Heiligman & Mogul, P.C.’s Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers represent individuals who have developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one has mesothelioma diagnosis after exposure to asbestos, our experienced lawyers can help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.
Our law firm also represents the estates of people who have died as a result of this deadly disease. For more information on estate cases, see Pennsylvania Estate Administration Lawyers.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects membranes, called mesothelia, that surround our internal organs. There are 3 types of mesothelioma:
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pericardial mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is cancer of the pleura, the membrane that surrounds the lungs. This is the most common form of mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane that surround the abdominal organs. This is the second most common form of mesothelioma.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane that surrounds the heart. This is the least common form of mesothelioma.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused solely by exposure to asbestos. In other words, only people who have come into contact with asbestos in a work or other environment can develop this deadly disease. Asbestos exposure sufficient to cause mesothelioma can occur in many places, including:
- construction sites
- shipyards
- schools and homes
- military bases
- refineries
- factories
First responders on 9/11 and ground zero workers may also have been exposed. Firefighters, anyone involved in renovating old buildings, car mechanics working on brake systems, train yard workers, and people who live near industries that utilize asbestos can have come into contact with asbestos without even knowing it.
If you lived with someone who was exposed to asbestos and brought it home on his or her clothes, you may be at risk of developing mesothelioma and entitled to compensation along with the person who brought it home to you.
For a more extensive list of possible asbestos exposure sites and situations, see Philadelphia Asbestos Lawyers. See also The National Cancer Institute’s description of people at risk of asbestos related diseases.
Prolonged exposure to this dangerous substance is not necessary to cause mesothelioma. There is no such thing as a safe level of asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested in the smallest amount during a single exposure can result in the disease.
How do you know if you have Mesothelioma?
If you have ever been exposed to asbestos in any way for any amount of time, you may have already developed mesothelioma. Your symptoms may not manifest themselves for decades, however, making it all the more crucial to seek immediate medical attention as soon as you suspect you may have developed the disease. Contacting a Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyer as soon as possible can also ensure that you meet any time deadlines that may apply.
According to the American Cancer Society, signs and symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma include:
- chest and lower back pain
- irregular heart beat
- heart murmur
- hoarseness, coughing, and / or shortness of breath
- difficulty swallowing and / or appetite loss
- pain, swelling, or fluid in your abdominal area
- nausea, vomiting, and / or constipation
- more general symptoms such as fever, sweating, and fatigue
Compensation for Mesothelioma and Meso Lawsuits
You may be entitled to compensation if you have developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure or if one of your family members has died from this disease. The compensation you may receive from any one or more of these claims may help you recover some of the countless expenses associated with this incurable illness, including:
- cost of doctor and specialist consultations and treatment
- radiation and chemotherapy
- medical tests such as MRIs, CTs, and others
- medications
- loss of salary or wages
- home medical care
- hospitalization charges
Individuals and entities that may be legally responsible for your development of the disease may include:
- manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of asbestos or asbestos containing products
- contractors that hire workers to conduct demolition of sites containing asbestos materials
- employers of workers who otherwise come into contact with asbestos, such as railroad companies, car manufacturers and assemblers, and others
Several types of claims can be made to seek compensation for mesothelioma related expenses. An experienced Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyer can advise you on what type of claim is available to you and take care of navigating the system for you. Possible claims available include:
- personal injury claims
- wrongful death claims
- claims against the estate of someone who has died of mesothelioma (See Pennsylvania Estate Administration Lawyers)
- claims through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by veterans exposed to asbestos while in the military
- claims against Asbestos Trust Funds**
**Asbestos trust funds are funds created on behalf of bankrupt asbestos companies. When these companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, funds were created to provide financial compensation to victims of of asbestos exposure and other asbestos related diseases who file mesothelioma lawsuit after the company’s bankruptcy is in effect. In some cases, victims may have valid legal claims against more than one trust fund, our asbestos attorney can help you navigate the complex process of filing an asbestos trust fund claim.