Mesothelioma is a shocking diagnosis that will alter the rest of your life. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP for legal advice and assistance during this difficult time. Our mesothelioma attorneys can help you prepare for the future with vital mesothelioma resources and a plan for pursuing justice. Our attorneys are passionate about seeking maximum financial compensation for victims of asbestos exposure.
Help Is Available for Mesothelioma Victims
At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, our team can handle the most challenging and consequential legal issues for our mesothelioma clients. We take a trial-focused approach to litigation and are always prepared to go to court, when necessary. Our law firm was founded in 1999 and is now a national firm with offices across the country.
We view our clients’ legal issues strategically and help them proactively protect their futures with a range of important resources. Our attorneys are a source of comfort and support for thousands of victims affected by mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos. Find out how we can help you today during a free case consultation.
About Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of six silicate minerals that are naturally found in certain types of rock and soil. Asbestos was heavily mined and used to manufacture a wide variety of consumer products from the 1800s until around 1990 due to its ability to resist heat, flame, and corrosion. Unfortunately, it is a known carcinogen, meaning it causes cancer in humans.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelial tissues, which is a protective layer of tissue that lines many parts of the body, such as the lungs and abdominal cavity. When particles of asbestos get inhaled or ingested, they can get lodged in the mesothelial tissues and eventually cause cancerous tumors. The average latency period (the time between the date of asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma) is around 20-60+ years.
Aside from mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can cause a range of other serious illnesses, including lung cancer and asbestosis. Sadly, there is no known cure for mesothelioma. Currently, records show an average life expectancy for a mesothelioma patient of 12 to 21 months with treatment. However, each patient is unique, and some far outlive their prognoses. Treatments for mesothelioma can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials for newly developed drugs and therapies.
Mesothelioma by the Numbers in North Dakota
North Dakota has the lowest number of new mesothelioma cases and deaths based on national data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is at the bottom of the list, number 50, for mesothelioma cases in the United States. However, new cases still arise every year. From 2015 to 2019, 29 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma and 27 died of this disease in North Dakota.
Nationally, an average of approximately 3,127 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year, according to the CDC. The majority of cases involve pleural mesothelioma, which is cancer of the pleura. This is the protective outer membrane that lines the lungs. It is caused by inhaling or breathing in asbestos particles. From 1999 to 2018, 82.1 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses were pleural mesothelioma, while 9.9 percent were peritoneal mesothelioma and 0.2 percent were pericardial mesothelioma.
Common Asbestos Exposure Risks in North Dakota
An individual could be exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways throughout his or her lifetime. In the past, prior to the passing of federal asbestos regulations, exposure risks were more rampant. Raw asbestos was used in manufacturing and production, putting all who worked in these facilities or with these materials at a high risk of asbestos-related illnesses. Today, asbestos exposure is still a possibility when coming into contact with old or damaged asbestos-containing products at home or work.
Common asbestos products include:
- Attic insulation
- Boilers and furnaces
- Brakes and friction products
- Cement
- Coatings
- Drywall
- Fire cloth
- Fire doors
- Floor and ceiling tiles
- Gaskets
- Heat-resistant fabrics
- Paper products
- Pipe coverings
- Roofing materials
- Siding
- Wall insulation
Anyone who comes into contact with these materials regularly could be at risk of developing mesothelioma. While the National Cancer Institute states that no amount of asbestos exposure is safe, those who fall ill are typically around asbestos often. This includes workers such as firefighters, first responders, construction workers, asbestos abatement professionals, and teachers in schools and universities that contain asbestos.
Legal Options for Mesothelioma Victims
Someone who is diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to financial compensation for the medical costs, lost wages, reduced quality of life, and pain and suffering caused by this disease. One or multiple parties may be financially responsible (liable) for causing or contributing to the illness. An employer, for example, may be liable for exposing workers to asbestos and failing to properly protect them from foreseeable exposure risks.
Your legal options as a mesothelioma victim may include:
- Asbestos trust funds – bankrupt companies established trust funds to compensate those who were exposed to asbestos by their products at their locations.
- Lawsuits – an individual lawsuit may be possible (personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, etc.) to hold a negligent party accountable. Most mesothelioma lawsuits end in settlements, but some go to trial.
- Workers’ compensation claims – a no-fault insurance claim brought by a worker who was exposed to asbestos on the job.
Another option may be a veterans claim if you were exposed to asbestos as a member of the military, such as at a military base or Naval shipyard. A mesothelioma attorney can carefully review your case to help you understand your options and choose the best route for you and your situation. You can trust an attorney to pursue maximum compensation for your serious illness on your behalf.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to face the future alone as someone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in North Dakota. At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, our attorneys are passionate about helping victims of asbestos exposure. We can listen to your story during a free consultation, then help you understand your legal rights and how to protect them during the claims process. Our mesothelioma attorneys are here for you. Call (866) 871-7971 today to learn more.
