Finding out that you or a loved one has mesothelioma can turn your life upside-down. During this difficult time, a mesothelioma attorney can help ease your burden by directing you toward outlets for financial compensation for your illness. Seeking a monetary recovery as a mesothelioma victim can make it easier to afford treatments and medical care, as well as plan for the future with greater peace of mind.
A Nebraska mesothelioma attorney from Bailey & Glasser, LLP can use years of experience and exceptional case results to assist you with a legal claim. We will guide you toward the best possible resolution for your case while also connecting you to vital mesothelioma resources and information. We care about our clients and will be there for you every step of the way.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of six minerals that are found in rock and soil. Asbestos was used widely by manufacturing companies from the 1800s until the 1980s, at which point it was confirmed to cause cancer in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Asbestos was relied upon as a manufacturing material for its natural ability to resist heat and corrosion. It was implemented into many popular consumer products, such as building materials.
Unfortunately, being exposed to asbestos can lead to many serious health problems, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, which is the protective membrane that surrounds most of the organs. It is an aggressive type of cancer with no known cure. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type; it affects the lining of the lungs. With treatment, the average life expectancy for patients who are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is 12 to 21 months, according to the National Library of Medicine. However, each case is unique.
How Can a Nebraska Mesothelioma Attorney Help You?
Patients with mesothelioma may be entitled to financial compensation from one or more parties for negligently exposing them to asbestos. Hiring a mesothelioma attorney can make it easier to navigate the legal process and pursue justice and financial compensation for your illness. Your attorney will have connections to mesothelioma experts, for example, who can testify on your behalf. Your attorney can also take over difficult negotiations with an insurance company for you. A lawyer can handle the legal legwork of your case while you focus on what matters most: your health, family and future.
Nebraska Mesothelioma Facts and Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nebraska reported 69 new cases of mesothelioma and 61 mesothelioma deaths from 2015 to 2019. This made Nebraska 43rd in the country in terms of new mesothelioma cases for this five-year time span. In 2019 alone, there were 15 new cases of mesothelioma and 11 related deaths in Nebraska.
The top two counties in Nebraska for mesothelioma cases within the study period were Lancaster and Douglas. Lancaster County reported 17 new cases of mesothelioma while Douglas County had 16. If other counties in Nebraska had mesothelioma patients, their counts were low enough for the data to be suppressed by the CDC.
Who Is Most at Risk of Mesothelioma?
According to the National Cancer Institute, the overall evidence suggests there is no safe level of asbestos exposure when evaluating cancer risk. However, people who become ill and develop mesothelioma from asbestos exposure are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, such as workers in high-risk occupations.
Certain workers deal with asbestos more often than others. Asbestos is present in many construction and building materials, for example, which puts construction workers, renovators, demolition workers, HVAC technicians, electricians, and firefighters at risk. The people living in these structures are at risk of asbestos exposure, as well – especially if parts of an older home get damaged or disturbed.
Students and teachers may also be at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma from years spent in schools and universities that contain asbestos. Asbestos is confirmed to be present in many schools across the country. Any school constructed prior to the 1990s could contain asbestos-contaminated materials. Products that contain asbestos include insulation, drywall, wallboard, joint compounds, adhesives, cement, flooring tiles, and ceiling tiles.
Legal Options for Mesothelioma Victims
An individual who was negligently exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness may be entitled to financial compensation. It is possible to pursue a monetary recovery with an insurance claim, personal injury lawsuit, product liability suit, premises liability claim, wrongful death claim, asbestos trust fund claim, workers’ compensation claim or veterans claim. Most of these cases are based on the legal doctrine of negligence, or the failure to use reasonable care.
Compensation Available
If an individual or entity is found to be liable or financially responsible for your mesothelioma or exposure to asbestos, the following types of compensation may be available:
- Past and future medical care
- The costs of mesothelioma treatment
- Losses of income and employment benefits
- Lost future capacity to earn
- Out-of-pocket costs, such as travel and legal fees
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Lost quality or enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages
- Grief or mourning
- Punitive damages, in some cases
Most mesothelioma cases reach settlements, meaning they do not have to go to trial. However, your case may end up in court if the defendant refutes liability or refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Consult With a Mesothelioma Attorney Today
At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, we hope to ease your frustration after being diagnosed with mesothelioma by offering personalized legal solutions. As our client, you will communicate with your mesothelioma attorney often and receive regular updates about your case. We will never leave you in the dark about the status of your legal dispute.
Our mesothelioma attorneys will be by your side from start to finish, answering your questions and making sure your family has everything it needs along the way. We are passionate in our pursuit of justice for mesothelioma victims in Nebraska and throughout the country. Request a free case consultation today. Contact us at (866) 871-7971 or send us a secure message and an intake specialist will respond as soon as possible.
