Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is a life-changing problem that has rapidly become more widespread. The American Cancer Society reports that almost 80 percent of mesothelioma patients experienced asbestos exposure at some point in their lives, typically in the workplace or their homes because of its use in construction processes.
We might see more mesothelioma patients because of choices made by construction companies and other manufacturers before the government banned most uses of the mineral.
If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma, you might face expensive treatment costs. Most people struggle with these expenses, which can put a severe strain on your finances. Fortunately, you could take legal action to seek compensation that will cover your expenses. Talk to a North Dakota mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about your legal options. Contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation about your case.
Defining Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that form the lining around your organs. Early intervention is the best way to improve patients’ chances of positive outcomes.
The primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. While asbestos is a natural material, North Dakota has no known deposits, so it is more likely that you will come into contact with asbestos in buildings. For decades, insulation for pipes and walls contained asbestos because of its fireproof and heat-resistant properties. When scientists discovered the connection between mesothelioma and asbestos, many countries outlawed its use in manufactured products and took measures to limit its existence in natural settings.
Despite regulations on the use of asbestos, it is still possible to develop mesothelioma. Older buildings may still have asbestos in them, and some contractors still use materials containing asbestos for specific projects.
If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma, you could hold the company responsible for your asbestos exposure liable for your treatment expenses.
Investigating Erionite Exposure Resulting in Mesothelioma
Recent research shows that other substances could also cause mesothelioma. Erionite has a similar structure to asbestos, and researchers have found that inhaling or ingesting erionite fibers might cause the same cellular damage that leads to mesothelioma. According to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, there are large erionite deposits in the western part of the state. Counties used gravel mined near these deposits to pave roads and parking lots, leading to concerns over increased mesothelioma cases in the near future.
Some areas may already see the effect that mining near erionite deposits can cause. According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers have looked into possible increases in the number of mesothelioma cases in North Dakota due to using erionite-containing gravel.
Seeking Compensation
The goal of any lawsuit is to collect financial compensation for expenses caused by someone else’s negligent actions. In a mesothelioma case, you seek to hold another party liable for your medical expenses based on them negligently exposing you to asbestos.
Before you decide to take legal action, you might want to talk to a North Dakota mesothelioma lawyer to determine your legal options. Every case is different, and deciding whether to file a lawsuit is a personal choice. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to have a team member review your case and discuss what steps you should take next.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Statute of Limitations
According to North Dakota Cent. Code Ann. § 28-01-16(5), you only have six years from the date that you receive your mesothelioma diagnosis to file your lawsuit. That time can quickly pass as you fight an illness while trying to determine your legal options Rather than trying to handle all of it alone, you can discuss your situation with a personal injury lawyer.
Within those six years, evidence could go missing, and witnesses might move away. The sooner you act, the sooner a mesothelioma lawyer can begin the process of building your case. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has handled thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits and can review our database of products and companies linked to asbestos exposure to determine liability in your situation.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses for treating mesothelioma can quickly mount because you need specialized care. You need care from an oncologist, specialized tests to detect cancer, and expensive treatment options depending on the stage of your mesothelioma.
Surgery is the primary care method once your doctor diagnoses mesothelioma. If your surgeon can remove the tumor before it spreads, they might slow your mesothelioma before it becomes a major problem. If cancer has begun to spread, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the next likely options. All three of these treatment methods can leave you with a significant financial burden.
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Reasons to Hire a Lawyer
Having a North Dakota mesothelioma lawyer represent you provides support in several ways. Your attorney leads the management of your case, including arguing your case in court. Throughout the process, they help you understand the legal process and handle specific elements of your case. Your lawyer can negotiate settlement agreements with the at-fault party’s insurance company or opposing counsel. They also can work with asbestos trust funds set up by bankrupt companies to compensate mesothelioma patients that they exposed to asbestos.
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Dealing with a diagnosis of mesothelioma can radically change your life. The impact on your health, family life, and finances can become challenging to manage. You could make the recovery process more manageable by pursuing compensation to handle your financial expenses. You should not have to carry the burden of excessive debt and financial obligations relating to your recovery when a company negligently exposed you to asbestos or another carcinogen.
If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma, you could take legal action to claim compensation for your expenses. You can contact a North Dakota mesothelioma lawyer for legal guidance. Call the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation about your case.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form