Saturday, October 16, 2010

Is Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit a Choice You Should Consider?  

Since the beginning of the twentieth century asbestos manufacturers knew that the products they were making exposed millions of people to life-threatening health risks. And yet they continued to manufacture their products and selfishly ignored the fact that what they were selling was literally killing people.

In their pursuit of profits they willingly chose to sweep this knowledge under the rug and look the other way.

Many companies were banking on the fact that it often takes decades before mesothelioma cancer, which is one of the asbestos-related diseases, to appear.. Since asbestos had been widely used since the Industrial Revolution, and, because its use grew exponentially during World War II, a huge number of people began to get sick and die from mesothelioma during the 1970s.

Although it took many decades before the public became aware and outraged at this blatant disregard to their wellbeing the tide began to turn during the 1970s.

At that point, numerous attorneys began to make a concerted effort to help people who had been victimized by the asbestos manufacturers and their insurance companies who knowingly went along for the ride.

Some people believe that you have to have worked for an asbestos company in order to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. This is not necessarily the case. Even if you believe that you were unwittingly exposed to asbestos in any way you might want to meet with a mesothelioma attorney as a prerequisite to filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Mesothelioma litigation can be a long and drawn out process. Before you decide whether you want to initiate a mesothelioma lawsuit it will help if you understand your options and what legal rights are available to you.

If you have become ill and have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease then one of the things that you must be aware of is that your ability to file a mesothelioma lawsuit is restricted by a statute of limitations. This well defined time frame within which you must file your lawsuit varies from one state to another.

If you attempt to file a lawsuit after that time period has expired your chances of winning your case will have diminished dramatically.

To ensure that the law can protect you mesothelioma lawyers will have to figure out when and how you or your loved one was exposed to asbestos fibers. You should also know that even if your loved one has died you could still have the right to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.

An experienced mesothelioma attorney can explain mesothelioma lawsuits and answer all of your questions in depth.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Now You Can Get Asbestos Mesothelioma Legal Information  

Facts you need to know about asbestos mesothelioma legal information? Asbestos is classified as a naturally occurring mineral. It has been used for many years for various purposes such as in building materials, small appliances, insulating materials and automobile parts. It is used in shipyards, manufacturing plants, railroads, factories and elsewhere. It is known to be highly resistant to corrosion and is a good insulator against heat.

However, asbestos has some properties that make it harmful to any person handling it. It has been known to cause of various cancers, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. The second is really a rare type of cancer malignancy, also called asbestos fiber cancer. The mesothelium is the lining of some cavities and organs. The mesothelia most affected by exposure to asbestos are those of the heart, lungs and intestines.

According to statistics, Mesothelioma kills about 3000 people annually. This kills 3% to 5% more males than ladies. This is mainly because men constitute a larger portion of the workforce than women. This cancer also has a latency period. It takes a long time to develop, sometimes even decades.

Individuals with Mesothelioma have numerous legitimate options to obtain settlement. Affected persons are encouraged to file lawsuits for compensation. There are two types of asbestos cancer lawsuits: personal injury and wrongful death. In the former, a person with mesothelioma cancer files a claim for damages, ranging from loss of wages, past and present medical expenses and pain and suffering. In the latter, survivors of a deceased victim of this cancer may file a wrongful death claim, for the premature death of their kin. The claim covers income, companionship, protection and care services. In the US, regulations pertaining to these lawsuits differ from one state to another.

For many years, companies that used asbestos never educated their employees on the risks of dealing with this well-known carcinogen. Consequently, many workers contracted illnesses due to too much exposure, whilst companies got away with their negligent behavior. Today, however, things are different. Persons that worked in such companies can now file lawsuits seeking compensation, even though they no longer work there anymore. Compensations from such claims are large enough for the patient and their family as well.

In addition, the US government protects people with disabilities. Patients suffering from Mesothelioma cancer are eligible for disability compensation. They can secure compensation by filing a social security disability lawsuit claim, seeking financial assistance. They may also pursue a similar disability claim privately with an insurance company, through their employer's insurance policy, or an existing life insurance policy. In some instances, health insurance should provide monetary compensation to help offset some of their medical costs. In the event the insurance company declines to do so, one may file a lawsuit for unmerited insurance practice.

You should look for the expertise of a lawyer for asbestos mesothelioma legal information who is well acquainted with comparable lawsuits and who is able to perform round the legal intricacies associated with such cases. Victims of this disease no longer need to suffer unnecessarily as there are many legal options available to them now.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Who is Responsible for Asbestos Related Illnesses?  

Although asbestos, which is a naturally occurring silicate mineral, is well known for its ability to resist heat, absorb sound, and resist chemical and electrical damage, the inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause many serious illnesses that include mesothelioma, malignant lung cancer, and asbestosis.

These dangers have been known by manufacturers and insurance companies for more than 100 years. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics published a report in 1910 that focused on the unusually early demise of workers in the asbestos industry.

In 1934 Aetna Insurance, in their "Attorney's Textbook of Medicine", noted that asbestosis was incurable. When writing about the course of the disease they noted that death typically followed a period of disability.

Over the ensuing decades documents from widely known companies in the asbestos industry began to surface. These documents indicated that industry was well aware that the inhalation of asbestos fibers often caused asbestosis and lung cancer. They were well aware that it was often followed by death caused by these diseases.

The US government began to get involved in the 1970s. They established guidelines and directed the public's attention to the harmful side effects related to asbestos exposure. The government started to mandate that companies in the asbestos industry provide gear that would protect their employees.

But even though there was negative press few people were paying attention. An asbestos industry expert made a prediction in 1973 that 25,000 asbestos industry workers would die of diseases related to asbestos. The expert commented that "Very few people had been paying attention."

Consequently, in 1977, the insurance industry decided to "stonewall" any charges being made against them or the companies they insured.

They denied their responsibility for paying for asbestos related illnesses.

In 1977 these companies had a meeting to discuss asbestosis. Their unanimous decision was to not admit any liability whatsoever. Events and agreements such as these were part and parcel of the insurance industry for the next twenty years.

And even today, with all the information available that incontrovertibly proves that exposure to asbestos can cause life threatening diseases, asbestos still isn't banned in the United States.

It is still used in products such as automobile brake pads and shoes, gaskets, roofing tars, countertops, joint and drywall compounds, plaster, vinyl floor tiles, adhesives, and much, much more.

Companies that produce these products can be held responsible for causing asbestos related illnesses. If you or a member of your family has been exposed to asbestos or was diagnosed with asbestosis or mesothelioma because a company disregarded employee safety then you might want them to pay for the consequences of their actions.

Mesothelioma lawsuits can result in substantial settlements that could help to cover the loss of income and the high costs of medical care of people who suffer from an asbestos related disease.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Mesothelioma Prognosis And Facts  

Mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer that most often will manifest itself in the outer lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. But it can also appear in the lining of various other organs. The organ's lining is termed the mesothelium. It's most familiar cause is from exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma prognosis, diagnosis and treatment options are continuously being reviewed and investigated.

Receiving fast diagnosis may make it possible for a patient to get a more positive Mesothelioma prognosis. Signs or symptoms that may signal Pleural Mesothelioma resemble those of folks who are affected by pneumonia and other related ailments may experience. Shortness of breath, fluid around the lungs and chest wall, chest soreness and weight loss may be the most obvious signals of the illness.

Despite the fact that a Mesothelioma prognosis is usually distressing, several discovered with the illness have survived a lot longer than originally estimated. In spite of the data, one individual survived for twenty years following being informed he had a form of the illness known as peritoneal mesothelioma. One more patient, with the identical medical diagnosis, in 1997 had been given one year to live and is still living today.

If the specialist suspects Pleural Mesothelioma he or she will probably request an x-ray, cat scan or MRI of the chest and lungs. If the exams show evidence of the disease he can take a biopsy to verify his suspicions. He'll use a thoracoscope to check on the inside of the chest to extract tissue samples. If the doctor suspects Mesothelioma in the abdomen he'll perform the same process called a laparoscopy to get tissue from within the abdominal area.

Following the medical diagnosis, Mesothelioma therapy will frequently include surgery to take out the impacted tissue or tumors. The surgery can often be followed up with radiation and chemotherapy. Most of these treatments are done to give the patient a greater life span producing a much better Mesothelioma prognosis.

Although there has been more incidents of Mesothelioma documented since 1980, it is still considered a very rare disease. This disease has been reported from numerous places worldwide but most often from Australia, Britain and Belgium.

Right after getting identified as having any type of deadly condition it truly is critical to be a pro-active patient. Get all the info as you can for the numerous processes and treatments accessible. There is support groups that connect to supply other patients suffering with comparable diseases the latest data on what has and hasn't was successful for them. These support groups will also provide reassurance for anyone who have just recently been given upsetting info that they've got some kind of fatal cancer.

Different treatment possibilities will often be learned from members of these groups which are not typically offered by traditional medicine. Herbal supplements have often turned out to be to be quite useful.

Mesothelioma and Me

A few people asked me why I was posting stuff about Mesothelioma...well let me explain a little.

First a little backstory on what Mesothelioma is:

A rare form of cancer that develops from the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs, the mesothelium. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.

Now my Grandfather contracted this horrible disease from his years of working around asbestos.

He was also a smoker which greatly increased his risk of getting the disease. For years doctors weren't aware that my Grandfather even had mesothelioma. They concluded his wheezing and cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue were due to either old age or from his years of smoking. But he slowly got worse....much worse in fact.

My Grandfather passed away only a few years ago, 6 months after he visited his seventh doctor. This seventh doctor was smart enough to not dismiss my grandfathers symptoms and he dug deeper. He decided it would be best to give him a chest x-ray and some lung function tests. He also concluded that a CAT scan and MRI should be done. He diagnosed my grandfather with Mesothelioma that same month.

See while my grandfather was working around asbestos the precautions his employers didnt include the necessary things to avoid constant exposure.

After me laid my Grandfather to rest we had a lawyer read to us his last will and testament. It was during this time that the Lawyer mentioned that we may have a case against my grandfathers former employers AND the six other doctors who were too lazy to properly diagnose him which could possibly have led us to cure him.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

About Mesothelioma Settlements  

Mesothelioma patients who are considering filing a mesothelioma lawsuit wonder how much money they should expect to receive from resolution of the lawsuit. This is an important subject because mesothelioma most frequently develops in people who have retired and living on a limited income. Additionally, the cost of medical care for mesothelioma cancer is high and mesothelioma patients may have other financial responsibilities such as supporting dependents.

The fact is that the amount of money a person will receive from a mesothelioma settlement is uncertain because that amount depends on many factors. Some of these factors are: the court in which the lawsuit is filed, the number of companies being sued and their financial condition, mesothelioma patient's work history and skill of the attorney representing the patient.

Another question that a mesothelioma patient considers is whether to accept a settlement offer or to take a case to trial. This should be decided after a thorough discussion with your lawyer. There are benefits to settling a case. A settlement eliminates the risk and expense associated with a trial. Companies being sued are interested in settling cases because settlements can be kept confidential thereby minimizing the negative publicity associated with a trial.

Choosing the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer

Many lawyers market themselves as mesothelioma lawyers but simply refer mesothelioma cases to other lawyers who have the experience and resources to work on such cases. Here are some questions you should ask when selecting an attorney: What kind of settlements has the lawyer won?

  • Does the lawyer work on mesothelioma cases from beginning to end?
  • How long has the lawyer been taking mesothelioma cases?
  • Has the lawyer represented people like you i.e., people who worked in the same industry as you, with age similar to yours etc.?

    Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyers have been specializing in mesothelioma cases since 1986. The firm has won over $1 billion in asbestos cancer cases. Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma attorneys handle mesothelioma cases on a no-win, no-fee basis. That is, the firm does not get paid if it fails to win a settlement or verdict for a client. If the firm succeeds in obtaining a verdict or settlement, it collects a fraction of that amount as its legal fee. For more information and a free case review, visit http://www.weitzlux.com.

    If you are suffering from the signs of Pleural Mesothelioma please visit our website Mesothelioma Prognosis.org to obtain additional detailed information about the various forms of Mesothelioma and treatment options.

  • Tuesday, October 5, 2010

    Keeping a Clean Apartment Can Prevent Mesothelioma  

    In recent years, the reported cases of mesothelioma have increased greatly. While a specific individual's mesothelioma causes can be unknown, the condition is typically linked to asbestos exposure. Maintaining a clean apartment is very important in making sure mesothelioma patients can live a happy and healthy lifestyle. UMoveFree, a free apartment finding service, is one way renters with mesothelioma can find apartments in Mesquite, TX that will not agitate their condition. By locating a newer and cleaner apartment, renters can avoid unnecessary sicknesses, asthma, allergies, and other pulmonary conditions that can be greatly worsened by living in an apartment environment that is not sanitary and clean. Here are some helpful hints that renters can follow when looking for Mesquite apartments or any other apartment, townhome or rental property.

    Dust often

    There are many tools available right now to help you maintain a dust-free apartment home. You are no longer limited to just a feather duster, but there are a number options available depending on what you need. Besides the hand-held vacuums that will help you battle the dust on your apartment's upholstery and furniture, there are also disposable aids created by companies such as Swiffer that are intended to be tossed once you have completed you dusting. Dusting your apartment often is the key to being able to maintain tolerable levels. Using a dusting spray and a rag will also help you to catch dust particles that may be hard to pick up with a simple feather duster. While dusting is not considered a mesothelioma treatment, it can be a useful way to mitigate the condition's side effects.

    Purify and vent

    Using an apartment air purifier is also a good way of filtering dust and other airborne particles out of the air that you breathe. Remember to find an air purifier with an energy star rating in order to be environmentally friendly. It is also important to keep in mind that any air purifier will have a filter system that will need to be changed often. In addition to an air purifying system, you should vent your apartment home and allow the air to circulate often. It's often the lack of proper air ventilation that is linked to mesothelioma and asbestos exposure in the first place.

    Keep a clean refrigerator and kitchen

    Make sure that you regularly clean out your apartment refrigerator and kitchen. You don't want to risk contamination of any of your food with mold or other bacteria. These factors can agitate mesothelioma and can encumber lung cancer treatment. Throw out any old food or expired items. Once you've gotten rid of all the trash, do a thorough wipe down of all walls, shelves, drawers. Use an antibacterial cleaner or pre-moistened wipes to make sure you get rid of any invisible grime or harmful germs. Use baking soda to avoid the foul smell that comes as a result of spoiled food. It has recently been reported that kitchens in most apartments wouldn't pass the health inspection given to all restaurants, much less pass for a mesothelioma treatment facility. Don't leave food sitting at room temperature for too long and change sponges and / or rags often in order to avoid unnecessary germs.

    Sanitize your bathroom

    Make sure that you have the right tools to do the trick when sanitizing your apartment bathroom. Use an antibacterial cleaner on the sick and countertops. Disposable cleaning tools are a must have in the bathroom to avoid nasty germs being spread across the bathroom. In addition to the antibacterial disinfectant, you can also use bleach, all-purpose cleaner, and Pine-Sol to disinfect the bathroom. Using a scrub brush or sponge in the bathtub and shower along with a good cleanser is the best way to avoid the creation of mildew. For a spot-free look, use a shower squeegee for doors and mirrors. Make sure you spot check in between cleanings.

    In addition to all these handy tips, know that cleaning products don't have to be harmful to the environment. There are many products now available that are environmentally-friendly. There are also several things around the house that can serve as green cleaning products for you. Baking soda and vinegar are just two examples of these types of products.

    Renters that want help finding a perfectly clean and healthy apartment can use the assistance of an apartment locator, such as UMoveFree.com. Renters that do their research online won't find many UMoveFree complaints because the service has one of the most impeccable reputations in the industry.

    Nick Barber is a licensed real estate broker and the President/CEO of UMoveFree; one of the largest apartment finding firms in the multi-family industry. Visit UMoveFree.com for more information on Apartments in Mesquite, TX. Need more information on Mesquite Apartments?