Mesothelioma is a rare, yet aggressive and deadly form of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which the Mayo Clinic describes as the thin layer of tissue that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most cases affect the lungs, but some can affect the abdomen, heart, or testicles. Researchers believe patients contract mesothelioma primarily through the inhalation of asbestos particles.
If you have recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis, a Kansas mesothelioma lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries. Call our team at (800) 614-2067 today for a free case review.
Explaining Asbestos
The National Cancer Institute defines asbestos as six naturally occurring minerals that appear as bundles of fibers in the environment. Companies separate these fibers into thin, durable threads for commercial and industrial applications. Many industries use these fibers because of their resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals, and because they do not conduct electricity.
The use of asbestos increased significantly during World War II, especially in the building and construction industries. The military used asbestos for shipbuilding to insulate hot water pipes, steam pipes, and boilers. For decades, you could find asbestos in many common products—from insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, and paints, to everyday household items, garden products, and automotive parts.
In the late 1970s, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) began banning the use of asbestos because the fibers could be released into the environment during use. In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos. Today, the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) both highly regulate the use of asbestos.
Despite the federal government beginning to regulate the use of asbestos in the 1970s due to health concerns, including lung cancer, many companies continued to make products containing asbestos despite knowing the risk for mesothelioma.
According to OSHA, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma has resulted from even just a few days of asbestos exposure. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have all classified asbestos as a known human carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent. Although asbestos use has declined dramatically in recent years, it still poses a threat in many commercial and residential settings.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to lung cancer and may include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent cough
- Weight loss
- Pain under the rib cage
- Abdominal pain, swelling, or lumps
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Swelling of the neck or face
Because mesothelioma symptoms mimic many common respiratory illnesses, doctors typically discover it only after it has reached an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat. Diagnostic testing for mesothelioma might include a chest X-ray and lung biopsy or bronchoscopy. Treatment can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Secondhand exposure to asbestos can also cause mesothelioma. When workers are around asbestos, they might carry it home on their clothes or in their hair, exposing their families to the fibers. Their family members could later develop mesothelioma.
When you receive your mesothelioma diagnosis, it probably results from asbestos exposure you experienced decades earlier due to its long latency. This can cause difficulty in proving liability, but a Kansas mesothelioma lawyer can review your work history and help you determine where asbestos exposure might have occurred. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has handled many mesothelioma cases and can advise you on your next best steps. Call us today to get started.
For a free legal consultation with a Kansas Mesothelioma Lawyer serving Kansas, call (800) 794-0444
A Lawyer Will Fight for Justice and Compensation for You
When you have mesothelioma, you might have many costs that include:
- Doctor visits
- Medical testing
- Surgery
- Radiation or chemotherapy
- Prescription medication
- Lost income
- Emotional trauma
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
You have likely endured devastating physical pain and suffering, as well as economic costs. You should not have to suffer further for an injury that was not your fault. The liable people or companies should pay for your treatment and damages, not you. In addition, in a personal injury lawsuit, you could receive up to $325,000 for noneconomic damages, according to K.S.A. § 60-19a02.
A lawyer will file a personal injury claim to pursue an award for your costs. They will ask questions and try to pinpoint when and where your exposure to asbestos occurred. They will try to figure out the party responsible for your exposure, most likely a manufacturer or employer.
You could hold a manufacturer liable if you used an asbestos-containing product, and they failed to warn the public of its danger. An employer may have liability if they did not adequately inform you of the potential hazard and did not provide protective equipment to wear while on the job.
A mesothelioma lawyer will explain your legal options. They are aware that many companies known to have exposed employees or customers to asbestos already have a team of lawyers working for them. The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will not shy away from a tough case. They will fight back for justice and compensation for you.
Kansas Kansas Mesothelioma Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer Today
According to K.S.A. § 60-513, you have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. You might not want to delay because it can take a long time to build a case and compile evidence to prove your claim.
A Kansas mesothelioma lawyer stands ready to fight for your rights. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 614-2067 for your free consultation today. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing out-of-pocket or upfront. We only get paid if you receive a settlement or court award.
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