Being exposed to asbestos can put you at risk of developing mesothelioma – a terminal type of cancer with no known cure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Idaho, an attorney from Bailey & Glasser, LLP can help you understand your legal options and pursue fair financial compensation from the responsible parties. We will provide you with the support and guidance that you need during this difficult time. Contact us today for a free mesothelioma case consultation.
Why Clients Trust Bailey & Glasser, LLP
- Our Asbestos and Lung Disease Team has successfully handled over 3,000 cases.
- We have secured more than $2 billion in asbestos-related case results.
- We are a respected source of strong legal advocacy for mesothelioma victims among the legal community.
- Our attorneys will personally guide your family through the litigation process from start to finish.
- Our mesothelioma attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, with no fees charged upfront.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer that begins in the mesothelium, a protective layer of tissue that surrounds many of the body’s internal organs. This cancer most commonly occurs in the lining of the lungs, or the pleura, but can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), heart (pericardial sac) or testicles (tunica vaginalis).
The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring group of minerals that manufacturers widely used in construction, shipbuilding, automotives and other applications that could benefit from the insulating and fire-resistant properties of asbestos. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma if fibers or particles enter the body, become embedded in the mesothelium, and cause inflammation and scarring that result in cancer cells.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can take many years to manifest. Unfortunately, this means that by the time the patient is diagnosed, the cancer has often spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body, making it difficult to treat. Common symptoms of mesothelioma include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss. There is currently no known cure for mesothelioma. The average life expectancy for this disease is 12 to 21 months with treatment, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Mesothelioma by the Numbers in Idaho
A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that from 2015 to 2019, there were 107 new cases of mesothelioma and 94 related deaths in Idaho. Idaho was 35th in the country for number of new mesothelioma cases reported in this time period. The county in Idaho with the highest number of cases was Ada County, with a new case count of 25 and a death toll of 18 patients over the five-year study period.
Who Is at the Highest Risk of Mesothelioma?
According to the National Cancer Institute, research shows that while no amount of asbestos is safe for human exposure, the risk of mesothelioma increases proportionately with the amount that an individual is exposed. This means people who are near or around asbestos regularly, such as workers in high-risk occupations, have the greatest odds of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
High-risk individuals include:
- Workers: people who work with or around asbestos-containing materials, or in environments that expose them to asbestos, such as construction workers, demolition teams, HVAC workers, electricians, firefighters and asbestos abatement professionals.
- Family members of workers: those who live with workers who are exposed to asbestos could be at risk of secondhand exposure. This means workers carrying asbestos particles home with them on their gear, clothing, hair and skin and exposing other household members.
- Teachers and students: people who spend a lot of time in schools and universities that contain asbestos could develop mesothelioma. Most school buildings constructed prior to the 1980s contain asbestos wallboard, siding, ceiling tiles, spray-on insulation and other asbestos products.
- Residents: anyone living in an older building could be at risk of asbestos exposure, especially during renovations or repair projects. Construction projects could damage or disturb older materials that emit asbestos dust into the air.
The risk of mesothelioma increases with age due to the long latency period of this disease. The average amount of time that passes from the date of asbestos exposure to when mesothelioma is discovered is about 20-60+ years. This means someone who was exposed to asbestos as a child or young adult may not develop mesothelioma until he or she is an adult or senior citizen.
Compensation Available for Mesothelioma Victims
Multiple sources of financial compensation could be available to people who have been affected by exposure to asbestos. You may have the ability to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, for example, which seeks compensation on the basis of negligence, or a breach of duty of care. There are product liability lawsuits, class action lawsuits and multidistrict litigation lawsuits, among others. You may also qualify for a claim against an asbestos trust fund, which are funds established by bankrupt companies to compensate victims of their products or facilities.
Available compensation may include:
- Necessary medical costs
- Palliative or end-of-life care
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Attorney’s fees
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
The potential value of a mesothelioma claim will be based on factors such as the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis for the future and severity of symptoms. After receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, discuss your potential legal options with an attorney to determine the route that is best for you. An attorney will aggressively pursue the best possible results for your case. Do not accept a settlement before consulting with an attorney, as an insurance company may try to offer you less than your case is worth.
Call (866) 871-7971 to Speak to a Mesothelioma Attorney Today
Of all the challenges that come with a mesothelioma diagnosis, navigating the legal system does not have to be one of them. Hiring a mesothelioma attorney at Bailey & Glasser, LLP can give you access to exceptional legal resources and the guidance and support you need. Our lawyers can take care of every phase of the legal process on your behalf, seeking maximum financial compensation for the many expenses and losses that come with a mesothelioma diagnosis for you.
We have helped countless asbestos and mesothelioma clients recover the settlements and judgment awards they deserve. We are prepared to do the same for you. Contact us today at (866) 871-7971 to learn more about how we can help you and your family.
