If you suffered exposure to asbestos or radon while on the job, it may have been the reason for your lung cancer. Some people work for years before developing symptoms of lung cancer that lead them to see a doctor. Once they receive their diagnosis, they may be wondering how they developed the deadly disease.
Lung cancer can develop over the years without detection, and the later a person addresses their cancer with treatment, the fewer their chances of survival are. This is what makes the diagnosis so formidable.
If a negligent party did, indeed, cause your cancer, you have a right to seek compensation from them. While no amount of money can buy back your health, a settlement or court-awarded offer can go a long way in helping you and your family deal with the ramifications of your condition. Compensation can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses you accrue over time while treating your lung cancer.
If you believe you developed this disease as a result of a negligent party, give Pintas & Mullins Law Firm a call at (800) 217-6099. We look forward to hearing about your diagnosis and seeing what a West Virginia lung cancer lawyer can do for you and your family.
Toxic Asbestos Fibers
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), asbestos is a fibrous mineral that naturally occurs in our earth. When manufactured, this substance becomes toxic to humans. If people inhale it or touch it, the fibers can enter the body and cause organ damage over time. It is the leading cause of mesothelioma, another form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.
The agency also notes that radon is another substance, a gas, that can also cause lung cancer if a person breathes it over time. Usually, the longer exposure to this gas continues, the more likely a person is to develop lung cancer.
Even in the absence of smoking, exposure to asbestos and radon can be deadly in and of themselves. Another issue with these substances is that people who suffer exposure to them often unknowingly expose their family members to them, as well. When they come from work, for example, asbestos fibers may remain on their clothes, and the family member who washes them may suffer exposure from touching the clothes directly. That is all it takes for the fibers to enter the body.
Fighting Lung Cancer
Despite the advancements in surgery and cancer drugs, lung cancer, whether small-cell or non-small cell, usually does not respond well to treatment. A doctor may not be able to recommend surgery if the cancer has already spread so far in the organ, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
For example, if cancer remains localized in one lung, there may be an option to remove the one lung. Some people will be able to live with one lung. A doctor may still prescribe chemotherapy just in case the cells spread to other areas of the body. Rehabilitative therapy can also help a patient adjust after major surgery.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
What a West Virginia Lung Cancer Lawyer Can Do
A lung cancer lawyer can help you determine the source of your lung cancer to see if there is a negligent party responsible for exposing you to a toxic substance. Even if you smoke or have a family history of lung cancer, it is worth examining your potential history of exposure to a toxin. If it turns out that your lung cancer did stem from exposure, you may have a claim for compensation.
Give Pintas & Mullins a call today to schedule a free case evaluation. We want to hear the details about your lung cancer diagnosis and how we can help you explore your legal options and possible next steps.
Filing a Claim with an Insurance Company
After identifying a liable party, your lawyer could pursue compensation by filing a claim with the liable party’s insurance company. It is even possible that a responsible party established a trust fund for victims who receive a diagnosis years after their exposure, according to Reuters.
A lawyer can negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement, and they can make sure to consider your costs of treatment, pain and suffer, lost wages, and any other loss that applies in your case.
Filing a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Claim
If negotiations with insurers do not lead to a settlement that your losses warrant, a West Virginia lung cancer lawyer can take another avenue to pursue compensation. They can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in a trial. A court-awarded offer would become the objective, and a judge or jury would decide what fair compensation would be in your case.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm After Your Diagnosis
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm wants to help victims who have received a lung cancer diagnosis determine if a negligent party is to blame. You can call us to discuss your diagnosis and your possible history of exposure to identify the cause.
If you have a case, our West Virginia lung cancer lawyer can get to work filing a claim or lawsuit that will help you seek reparations for the harm you suffered. You do not need to handle the legal process alone. Let a lawyer handle it for you while you focus on what is most important—fighting for physical recovery and spending time with your loved ones.
For a free consultation, call us at (800) 217-6099. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, so we never have to charge our clients any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. Let us handle your case while you get back to your family.
Call or text (800) 217-6099 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form