Approximately 3,000 people receive a devastating mesothelioma diagnosis in the U.S. every year, according to Cancer.net. The five-year survival rate for those suffering from the disease is only 10 percent. If the cancer is found early, the survival rates increase considerably. However, there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, and most treatments are focusing on lengthening survival time for a sufferer.
Getting diagnosed with an incurable cancer such as mesothelioma can be a huge shock. Once the first shock and upset passes, it can be normal to feel outrage at whoever caused you to suffer from this illness. As well as worrying about your future health, you may also worry about the financial implications of your illness and how to pay for the lifelong treatments you may need. However, if a company’s negligence caused your suffering, you may be able to hold them to account and recover compensation.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now to connect with a New Hampshire mesothelioma lawyer to find out whether you have legal recourse: (800) 614-2067.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, a membrane covering internal organs such as the lungs, stomach, and heart. Mesothelioma of the lung (pleural mesothelioma) is the most common form of this type of cancer, followed by mesothelioma of the stomach, heart, and testicles, according to Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of mesothelioma of the lungs can include:
- Pain in the chest
- Persistent and painful cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight loss
Symptoms of mesothelioma of the stomach typically differ from symptoms of mesothelioma of the lung and may include:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
If you used to work with asbestos and developed any of these symptoms recently, you should see a medical provider for a check-up so that they can rule out cancer. Catching an incurable cancer such as mesothelioma early can prolong life considerably.
If You Developed Mesothelioma
According to Cancer.org, eight out of ten people diagnosed with mesothelioma have previously been exposed to asbestos. When a person breathes in the tiny fibers of asbestos, they can travel to the lungs where they may cause cancer in years to come.
Mesothelioma of the stomach can also be caused by asbestos. If you inadvertently swallowed asbestos fibers, while breathing through your mouth, for example, the fibers can travel to the peritoneal lining and cause cancer there.
If you developed mesothelioma, chances are that at some point in your life you came into contact with asbestos, either through work, at home, or by living with someone who worked with asbestos. The fibers can cling to clothing, skin, and hair.
The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that used to be popular in all kinds of industries due to its heat resistance, strength, and fireproofing abilities. In previous decades, asbestos was incorporated into a multitude of consumer products, as well as utilized in various manufacturing industries. Some of the products and industries that used asbestos include:
- Drywall and insulation
- Paints and sealants
- Flooring
- Roofing
- Electrical appliances
- Car manufacture
- Ship building
Those who worked with asbestos are at greatest risk of suffering from the long-term effects of repeated exposure to the harmful substance.
Asbestos does not only cause mesothelioma, it may also be responsible for a host of other illnesses such as:
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- COPD
- Pleural plaques
- Pleural thickening
- Collapsing of the lung (atelectasis)
If you worked with asbestos for years and developed mesothelioma or another serious illness, you should speak to a New Hampshire mesothelioma lawyer as you may be able to hold the responsible party to account for your financial damages and suffering.
Help is available for mesothelioma sufferers, and you could potentially claim a settlement from an asbestos trust fund or with a personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer can research your case and inform you about the best course of action to try and recover the compensation you deserve. Call the legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Asbestos Trust Funds
If you worked with asbestos and subsequently developed a serious disease due to asbestos exposure, for example, mesothelioma, you could potentially receive a settlement from an asbestos trust fund.
Asbestos companies facing bankruptcy set up trust funds for their workers in order to set aside money for those who suffered any ill effects and damages from asbestos exposure at work.
If your previous company set up an asbestos trust fund, you may be able to receive a settlement. However, you will need to file a claim in order to receive compensation from an asbestos trust fund. The problem with the trust funds can be that a settlement may only pay a small percentage of your overall damages, depending on how much money is available in the trust fund. This could potentially leave you short of funds for medical bills and other expenses accrued due to an asbestos-related illness.
You may also have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit, depending on your specific case and where the exposure to asbestos took place. However, acting quickly and getting legal advice as soon as possible is crucial, whether you are hoping to recover a settlement from a trust fund or through a lawsuit. Time is of the essence as asbestos trust funds may fluctuate over time and personal injury lawsuits generally have a time limit for filing.
Currently, in New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Statute 508:4 sets a three-year time limit for personal injury cases. The time starts ticking as soon as you discover your asbestos-related injury or illness.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Fight for You
Whether you consider claiming a settlement from an asbestos trust fund or through a personal injury lawsuit, your New Hampshire mesothelioma lawyer can help. We can fight for your rights to a fair and comprehensive settlement. If a company’s recklessness caused your cancer or other illness, you deserve compensation, and they should pay for your damages related to an asbestos-induced illness.
We work on a “no win no fee” basis, so you will not have to pay any upfront lawyer’s fees. Let us work on your behalf and defend your best interests.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today and speak to one of our team members about your potential claim: (800) 614-2067.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form