Ten Myths About Mesothelioma Lawyers Houston Texas That Don't Always Hold
Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma lawyers are knowledgeable about the legal complexities of asbestos-related cases. Attorneys can assist victims in filing personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits to seek compensation.
Lawsuits can help pay for medical expenses, lost income and pain and discomfort. Lawyers are familiar with federal and state laws, including statutes of limitations. They can also assist veterans submit claims to the VA.
Statute of limitations
Lawyers who specialize in mesothelioma are aware that time is critical when filing a suit. To ensure that victims and family members receive financial compensation, a mesothelioma lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires. The money received from a successful lawsuit may be used to pay funeral expenses, medical bills as well as lost income and suffering and pain.
Mesothelioma cases are complex, and the statutes of limitation are comparatively short. Therefore, it is crucial to file a lawsuit as quickly as possible. In Texas, the time limit for mesothelioma is two years following a victim's diagnosis. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist victims family members and loved ones know how the statute of limitation applies to their specific situation.
A mesothelioma lawyer is able to explain the various factors that impact the time limit for a case. The statutes of the state in which mesothelioma patients currently reside and in which state they previously resided could be affected by this. Different states also have different deadlines in relation to personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Additionally, different asbestos companies and job sites have different statutes of limitation.
A mesothelioma case is an important way for victims and their families to hold asbestos companies that are negligent in their conduct accountable for the asbestos exposure they caused. The survivors can pursue the option of a personal or wrongful-death suit or a trust claim. A nationwide asbestos law firm that has experienced mesothelioma attorneys has secured substantial compensation for clients, including multi-million-dollar settlements and jury verdicts. In addition, attorneys have had success securing payments from asbestos trust funds for surviving relatives of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. Trust fund claims are a speedier and less complicated process than filing a lawsuit. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the specifics of a client's case to determine which kind of claim is most suitable. The asbestos trust will also receive the documents prepared by the mesothelioma attorney. The asbestos trust fund will review the documents and decide whether the payout is appropriate.
Exposure to Asbestos
The most common mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath and chest pain. Other symptoms include weight loss and fatigue. It is essential to see with a physician immediately after being exposed to asbestos. A physician will review the medical history of the patient and conduct a physical exam. Tests may include a chest x-ray or lung function tests. A doctor may also perform an CT scan, MRI or biopsy. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose due to its lengthy period of latency between the time of exposure and the time of the onset.
The greatest risk is for those who work in factories or shipyards that manufacture or use asbestos. However, mesothelioma has been discovered in people with no evidence of asbestos exposure. The asbestos fibers can get inhaled and travel to the lung, where they can damage the lining of the lungs and cause cancer. People who live near places where asbestos was employed are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos was once a popular material in a variety of industries. It is durable and fire resistant. It was used in construction, ships automotive parts, insulation and many other products. Asbestos is often hidden in these products. The invisible fibers were released into the air when workers cut, sanded, or drilled the materials. When inhaled asbestos fibers that are microscopic could be inhaled or ingested into the lungs and cause illnesses.
Many asbestos victims in Texas have received multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Compensation from a lawsuit for personal injury, wrongful death, or asbestos trust fund claims can pay for costly treatments and also cover lost wages. A Houston mesothelioma lawyer can assist victims in filing an action or claim.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
The doctors who diagnose mesothelioma will examine your medical history, do a physical exam and order imaging tests such as an CT scan or an MRI. These scans combine of X-rays that are taken from different angles to create a 3-dimensional image. A contrast agent could be used to highlight areas of interest. A doctor will also perform a biopsy if mesothelioma has been identified as a possibility. When a biopsy is conducted the doctor will remove some of the tumor cells for laboratory testing to confirm the diagnoses.
Based on your symptoms, doctors might also perform an ultrasound or a CT (computerized tomography) scan of your abdomen and chest cavity. These scans produce images that reveal the size and location of tumors. They can also help doctors find out how far the mesothelioma has spread.
A doctor may order the collection of a blood sample to assess your general health, and also the function of your kidneys and your liver. These tests will help determine if you're fit enough to receive treatment. The results of tests on blood can also reveal the chemicals produced by cancer cells, known as markers.
If you're diagnosed with pleural cancer, your doctor might drain the fluid that has accumulated in the lining of the lungs (the pleura). This can help relieve breathlessness and aid doctors in identifying any indications of mesothelioma. In some instances surgery, a surgeon could remove the fluid using the procedure known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
In rare instances doctors might recommend a PET scan (positron emission Tomography). These tests are used to determine whether mesothelioma has been active and how quickly it is growing.
A thoracoscopy, which is a minor procedure, is used to determine the state of mesothelioma within your lung. During the procedure, your physician makes a small cut in the chest wall between two ribs and inserts a small tube with a flashlight and camera attached. The thoracoscope is then able to reach the pleura and examine it for mesothelioma.
In some instances doctors may perform a biopsy to find out how far mesothelioma cancer has spread. They can also conduct a lung function exam to determine the effectiveness of your lungs.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma patients need to be treated with a combination chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. This treatment plan is the best way to improve survival rates and improve the quality of life. However, doctors might not be able cure mesothelioma. Some patients live only 18-30 months. Cancer is usually diagnosed when signs and later stages of the disease are apparent.
It is essential to get the correct treatment. Many patients are misdiagnosed, and these errors can delay the time required to receive correct treatment. Doctors order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans or MRIs to look for any cancerous tumors or tumours in the chest or abdomen. They may also request samples of fluid or tissue from the affected area to check for mesothelioma cancer cells.
After a biopsy, doctors can determine the best treatment plan. If pleural mesothelioma is the type diagnosed, doctors will attempt to decrease the amount of fluid in the lungs which can make breathing difficult. They may place a tube into the chest to drain fluid frequently at home, or perform surgery to remove the lining of the lungs (pleurectomy).
For patients suffering from mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, doctors can surgically remove the tumor from the abdominal cavity. The surgery they choose will depend on the extent the cancer has spread to the peritoneal tissues, and if it is in combination with other types of tumors.
top mesothelioma lawyers can perform an extrapleural pneumonectomy that removes the affected lung, diaphragm, and a portion of the lining of the chest cavity. Or, they can perform a pleurectomy with peritoneal decortication which removes the pleura as well as as much of the mesothelioma as is possible.
Mesothelioma is a tough disease to treat and many patients experience severe adverse side effects. Some of the more common adverse effects include difficulty breathing after surgery, and nausea triggered by immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Before starting treatment patients should talk to their doctor the possible side effects of mesothelioma.