How Mesothelioma Lawyers in West Virginia Can Help You
If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of Mesothelioma, you are well aware that the main cause of your symptoms is due to prolonged exposure to Asbestos-contaminated products, like talc. Asbestos can be found in homes, offices, school facilities, military buildings, naval ships, and other structures, leading to dangerous, sometimes unknown, exposure. There are different types of Mesothelioma that develop after exposure but can take years for symptoms to be recognized due to the time that it takes for Asbestos fibers to have damaging effects on the lungs, heart, and abdominal cavity that lead to cancer.
As a rare, incurable, and frequently deadly disease, Mesothelioma types are often found after cancerous tumors have spread, grown, and become pressed against the chest wall and abdominal cavity. Common symptoms of different types of Mesothelioma range from dry cough, shortness of breath, respiratory complications, chest pain, abdominal pain, fever, night sweats, fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), fatigue, and muscle weakness. Asbestos fibers become embedded on mesothelial cells causing inflammation, leading to tumors that turn into Mesothelioma.
Cancer Types of Mesothelioma
There are four types of Mesothelioma which are defined based on where the tumors develop within the body. These cancers include:
- Pleural Mesothelioma – cancer that forms within the lining of the lungs after Asbestos exposure. Symptoms often experienced include chest pain, cough, wheezing, fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid in the lungs. This type of Mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75% of all Mesothelioma cases. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is four to 18 months, with a five-year survival rate of just 10%.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma – this malignant cancer is caused by ingesting Asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma develops in the thin tissue lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain, swelling in the abdomen, and nausea.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma – as a very rare Asbestos-related cancer, this Mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma mimics symptoms of other heart conditions, so misdiagnoses can occur. Nearly 50% to 60% of individuals affected with this disease have a prognosis of six months after receiving the diagnosis.
- Testicular Mesothelioma – this form of cancer develops on the membrane lining of the testes. As a rare cancer, this Mesothelioma is also known as Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis, which accounts for under 5% of all Mesothelioma diagnoses.
Cell Types of Mesothelioma
Three cell types can be found to determine Mesothelioma:
- Epithelioid, which are the most responsive type of cells to treatment and accounts for 70% of all diagnoses;
- Sarcomatoid, the least responsive cells to treatment and accounts for 10% of all diagnoses; and,
- Biphasic, which is a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells and is also less responsive to treatment, accounting for 30% to 40% of all diagnoses.
Stages of Mesothelioma
The four stages of Mesothelioma are:
- Stage 1 – the cancer is localized, making the survival rate higher. Surgery is the most effective form of treatment at this stage.
- Stage 2 – the tumors have spread from the original location. Surgery is still a treatment option.
- Stage 3 – the cancer has spread into the regional lymph nodes. Surgery can be a treatment option for select cases.
- Stage 4 – the tumors have spread into distant organs. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments may ease symptoms.
Can a Mesothelioma Lawyer Help?
A Mesothelioma lawyer has experience working with Mesothelioma patients and Asbestos-related lawsuits. These attorneys are sympathetic to the situation and want to help claimants get some sort of compensation for the pain and suffering that the disease has caused.
If you’ve been diagnosed with any type of Mesothelioma and believe that you have been exposed to Asbestos-contaminated contents, you may have a case and should speak to an experienced attorney immediately once the Mesothelioma has been diagnosed.
Asbestos has been used for decades in products like insulation, gaskets, and ceiling tiles in homes, ships, and power plants because of the high heat insulation properties that it contains before the serious health effects became known. Those exposed to Asbestos may have also exposed the fibers and dust to their family members due to the residue residing on their bodies and clothing.
Even though health risks of Asbestos were discovered decades ago, some companies failed to warn their workers about these risks and did not provide the proper safety equipment needed to avoid breathing in or swallowing Asbestos fibers.
Once the risks became known, some companies tried to cover up the health implications of Mesothelioma. Though today, the link between Asbestos and Mesothelioma is recognized, many people still suffer from being exposed decades ago.
Mesothelioma lawyers often have an extensive library of Asbestos product identification photos along with advertising materials and labels collected to help identify Asbestos contaminated contents. These lawyers and their team of experts will track down your exposure to Asbestos and find the parties responsible to file a complaint with the court.
Once the complaint is filed, your attorney and the defendant’s attorney will conduct investigations to produce evidence. Most cases never see a courtroom because settlements are often reached beforehand, but if an agreement is not reached, the next step is to go to trial.
Where Can I Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Charleston, West Virginia?
Attorney Pat Jacobs has over 40 years of experience successfully representing clients throughout West Virginia. Located in Charleston, West Virginia, Pat is a native of the state and loyal to the people who live and work here. Pat will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs that have been accrued due to your condition.
Contact Jacobs Law Office to set up your free consultation with Pat today.