If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma, your life could be turned upside down. While you are dealing with your treatment and recovery, it is important to remember that you have legal options. It is possible that your diagnosis was caused by exposure to dangerous substances, such as asbestos. Your healthcare provider could also have misdiagnosed your condition and cost you valuable treatment time. Some victims can even recover compensation by filing a legal claim.
To learn more about your options, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to work with our New Mexico mesothelioma lawyer. A team member is standing by to discuss your case in detail during a no-obligation consultation. Call (800) 794-0444 today.
Mesothelioma
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mesothelioma is a very rare and serious form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, digestive tract, or other internal organs. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you could be suffering from mesothelioma:
- Shortness of breath or difficulties breathing
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Persistent cough, or a cough producing discharge
- Fatigue or feelings of weakness
- Difficulties sleeping
- Sudden changes in diet or difficulties maintaining weight
Only a medical professional can confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is very rare, this disease could be caused by unusual circumstances. Understanding the risk factors and causes of mesothelioma can help you determine if you may have been wrongfully exposed or put in danger by the negligence of a third party.
Treatment Options
Following your mesothelioma diagnosis, a healthcare provider or specialist will be able to assess your condition and develop a specific treatment plan that is right for you. This can vary depending on your overall health, age, the stage of your cancer, and various other factors. Treatment options can include chemotherapy, surgeries to remove cancerous tissue, pharmaceutical intervention, pain management, and even alternative medicine.
You are placing a great deal of trust in your healthcare provider after a diagnosis, and it is important to find a doctor who has experience with mesothelioma and can prescribe the most effective treatment methods.
If you feel as though your medical provider failed to offer the best possible care, you may have been the victim of negligence or malpractice. Every case is unique, so if you are interested in discussing your situation with a legal professional, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can answer any questions you might have.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Risk Factors and Dangerous Exposure
There are several factors that could influence your likelihood of mesothelioma. One factor is your age. Older adults are therefore more likely to develop this disease. One reason for this is because mesothelioma can take a long time to develop.
Another risk factor for mesothelioma is ethnicity. In general, Caucasian individuals are more inclined to suffer from mesothelioma when compared to other ethnicities. Mesothelioma also tends to be more common in men than in women.
Because mesothelioma is a relatively rare disease, a diagnosis could be caused by an unusual exposure to carcinogenic substances, such as asbestos.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber found in rock and soil, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Because asbestos is a heat resistant material, it is commonly used in various building materials. You can find asbestos in materials such as attic and wall insulation, roofing shingles, paint, automobile parts, and other fabrics.
Some buildings contain asbestos that can be dangerous when circulated into the air, causing potential exposure. The EPA reports that mesothelioma almost always develops due to asbestos exposure. The frequency and intensity of asbestos exposure can contribute to the probability of developing mesothelioma.
If a building manager, landlord, employer, contractor, or any individual potentially aware of the presence of asbestos fails to disclose this information, your life could be at risk. If you think you could have been exposed to asbestos because of the negligence of a third party, this could be grounds for legal action.
Medical Malpractice
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, every day is crucial in terms of improving your prognosis. If your diagnosis was initially incorrect, or if your symptoms were ignored by a healthcare provider, your health could have suffered from their mistakes. Some missed or late diagnoses could be considered malpractice, which is a very serious offense punishable by law. In some cases, victims of negligence, malpractice, and other forms of mistreatment can recover compensation.
Potentially Recoverable Compensation
If your mesothelioma was possibly caused by the negligence of a third party, you could be entitled to compensation. Every case is different. You have the option to hire a New Mexico mesothelioma lawyer before determining whether or not to pursue legal action. Some victims recover compensation for lost wages, reimbursement for medical and legal expenses, punitive damages, and much more.
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Understanding Your Legal Options
A mesothelioma diagnosis can leave your life scattered in a million pieces, and while you fight to recover and gain your life back, filing a legal claim might seem like an overwhelming endeavor. The New Mexico mesothelioma lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to answer your questions and discuss your case in detail during this difficult time. Call (800) 794-0444 to speak with a team member during a free consultation to learn more.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form