If you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be looking for ways to move forward – how to afford your cancer treatments, maintain your quality of life and plan for the future. The attorneys at Bailey & Glasser, LLP can help you. Our law firm can connect you to vital mesothelioma resources and information about your illness, as well as provide legal representation during a claim or lawsuit. We are passionate about helping victims of asbestos exposure in Arkansas and across the country. Contact us today.
Why You Need a Mesothelioma Attorney
Handling a mesothelioma lawsuit alone can be difficult, stressful, and time-consuming. At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, we know you have enough to deal with as a victim of mesothelioma without also taking on the legal process. Our full-service law firm offers high-quality legal representation and assistance, including case investigation, evidence collection, the hiring of experts, claims filing, and trial litigation. We can go up against any defendant to demand justice on your behalf – including powerful companies and corporations. We will protect your rights and make sure your family has everything it needs during this difficult time.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial tissues that is caused by exposure to asbestos. When asbestos is breathed in or swallowed, microscopic particles of this mineral can become lodged in the inner tissues of the body. Over time – 20-60+ years is the average latency period – asbestos fibers stuck inside the body can cause enough damage and irritation to result in cancerous tumors. Exposure to asbestos can also cause a range of other health problems, such as a chronic lung condition known as asbestosis and the development of lung cancer.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of minerals that were mined and used in a wide variety of applications, particularly as an ingredient in consumer goods and building materials, due to its high melting point, heat resistance, and durability. Asbestos was a popular additive in countless products until – in 1987 – all six types of asbestos were confirmed to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
After this announcement, federal organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency began to regulate the use of asbestos in products to protect public safety. Unfortunately, it was too late for thousands of people who had already been exposed to asbestos – as well as for future generations that would be exposed to asbestos-containing products. For example, since asbestos was popular in building materials, thousands of homes, offices, commercial buildings, and other structures that exist today contain asbestos.
If damaged or disturbed, asbestos products and construction materials could send asbestos dust into the air. This can expose anyone in the vicinity to the potential risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers and developing mesothelioma. Teachers and students at a school that was built prior to 1990, for instance, could be exposed to asbestos during a renovation or construction project. Years later, these individuals may be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Can Mesothelioma Be Treated?
Sadly, mesothelioma is a terminal illness that currently has no cure. The average life expectancy for a patient with mesothelioma according to the National Library of Medicine is around 12 to 21 months with treatment. However, patients have been known to survive for 10 years and longer with mesothelioma. Each case is unique.
The following mesothelioma treatments may be available to a patient:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy)
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Palliative care
- Clinical trials
A patient’s treatment options depend on many factors, including his or her age, overall health, candidacy for surgery, and stage of mesothelioma at the time of diagnosis. In later stages, meaning the cancer has spread or metastasized to other parts of the body, certain treatments may no longer be available. The costs of treating mesothelioma can be extremely expensive for a patient and his or her family.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks in Arkansas
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. National statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)show an average of 3,127 new cases of mesothelioma per year in the United States. In Arkansas from 2015 to 2019, 116 new cases of mesothelioma and 85 mesothelioma deaths were reported by the CDC. These numbers placed Arkansas 34th in the country for mesothelioma rates. In 2019 alone, Arkansas reported 18 new cases of mesothelioma and 16 deaths.
According to statistics, White non-Hispanic males are most commonly diagnosed with mesothelioma. Although the National Cancer Institute has stated that no amount of asbestos exposure is safe, research suggests that those who suffer asbestos-related illnesses are most often exposed to it regularly. This includes workers in high-risk occupations such as construction, firefighting and first responders, HVAC, electrical work, automotive repairs, manufacturing, and the military.
Compensation for Mesothelioma Victims
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your family may be entitled to financial compensation. A mesothelioma lawsuit or another type of legal action may be available to reimburse you for losses such as your medical bills and lost wages. Most mesothelioma claims are based on the legal doctrine of negligence. Someone is negligent if that person or party uses less than the acceptable level of care, causing injury or harm to others.
Potential defendants in a mesothelioma case include:
- An asbestos product manufacturer
- An employer
- A company or corporation
- The owner or controller of an asbestos-contaminated property
- The government
It can be difficult to name the correct defendant(s) in a mesothelioma case, as the victim may have been exposed to asbestos several decades ago. A law firm can hire investigators to help determine the time and place of asbestos exposure. Then, an attorney can bring a claim against one or more parties to pursue financial compensation for the client. An attorney can help prove negligence or establish other elements to support a mesothelioma claim.
Request a Free Mesothelioma Case Review Today
If you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, help is available at Bailey & Glasser, LLP. Our law firm has dedicated years to the support and representation of mesothelioma victims in Arkansas and around the country. We have a reputation for excellence and a long history of successful case results in this practice area. Find out how we can help you or a loved one today. Request a free consultation by calling (866) 871-7971 or sending us a secure message.
