Symptoms of Mesothelioma
If you experience any of the symptoms below and you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos, speak with a doctor as soon as you can. Mesothelioma may present the symptoms listed below, or it may result in additional symptoms that aren’t listed. Mesothelioma can be a life-threatening condition, and it’s best to get the care you need as soon as you can.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
- Unexpected weight loss
- Chest pain and pain when coughing
- Fatigue
- Trouble breathing and getting your breath back
- Growths or lumps in the chest
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
- Growths or lumps in the abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Unexpected weight loss
Pericardial mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Painful coughing
- Heart irregularities such as abnormal rhythm
These and many other symptoms may arise from mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are exhibiting any symptoms, speak with a doctor as soon as you can. A doctor can diagnose your condition and help you get the treatment you need.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Treatment for mesothelioma can take many forms, including chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and surgery. The treatment will depend on the facts of each case and the needs of the patient. Mesothelioma is a serious disease that may require in-depth treatment, so the sooner you can get a diagnosis and treatment, the better.
Chemotherapy is an important tool for treating many types of cancer, including mesothelioma. Chemotherapy targets cancerous cells and can halt the progress of the disease or reverse it. This type of therapy can have significant side effects, but it is a powerful tool in the fight against mesothelioma. Doctors may combine this therapy with other treatments aimed at fully treating the disease.
Radiation therapy is another way of targeting cancerous cells. Radiation can slow or stop cancer by destroying cancerous cells and preventing them from dividing. Doctors use radiation therapy to focus on specific regions and areas of cancerous growth within the body. It may take a significant amount of time to complete the therapy, but it can be highly effective. It may be used after surgery to destroy cancer cells that may remain after doctors surgically remove a cancerous growth.
Finally, doctors may use surgery to try and slow or stop the spread of the disease. Mesothelioma may cause the growth of tumors and other cancerous tissues. Surgeons may perform operations to remove the cancerous tissue, then follow up with other treatments to continue fighting the disease. Surgeries can be invasive, expensive, and painful for patients, but sometimes it’s the only way to treat the disease.
Legal Help for Mesothelioma
When you’re trying to find compensation for your illness, there are many options available. The suitability of each option depends on your exposure to asbestos, how you were exposed, what products were involved, and the nature of your illness. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review your case, discuss your options, and help you find a legal solution that works for you.
Some of the key ways that you may seek compensation include:
- Filing a lawsuit. Many individuals who develop mesothelioma choose to file a lawsuit. This may include asbestos manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, employers, and others who may be responsible for your exposure to the substance. If an individual passes away due to mesothelioma, their family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim for the loss of their loved one.
- Veterans Affairs claims. Individuals who served in the military and were exposed to asbestos while working on military projects may be eligible for benefits from the VA. These resources can be an important source of recovery for those who have developed mesothelioma.
- Bankruptcy trust funds. In some cases, companies that produced asbestos or who may be responsible for your illness go into bankruptcy. As part of this, they are often required to set up bankruptcy trusts to handle any current or potential future asbestos-related claims. These trusts hold significant amounts of money for mesothelioma and related claims, so they can be an important source of recovery for many individuals.
Compensation for a mesothelioma claim may include:
- Medical treatment related to your illness. Mesothelioma may require extensive treatment including surgeries, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The cost of these treatments can add up very quickly and rapidly drain your energy and your resources. A mesothelioma claim may help you recover the cost of treating the disease and help cover the cost of treatment in the future.
- Lost wages and income. Mesothelioma can put you out of work. A claim may include compensation for the wages and income you’ve lost. These resources can be vital to you and your family, so it’s important to pursue them.
- Damage done to your future earnings. When your earning potential and livelihood are damaged, a claim may include compensation for the income you won’t be able to earn in the future.
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering. Mesothelioma is a serious disease that causes tremendous pain and emotional suffering. A claim may include damages for the physical and emotional pain that you have suffered because of your illness.
These and other options may be available depending on the facts of your case. If you have questions about your legal options, schedule a free case evaluation today. A mesothelioma attorney can listen to you, address your questions, and help you move your claim forward.
Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma Claims
In Texas, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date that the cause of action accrues. This means that you have two years from the date when you knew or should have known about the disease. For example, if you receive a diagnosis from a doctor indicating you have mesothelioma, the two-year time limit begins to run at that moment. If someone passes away due to mesothelioma, you have two years from the date of their death to file a claim.
Two years may sound like plenty of time to start a mesothelioma claim. However, these claims can be very complicated and may take a significant amount of time to prepare. If you receive a diagnosis or suspect you may have developed the disease, speak with a lawyer about your claim. A lawyer can begin this important work and fight to make sure you get the compensation that you and your family need.
In mesothelioma cases, it’s important to know that there have been several rule changes in the past that may affect how long you have to bring a claim. If you are considering a mesothelioma claim, speak with a lawyer as soon as you can. A mesothelioma lawyer can review your claim and let you know how much time you have to begin the process.