Mesothelioma is a deadly type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial compensation. An attorney at Bailey & Glasser, LLP can help you explore and understand your legal options. We are passionate about pursuing justice and fair compensation for victims of asbestos exposure in Oregon and throughout the country. Request a free case consultation today.
Do You Need to Hire a Mesothelioma Attorney?
Handling your mesothelioma claim alone could expose you to difficulties such as an insurance company taking advantage of you. Insurance carriers are notorious for trying to save as much money as possible on client payouts – including through unethical means such as wrongful claim denials. Hiring a lawyer is the best way to protect yourself.
An attorney can protect you from an insurance company’s unfair tactics and help you negotiate for maximum financial compensation for a life-changing mesothelioma diagnosis. Your attorney will stand by your side and guide you carefully through the legal process every step of the way. A mesothelioma attorney can relieve your family of the legal burden to make this difficult time a little easier.
Legal Remedies for Victims of Mesothelioma
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma could entitle you to financial compensation. You may be able to bring a lawsuit against one or more parties for negligently exposing you to asbestos. Common defendants include employers, asbestos product manufacturers, and the owners of asbestos-contaminated properties.
You may also be eligible for compensation from an asbestos trust fund. Companies set these funds up to reimburse victims for being exposed to asbestos by their products or locations. Other options for financial compensation may include workers’ compensation claims or veterans’ claims.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma refers to cancer of the mesothelium, or the protective membrane that lines many areas of the body for protection and lubrication. This includes the lungs, abdomen, and pelvis. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of minerals that were mined heavily throughout the United States for use in product manufacturing. The last asbestos mine in the U.S. was in California. It closed in 2002.
Today, asbestos can still be found in products such as drywall, cement, insulation, friction products, construction materials, pipes, shipbuilding materials, and talc products. Any building constructed or product manufactured prior to the 1990s – when the U.S. government passed asbestos regulations – could contain asbestos. Living or working with or around these products exposes a victim to the risk of mesothelioma.
If an asbestos-containing item is damaged or disturbed, tiny asbestos particles could be released into the air. This could lead to victims ingesting or inhaling asbestos and eventually developing mesothelioma. The average amount of time from the date of exposure to the development of mesothelioma (latency period) is about 20-60+ years. Other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer, other types of cancers, asbestosis, pleural plaques, and pleural effusion.
What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which begins in the pleura or lining around the lungs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that from 1999 to 2018, 82.1 percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the U.S. were pleural mesothelioma. This type of cancer can cause symptoms related to the chest, lungs and respiratory system. Other types, such as peritoneal mesothelioma, can cause symptoms related to the abdomen or stomach.
Common symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Chest pain and tightness
- A persistent dry cough
- Bloody sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chronic fatigue
- Fever and night sweats
- Lumps under the skin of the chest
- Abdominal pain
- Stomach swelling or bloating
- Unexpected weight loss
- Clubbing of fingers or toes
An individual could live with asbestos embedded in his or her inner tissues for many years without knowing. By the time many patients experience symptoms or recognize the signs of mesothelioma, the cancer may be in a later stage, meaning it has spread (metastasized) to parts of the body other than where the tumor originally formed. This can make mesothelioma more difficult to treat.
Can You Survive Mesothelioma?
Sadly, mesothelioma is a fatal or terminal type of cancer with no known cure. A person who is diagnosed with mesothelioma has an average life expectancy of 12 to 21 months with treatment, according to data collected by the National Library of Medicine. Life expectancy depends on many factors, however, such as the location of the cancer, the stage at the time of diagnosis, and the patient’s overall health.
While it is not possible to cure mesothelioma, medical treatments are available that aim to improve a patient’s quality of life and life expectancy. Mesothelioma treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Clinical trials are also being conducted in the search for new treatments and ultimately a cure. Yet for many individuals and families, the costs of mesothelioma treatment can be immense.
Oregon Mesothelioma Facts and Statistics
Mesothelioma is considered a rare type of cancer. The CDC states that, on average, the U.S. sees 3,127 new cases of mesothelioma each year. Based on 2015 to 2019 data published by the CDC, Oregon was 25th in the country for number of mesothelioma cases. Within this five-year period, there were 213 new cases and 203 mesothelioma deaths in Oregon. In 2019 alone, Oregon reported 40 new cases and 43 deaths.
Below is a breakdown of the counties in Oregon with the highest mesothelioma counts from 2015 to 2019:
| County | Age-Adjusted Rate | New Cases | Deaths | Population |
| Washington County | 1.0 | 27 | 29 | 2,948,245 |
| Multnomah County | 0.7 | 26 | 22 | 4,024,432 |
| Lane County | 0.9 | 24 | 25 | 1,868,018 |
| Clackamas County | 0.7 | 17 | 20 | 2,053,674 |
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Diagnosed With Mesothelioma? Contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP for Help
It is important to speak to a mesothelioma attorney in Oregon as soon as possible after finding out that you or a loved one has this disease. A legal deadline known as the statute of limitations bars you from filing a lawsuit if you wait longer than three years from the date of diagnosis or the date of your loved one’s death.
Bailey & Glasser, LLP is dedicated to helping victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases seek justice. We have years of experience in this practice area and connections to experts who can support our clients’ cases. Find out how we can help you today. Call (866) 871-7971 or contact us online to schedule a free mesothelioma case consultation.
