If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be faced with uncertainty about your future. In addition to the physical and emotional toll of a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis, patients and their families also face significant financial burdens. At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, our mesothelioma attorneys can help.
We have years of experience representing victims and families affected by asbestos exposure. We can help you seek financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Contact us to begin with a free case consultation.
Why Choose Us?
- Our lawyers are dedicated to client success. Our hard work and commitment have resulted in more than $2 billion recovered in successful settlements and verdicts for past asbestos-related cases.
- We have years of experience navigating complex mesothelioma claims. We have handled over 3,000 cases in our law firm’s history.
- We offer free case evaluations and accept mesothelioma cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you will only pay your attorney if your case results in financial compensation.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue known as the mesothelium. This protective membrane covers many of the internal organs, including the lungs, abdomen and heart. Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used to manufacture products and materials that were used in construction, shipbuilding and many other industries through most of the 20thCentury.
Asbestos was confirmed as a toxic and carcinogenic substance by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 1987. Asbestos can cause cancer if its fibers are inhaled or ingested. Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the mesothelium and cause tissue damage that eventually leads to the development of cancer cells. The average latency period for mesothelioma and most other asbestos-related illnesses is 20-60+ years from the date of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that can have a significant impact on the lives of victims and their families. It is a highly emotional diagnosis to receive. The average life expectancy for a mesothelioma patient is around 12 to 21 months, with treatment, according to the National Library of Medicine. While mesothelioma has no known cure, treatments are available to help improve a patient’s quality of life and prognosis.
Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma
There are four types of mesothelioma based on the location of the cancer: pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and testicular. The symptoms experienced by a patient can vary according to the type of cancer. Pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lining around the lungs, is the most common type.
Symptoms often associated with pleural mesothelioma include:
- Dry cough
- Bloody sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Tightness or pain in the chest
- Lumps under the skin of the chest
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Swelling in the face or neck
- Clubbing of the fingers or toes
Mesothelioma in other parts of the body can cause a loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, stomach swelling or distention, and heart palpitations. Due to the long latency period, victims typically do not notice the symptoms of mesothelioma until many years after the date of asbestos exposure. This can make this cancer difficult to diagnose.
Tennessee Mesothelioma Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there were 15,485 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States in the five years between 2015 to 2019. According to the data collected, there were 259 new cases of mesothelioma and 226 mesothelioma-related deaths in Tennessee in this time period. This placed Tennessee at number 21 in the country for number of mesothelioma cases.
Two counties in Tennessee had high enough case counts to be included in the data: Shelby County with 19 cases and Hamilton County with 16 cases. The majority of mesothelioma patients were White, non-Hispanic males. The people who are most at risk of developing mesothelioma in Tennessee include workers in high-risk occupations for asbestos exposure, such as construction workers, as well as people living or working in buildings that were constructed prior to the 1980s.
What Are Your Legal Options as a Victim of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. If you can trace your exposure to asbestos back to someone else’s negligence, or the failure to use reasonable care, that party may be financially responsible for your illness. You may be able to pursue mesothelioma compensation through one or more legal outlets.
Potential legal options for mesothelioma victims include:
- A mesothelioma lawsuit: a civil suit brought by a mesothelioma victim or victim’s family after the victim has passed away. Lawsuits typically need to prove a defendant’s negligence in connection to the asbestos exposure and the victim’s development of mesothelioma.
- An asbestos trust fund claim: a claim filed against a trust fund created by a product manufacturer or company specifically to compensate victims who were injured due to exposure to asbestos by their products.
- A workers’ compensation claim: a no-fault insurance claim that may be available to a victim who was exposed to asbestos on the job or in the workplace.
As a mesothelioma victim, you may also be entitled to financial compensation through a veterans claim or disability benefits claim, depending on the circumstances. Our attorneys can review your case to help you understand your legal options. Then, we can guide you to the best one for your needs and goals.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Mesothelioma Claim?
A statute of limitations is a deadline for filing a legal claim. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for a mesothelioma claim is typically one year from the date of the patient’s diagnosis. If your family is filing a wrongful death claim, you have one year from the date of your loved one’s death.
Contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP for a Free Mesothelioma Case Evaluation
As a victim who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or someone who is caring for a loved one with this aggressive type of cancer, seek legal advice from a qualified mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. The team of attorneys at Bailey & Glasser, LLP will use their in-depth knowledge and years of practice-area experience to guide you through this challenging time. We will be there for you and your family to ensure you are treated with the care and respect you deserve. Contact us by calling (866) 871-7971 or sending us a message online today.
