Lung cancer is a disease few patients survive. A diagnosis can come as a shock, especially for people who do not smoke, but cancerous cells may have been developing in the lungs for decades before showing any symptoms.
If you recently received a lung cancer diagnosis, there is a chance that you suffered exposure to a toxic substance while dwelling or working in a contaminated building. A Washington lung cancer lawyer can help you fight for compensation from a negligent party.
For a free consultation, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 217-6099. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, and we do not shy away from difficult claims or lawsuits.
Types of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer can come in two main forms—small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, as Medical News Today explains. Treatment is available for both, but neither type leaves a patient with a positive prognosis. Chances of survival are low, and treatment’s effectiveness can depend on how early the cancer is detected.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Part of the reason lung cancer goes undetected for as long as it does, in some cases, revolves around its symptoms. While some symptoms can be severe, others may mimic other medical issues. A person may not get a medical exam just because they are exhibiting symptoms.
According to the Mayo Clinic, lung cancer can cause:
- A persistent cough
- A cough that brings up blood
- Weight loss
- Headaches
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pains
These symptoms can indicate several problems, and if a person never smoked in their life, they may not immediately suspect lung cancer.
As with other forms of cancer, the sooner lung cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance that it will respond to treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy.
Asbestos and Radon
Aside from smoking cigarettes, lung cancer usually develops from exposure to asbestos or radon. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), these two harmful substances are still present in some homes and workplaces across the country. Property owners have an obligation to test their buildings for these toxins and remove them properly, but some may not comply.
After Your Lung Cancer Diagnosis
The period following a lung cancer diagnosis can cause considerable stress for a family. They are contemplating their loved one’s prognosis while also accruing substantial medical bills. If their loved one is a breadwinner, they will likely face great financial strain without their consistent income.
In the midst of all this, they may begin to question how the lung cancer began. If they have no family history of lung cancer and the person did not smoke, it is possible the person suffered exposure to a toxic substance at work.
In some cases, even other family members can suffer exposure from the toxins that latch onto the person’s work clothes. Asbestos fibers can latch onto a person’s clothing and personal items, and everyone who touches it afterward can suffer exposure to the substance.
If you believe you suffered exposure to any toxin at work or somewhere else, you may be able to pursue the property owner for compensation. Even if the negligent party is a government entity, you may still have a chance to recover financial awards.
A Washington lung cancer lawyer can investigate your case, starting with your diagnosis. They can help determine why the lung cancer began and which party may be liable for causing you harm. From there, a lawyer can build a case to bring to an insurer or the courts, if necessary. They can negotiate for a fair settlement and represent you at trial to seek the awards you deserve.
Call Pintas & Mullins today to schedule your free consultation. You can ask questions and explore your legal options in your lung cancer case. We want to help you receive the compensation that you deserve.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Potential Compensation
Compensation depends on your specific case, but in general, compensation may address:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Medical costs
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
Your lawyer can make sure you seek fair compensation by examining the extent of your condition. While some patients do enter remission, the outlook for others is not good. Your lawyer can plan for your family’s future, not just the current expenses related to your lung cancer.
Statute of Limitations
One of the more challenging aspects of litigating a lung cancer case is often the long that passes between a person’s initial exposure and their diagnosis. In most personal injury cases, a statute of limitations determines how long a victim has to take legal action, starting from the point of injury.
With lung cancer cases in mind, several manufacturing companies cited for their cancer-causing toxins created trust funds for future victims who seek compensation. These are not unlimited funds, though, so the sooner you take legal action, the better. Your lawyer can help you determine how much time you have to file a lawsuit and work to comply with any regulations that apply to your case.
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Call Us for Help
If you have received a lung cancer diagnosis and believe it is due to negligence on behalf of another party, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help. We can discuss your case and your history of exposure to determine how you developed lung cancer and pursue those responsible for it.
We can discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. If we take on your case, you can rest assured that we will not charge you any upfront fees, as we work on a contingency-fee-basis.
We want to get started on your potential case as soon as possible, so call us immediately after your diagnosis. You can reach us at (800) 217-6099. See what a Washington lung cancer lawyer can do for your case.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form