According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, mesothelioma occurs when healthy cells mutate and grow out of control, forming a mass called a tumor. A rare type of cancer, mesothelioma typically affects those who have had exposure to asbestos, especially those who worked with or around it for long periods as part of their job.
Mesothelioma derives its name from the fact that it begins in the lining of certain organs, called the mesothelium. Approximately 8 out of 10 cases occur in the lungs, but mesothelioma can affect other areas of the body as well. This disease spreads quickly and aggressively, and many victims do not survive past a year from the date of their diagnosis.
As the American Cancer Society points out, the use of asbestos in many industries has decreased dramatically since the 1970s, when mesothelioma cases began to spike. Wyoming was home to several asbestos mines and industries that used asbestos products, including oil refineries, soda ash processors, and power plants, where workers faced constant exposure to this carcinogenic mineral.
If a doctor diagnosed you or a loved one with mesothelioma that resulted from occupational exposure to asbestos, a Wyoming mesothelioma lawyer could determine if you qualify for financial awards. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 for a free case evaluation with our legal team.
Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that asbestos exposure accounts for most cases of mesothelioma. However, your chances of developing mesothelioma increase if you live with someone who works with or around it, as the substance can stick to skin and clothing and later become airborne. When an individual inhales the fibers, they embed themselves in the tissue lining the lungs, where they can cause inflammation and scarring that eventually lead to the development of mesothelioma.
If working with asbestos led to your diagnosis, a Wyoming mesothelioma lawyer can determine if you have a case. Call Pintas & Mullins Law firm to get started.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Mesothelioma
In most cases, mesothelioma takes years or even decades after asbestos exposure to develop. Once a doctor diagnoses it, it tends to spread through the body at a rapid pace. If your doctor suspects that you may have mesothelioma, they will likely order imaging tests that see inside your body and check for abnormal growths.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
To identify a growth as cancerous or benign, your doctor may perform a biopsy. Sometimes, they can insert a thin needle into the tissue to extract a sample. Other times, they will surgically remove a small piece of tissue. After examining the sample under a microscope, they can confirm a diagnosis.
Treating Mesothelioma
Unfortunately, patients typically have limited treatment options after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Depending on the type, location, and extent of the cancer, the doctor may opt for surgery to remove cancerous tissue. Usually, operations cannot remove all the cancer.
In some cases, traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation might help treat the disease. However, many victims prefer to receive palliative care to keep them comfortable instead of treating their mesothelioma.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
You May Qualify for Compensation
In the 1980s, many companies across several industries became inundated with legal claims from former employees and their families affected by mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure. To avoid closing their doors for good, 60 companies agreed to establish asbestos trust funds for their victims as part of their bankruptcy proceedings. Over $30 billion became available to those who qualified, and victims began receiving compensation in 1988. Today, victims still have access to billions in financial awards from these trust funds.
If your employer or the employer of your loved one did not establish an asbestos trust fund or you prefer to take a different approach, a Wyoming mesothelioma lawyer can help you file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to pursue financial recovery. You could receive compensation for:
- Medical bills, equipment, prescriptions, and other health care-related expenses.
- Lost income for the time you missed at work.
- Loss of future wages for the financial support you lost when your loved one died.
- Pain and suffering for the physical, emotional, and mental trauma suffered by you and your loved ones.
- Funeral and burial costs for your loved one’s service.
The types and amounts you could receive depend on the circumstances of your case, but an attorney can help you assess your damages.
Wyoming Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma Cases
If you choose to pursue legal action against a Wyoming company, Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105 establishes a four-year statute of limitations from your diagnosis date to file a personal injury claim. Wyo. Stat. § 1-38-102 gives you up to two years from the date of your loved one’s death to seek legal action for wrongful death.
If you choose to pursue financial awards from an asbestos trust fund, the Wyoming statute of limitations does not apply, as each fund established its time limits for claims.
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Contact a Wyoming Mesothelioma Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you understand how deeply its effects can extend into your life and the lives of your family members. In addition to physical and emotional pain, you may also find yourself struggling with financial instability, all because of a disease you acquired just trying to make a living.
The Wyoming mesothelioma lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you by investigating your claim, evaluating your damages, and pursuing compensation on your behalf. Contact us today at (800) 794-0444 to discuss your case with our legal team.
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