could possibly die before a settlement is negotiated. In this case, the victims family may be able to obtain damages on his or her behalf.
It is also possible to file a personal injury suit if a person develops a respiratory condition as a result of exposure to a family member that worked with asbestos. Research has shown that exposure to asbestos particles can often travel from a workers clothing or skin to another member of the household. A person who has been indirectly exposed to asbestos may also be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses.
