Asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, as well as other cancers and illnesses, may not be apparent for many decades after you or a loved one breathed in asbestos fibers at work or elsewhere. You may now wonder whether you still have legal recourse after all these years. The answer is that you most likely do.
A Michigan mesothelioma lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you find out whether you have a case and could recover compensation: (800) 614-2067.
Asbestos-Related Cancers and Illnesses
According to Cancer.gov, asbestos is a carcinogen that is linked to the following cancers and diseases:
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer of the thin tissue (mesothelium) covering major organs such as the lung and the stomach. Mesothelioma is aggressive, deadly, and incurable. However, if you discover the disease at an early stage, a variety of life-extending treatment options are available, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis, according to Mayo Clinic, is a chronic lung disease that can cause shortness of breath and other symptoms. Asbestosis can occur due to inhalation of asbestos fibers.
Lung and Pleural Diseases
Exposure to asbestos fibers can also cause several other illnesses of the lungs such as lung cancer, pleural thickening, and pleural plaques.
There is also some evidence that asbestos exposure plays a role in stomach, pharynx, and colorectal cancers.
Mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis can take decades to develop. If you worked with asbestos many years ago and are wondering whether this damaged your health, you may want to speak to your doctor. Some diagnostic imaging tests can detect signs of asbestosis and lung cancers before you have any symptoms. Attending all your regular cancer screenings and check-ups can also help with the early discovery of any illnesses. Discovering cancers such as mesothelioma or lung cancer early can help to prolong a sufferer’s life expectancy.
Medical treatments for cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses can be expensive and may need repeating throughout the years. You or a loved one may need extensive time away from work. This can cause considerable financial hardship for a family. However, if you or a loved one suffer from any asbestos-related illnesses, you could potentially hold a negligent party to account even if your exposure to asbestos happened decades ago. Connect with a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer now for help.
Michigan Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Lawsuits
If you are considering filing a lawsuit for compensation, you will need to act quickly. Once you or your loved one receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, the time you have available for filing your claim starts ticking down. The law recognizes that there is a long latency period between asbestos exposure and developing a disease. Once the disease is diagnosed, you should consider working with a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer for advice regarding your legal options, filing deadlines, and the best course of action.
In Michigan, you have three years after diagnosis to file a personal injury or wrongful death mesothelioma claim, according to Michigan Statute § 600.5805.
The sooner you begin the process of filing a lawsuit, the sooner you could potentially receive a settlement that can help you with any financial hardship suffered by you.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Industries Most Affected
Asbestos was widely used in many different industries in previous years, and workers in the following occupations may have suffered considerable asbestos exposure:
- Construction and demolition workers
- Workers in the auto industry
- Refinery workers.
- U.S. Navy personnel.
- Asbestos miners.
- Oil refinery workers.
- Asbestos product manufacturing.
There are potentially many other workers that worked with asbestos daily for many years and now have a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.
Sometimes, these workers unknowingly put their entire family at risk. One risk factor for developing mesothelioma is living with someone who worked with asbestos. Since asbestos fibers are so tiny, a worker can bring them home on their clothes, skin, and hair. Family members coming into contact with a worker or doing simple home tasks such as laundry may inhale asbestos fibers. They are also potentially at risk for developing mesothelioma and other diseases.
Your Next Best Steps
Once you or a loved one receive the diagnosis of mesothelioma, an incurable cancer, you may be shocked and not know where to turn for help. Once you receive medical help and have some time to digest this devastating diagnosis, it is beneficial to pursue help from a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer who can help you identify any legal options.
You could file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party, or you might be able to claim a settlement from one of the many asbestos trust funds established by companies. You could potentially receive compensation for:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Lost wages and future lost wages
- Awards for emotional and physical pain and anguish
- Loss of life quality
- Disability
You could also receive other damages depending on your unique mesothelioma case.
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Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
Do not delay your efforts to recover compensation. We can help you file a lawsuit or receive a settlement from an asbestos trust fund sooner rather than later. This means that you could recover compensation that can help you with your treatments and expenses due to an asbestos-related illness.
We understand that thinking about a lawsuit can feel frightening and overwhelming. However, we can be by your side every step of the way and make sure that you do not leave any money on the table, for example in settlement negotiations.
While no amount of money can restore your health or the health or life of your loved one, having the funds to pay for medical help and other necessities can make your life more comfortable. It can also stop any worries you might have about future bills connected to your asbestos-related illness.
We have the resources to litigate your case and will not charge you any upfront attorney’s fees while we work on your case. We will take our fee from the settlement you will receive if and when we win your case.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free evaluation of your mesothelioma case: (800) 614-2067.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form