Mesothelioma Lawyers - Important Information for Patients

By Michael Horwin, MA, JD*
Deciding to pursue legal recourse and selecting an attorney to represent you in a mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit are important decisions that should be made carefully. I have seen some families receive $500,000 and others be awarded nearly $30 million. I have seen some lawyers reject a case only to have another firm accept it and make a big success of it. And I have seen some families wait nearly three years to receive their first check while others received large checks within three months of filing a claim. The main reasons for these differences are the facts of the patient's situation and the law firm chosen.
The Facts of Your Situation

Some mesothelioma patients know they worked around asbestos, but many do not know how they were exposed or how often. In fact, many people are not sure if they were ever near this carcinogen. Unfortunately, there have been thousands of products that contained asbestos - cigarette filters, hair dryers, brakes, basement and roof materials, pipes, boilers, insulation, and many other products found throughout the home and at work. If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma it is more than likely that you were exposed to asbestos multiple times in your life and that this happened decades before your diagnosis.

In general, the value of your case depends on how many asbestos containing products you were exposed to, the number of identifiable defendants that still exist (many have declared bankruptcy), your age and earning capacity. And the speed of your case can depend on a number of variables including the state where you worked and lived when you were exposed to asbestos.

The Law Firm You Choose

When you have been given the news about this terrible disease, you may not feel that you have the time to deal with the legal questions - Should I talk to a lawyer? Should I file a claim? However, you should not wait too long to learn about your legal rights for at least three reasons:

1. Statutes of Limitations - There are statute of limitations which means you only have a limited time to file your case after diagnosis. The statute of limitations time period is set by individual states and varies. The clock usually starts ticking on the day of diagnosis.
   
   
2. Financial Pressure - A mesothelioma diagnosis can bring financial stress, less income, more expenses, and treatments that are not covered by insurance. Knowing that money may be on the way from filing a claim can bring financial relief.
   
   
3. Lawyers Can be Excellent Resources - The more experienced mesothelioma lawyers and law firms can often be excellent sources of information about various doctors and treatment options available for this disease.

But, picking a lawyer is serious business and you should not use TV ads as the reason to hire an attorney. Actual credentials are what counts. For example, what type of accomplishments has the law firm achieved? How committed are they to mesothelioma/asbestos cases? Are these cases a substantial part of their practice or just a small piece? How many other cases like yours have they handled?

Also, make sure you understand the fees being charges. Contingency is the term that means that the lawyer gets paid only after they collect money for you. The amount of the contingency fee that your lawyer can charge varies and is usually between 33% and 40%. It is important to discuss fees openly, ask what services they cover, how they are calculated, and whether there will be any extra charges.

Finally, for something as important as a mesothelioma lawsuit, your attorney should not only be experienced, skilled, and dedicated, but also a trusted partner who understands that your health needs always take precedence. The best lawyers are those that are not only expert at what they do, but are also caring, supportive, thoughtful and compassionate.

Below are experienced mesothelioma law firms you can contact. If you would like additional information on choosing a reputable mesothelioma law firm please feel free to call me at 1-619-599-3112.

article from=http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/choosing-lawyer.cfm

Mesothelioma Treatment

Once an individual has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options with his/her physician. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing the disease and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed patients always have many questions about the treatment options that would be most effective for them, including those about new treatment therapies like Alimta and Cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs. In addition to these newer drugs that are being used to treat asbestos cancer, mesothelioma patients also have a number of "conventional" treatment options to consider, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
Clinical trials and experimental treatments are still other options that some mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma doctors such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of questions that you may wish to discuss with your personal physician when preparing a treatment plan. We are always providing new and informative resources regarding mesothelioma treatment including: Clinical Trials, conventional treatments, experimental therapies, and more. Check back often for the most recent advances in mesothelioma treatments.

site article=http://www.mesothelioma.com/

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the body's internal organs, a thin layer of cells known as the mesothelium. While very thin, this layer of cells is vitally important to organ function and the health of the inner body structures. There are three recognized types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleural lining of the lungs and is the most common form of the disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs within the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity and is the second most common form of the disease. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest variety of the disease and occurs in the pericardial lining of the heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors, such as smoking may increase the likeliness of the disease in certain individuals

article site=http://www.maacenter.org/

Surgery and Diagnosis

The diagnosis of malignant pleural Mesothelioma is made most firmly by the inspection of a biopsy of the pleura under the microscope. A diagnosis confirmed by biopsy helps when planning further treatment, for some treatments it is essential and it also verifies claims for compensation. It may be possible to obtain a reliable biopsy either by the removal of fluid from the chest (pleural fluid cytology) or a needle biopsy whereby a biopsy is obtained under local anaesthetic sometimes guided by a CT or ultra sound scanner. However, particularly in the early stages, negative results by these tests do not rule out the possibility of Mesothelioma. It may be felt that a surgical biopsy is warranted.There are two “keyhole” procedures that can be used. Under a local anaesthetic it is possible to have a medical thoracoscopy. This involves a small camera telescope being introduced through a single 1-2 cm cut from which a biopsy can be taken. If a general anaesthetic is performed, a thoracic surgeon may perform Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), through between 1 and 3 such cuts. This allows a larger biopsy to be performed and a full assessment of the pleura to be made. Picture Source - www.thoracicgroup.com

Malignant pleural mesothelioma in pregnancy

A 37-year-old pregnant woman presented at 18 weeks' gestation with unrelenting chest and shoulder pain, massive pleural effusion, and a large thoracic mass. Biopsy revealed an undifferentiated sarcomatous pleural mesothelioma. malignant mesothelioma is a rare thoracic malignancy, which has not been described in pregnancy and appears to be minimally affected by the pregnant state.

Chemotherapy & mesothelioma

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs for treating cancer. The drugs can be swallowed in pill form or they can be injected by a needle into a vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is systemic therapy. This means that the drug enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body (through the whole system) to reach and destroy the cancer cells.In treating mesothelioma, these drugs may also be given intrapleurally (directly into the chest cavity), or intraperitoneally (into the abdominal cavity). Depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma, chemotherapy may be given as the primary (main) treatment or as an adjuvant (addition) to surgery.Several anticancer drugs have been used to treat mesothelioma. The drug most effective when given alone is doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Other drugs that may be given alone include cisplatin and methotrexate. These anticancer drugs are often given in combination to try to increase their effectiveness. Combinations of drugs used in the treatment of mesothelioma include methotrexate and vincristine; cisplatin and alimta, vinblastine and mitomycin; cisplatin and doxorubicin; and doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide (or ifosfamide) and cisplatin. Other drugs such as paclitaxel and irinotecan are currently being studied to determine their effectiveness in treating mesothelioma.Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells but also damage some normal cells. Therefore, careful attention must be given to avoiding or minimizing side effects, which depend on the specific drugs, the amount taken, and the length of treatment. Temporary side effects might include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of hair, and mouth sores. Because chemotherapy can damage the blood-producing cells of the bone marrow, patients may have low blood cell counts. This can result in an increased risk of infection (due to a shortage of white blood cells), bleeding or bruising after minor cuts or injuries (due to a shortage of blood platelets), and fatigue or shortness of breath (due to low red blood cell counts).Most side effects disappear once treatment is stopped. There are remedies for many of the temporary side effects of chemotherapy. For example, antiemetic drugs can be given to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. If you experience any side effects, be sure to talk with your doctor.


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Malignant pleural mesothelioma in pregnancy
A 37-year-old pregnant woman presented at 18 weeks' gestation with unrelenting chest and shoulder pain, massive pleural effusion, and a large thoracic mass. Biopsy revealed an undifferentiated sarcomatous pleural mesothelioma. malignant mesothelioma is a rare thoracic malignancy, which has not been described in pregnancy and appears to be minimally affected by the pregnant state.PMID: 11243299 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Click here to order or save article

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Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Surgery and Diagnosis
The diagnosis of malignant pleural Mesothelioma is made most firmly by the inspection of a biopsy of the pleura under the microscope. A diagnosis confirmed by biopsy helps when planning further treatment, for some treatments it is essential and it also verifies claims for compensation. It may be possible to obtain a reliable biopsy either by the removal of fluid from the chest (pleural fluid cytology) or a needle biopsy whereby a biopsy is obtained under local anaesthetic sometimes guided by a CT or ultra sound scanner. However, particularly in the early stages, negative results by these tests do not rule out the possibility of Mesothelioma. It may be felt that a surgical biopsy is warranted.There are two “keyhole” procedures that can be used. Under a local anaesthetic it is possible to have a medical thoracoscopy. This involves a small camera telescope being introduced through a single 1-2 cm cut from which a biopsy can be taken. If a general anaesthetic is performed, a thoracic surgeon may perform Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), through between 1 and 3 such cuts. This allows a larger biopsy to be performed and a full assessment of the pleura to be made. Picture Source - www.thoracicgroup.com


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Surgery
Surgery can have an important role within the treatment of malignant Mesothelioma in confirming the diagnosis, assessing the spread of the tumour (stage) and in the control of symptoms.All terms in bold in this section can be found in the Glossary.Picture Source - www.mayoclinic.org



How dangerous is it?
Your close relative — perhaps even you yourself — has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a form of cancer newly affecting 2,000 to 3,000 individuals in the United States each year. A thousand questions run through your mind: What is mesothelioma?How dangerous is it?How long has my relative got to live?How will this development impact my relative’s family?How did my relative contract mesothelioma?What kinds of medical treatments are available? How successful have they proven?Are there any nonmedical alternatives?What have others done in this situation? What can I do?What choices do I have?Is there any hope?Who can help?
Does anyone care?
Mesothelioma Legal Information Center
Posted by mudasir

How to Find a Mesothelioma Attorney

Selecting the right mesothelioma lawyer can be a daunting task. In addition to the emotional strains and struggles you may be experiencing as a result of a mesothelioma diagnosis, it may feel like choosing an attorney for your legal case is too daunting. In this article we will explore how to find a mesothelioma attorney.

It is your responsibility and right to obtain the best legal advice you can when submitting a claim to the court for a mesothelioma negligence suit. Large sums of cash, potentially millions of dollars, are ultimately at stake and you don't want to be unprepared for a case of this magnitude. The right attorney could, and probably will, impact the final settlement you are able to receive.

Experience in mesothelioma cases should be your first prerequisite. As a result of the substantial settlement payouts for the kind of case, the legal industry has seen a surge in lawyers looking to work on mesothelioma cases. Therefore, it is possible that some of the attorneys in the field are looking for a fast buck and don't posses the necessary resources to conduct a proper campaign in this area of the law.

It is also important to examine the legal firms fee structure. It is common today for mesothelioma attorneys to operate of a contingency basis. What this means is that the attorney is only compensated if and when you are awarded financial compensation as the result of this case. This type of fee structure ensures that you will never be stuck with extensive legal bills if the case is not decided in your favor.

Find more extensive information on what is mesothelioma as well as resources for mesothelioma injury at my website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Winters

Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body’s internal organs, known as the mesothelium. There are three recognized types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease, accounting for roughly 70% of cases, and occurs in the lining of the lung known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum and pericardial mesothelioma originates in the pericardium, which lines the heart. The only recognized cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors such as smoking can make the disease more or less likely in some individuals. Industrial laborers were widely subjected to asbestos exposure on the job, as the material was widely used throughout the 20th century. Few of these workers knew they were being exposed to asbestos, however, despite the fact that many manufacturers were aware the material was hazardous. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should fill out our form to receive a free mesothelioma information packet, detailing treatment options, emerging therapies, and jobsite exposure information.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. “Mesothelioma” is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, usually the lungs or abdominal organs.The most common type of mesothelioma is the pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not chafe against the chest walls. Thus, a pleural mesothelioma is often referred to as a “lung” cancer.Another form of mesothelioma is the peritoneal mesothelioma. The peritoneum is the membrane that encloses the organs of the abdomen. While peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, it tends to be more invasive, and may thus result in a shorter life expectancy for the patient. Mesothelioma has also been found in the stomach and other abdominal organs.
Why Me?
A common question posed by persons afflicted with mesothelioma is, “Why did this disease develop in me?” The answer is nearly always the same-exposure to asbestos. When diagnosed in the United States, its onset is typically linked to a history of exposure to asbestos fiber. Asbestos is a mineral that was used for decades as a thermal insulation material. It has been widely known since the 1920’s that asbestos is a carcinogen, which means that it causes cancer in humans. However, asbestos was used as an insulator until the mid-1970’s, and is still present in massive quantities in many buildings today. Unfortunately, in many cases very little exposure is required to set this cancer in motion.

•Insulators
•Pipe Fitters
•Plumbers
•Electricians
•Painters
•Plasters
•Crane Operators
•Floor Coverers
•Pot Tenders
•Welders
•Paper Mill Workers
•Custodians
•Steam Fitters
•Tile Setters
•Aerospace
•Mechanic
•Building Engineers
•Demolition Crews
•Former US Navy Personnel
•Packing/Gasket Manufactorin Workers
•Protective Clothing Manufactoring
•Rubber Worker
•Warehouse Worker
•Home Improvement
•Hospital
•Schools
•Loading Docks
•Glass Factory Worker
•Building Inspectors
•Bulldozer Operator
•Manufacturing Workers
•Excavating machine operators
•Heavy Equipment Mechanics
•Job and Die setters
•Contractors
•Building Managers
•Mixing Operatives
•Laborers
•Sawyers
•Teachers
•Tinsmiths
•Weavers
•Hod Carriers
•Excavators
•Technicians

Mesothelioma Legal Options

You may find that you are no longer eligible to file a lawsuit, depending upon your location. Most states have set time limitations within which mesothelioma sufferers must file their claim. It is vital that you talk to a lawyer as soon as possible following diagnosis to find out about these time limits and ensure that you do not miss your chance to claim compensation.

• You may be able to claim compensation as the executor of the estate of a loved one who has passed away from the disease. Again, there are time limitations in place and an experienced lawyer should be contact as soon as possible. You will then be able to discuss the case more fully and your lawyer can advise whether it is worth pursuing the claim.

• Those who are related to somebody that has worked with asbestos and have started to suffer with asbestos related problems themselves may also be able to make a claim. Because the asbestos related problems may be the result of breathing in fibers and dust from the clothes or body of the relation, the companies and manufacturers responsible for the exposure may still be liable. Again, legal advice should be sought as soon as possible to maximize the chances of filing a successful lawsuit.

• It is helpful if you know where and when you were exposed to asbestos as this is more conclusive and can help to speed up the legal process. However, if you don't have this information you should still contact a lawyer.

• You should have no problem finding an experienced mesothelioma lawyer or law firm that can advise you and handle your case without charging anything up front. Most mesothelioma lawyers now work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if and when they are successful in getting compensation for you. Their fee will then be based upon a percentage of the total compensation claimed.
• You must also ensure that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. Your lawyer will need to discuss your case as fully as possible in order to assess the best way to pursue it - or whether to pursue it at all. The later you leave it, the less likely your chance on success will become. However, mesothelioma is a disease which can incur tremendous medical costs, as well as pain and suffering. And, once the sufferer has passed away, the family is left to pick up the pieces and struggle on. Therefore, sufferers are more than entitled to file for compensation against the companies and manufacturers responsible. But at the same time, it is the sufferers that are responsible for taking timely action to ensure that they get the best chance of getting what is due to them.

all types of cancer treatments information

cute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the white blood cells, the cells in the body that normally fight infections. There are two main types of white blood cells-lymphoid cells and myeloid cells. ALL affects lymphoid cells.

Leukemia cells are abnormal cells that cannot do what normal blood cells do. The abnormal cells are immature white blood cells that cannot help the body fight infections. For this reason, children with ALL often get infections and have fevers.

ike all blood cells, leukemia cells travel through the body. Depending on the number of abnormal cells and where these cells collect, patients with leukemia may have a number of symptoms. Children with ALL frequently have low amounts of healthy red blood cells and platelets. As a result, there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body. With this condition, called anemia, patients may look pale and feel weak and tired. When there are not enough platelets, patients bleed and bruise easily

Some of the common symptoms of ALL include

• Fever

Fatigue

• Frequent infections;

• Swollen or tender lymph nodes, liver, or spleen;

• Bone or joint pain.

• Easy bleeding or bruising;

1Dignose

f a child has symptoms that suggest leukemia, the physician may first order blood tests. A sample of blood is examined to determine the number of normal blood cells, to see what the cells look like, and to find out if any leukemia cells are present in the blood. For a definitive diagnosis of ALL, a doctor who specializes in leukemia examines a sample of bone marrow under a microscope. The sample is obtained by a procedure called bone marrow aspiration. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a needle into a large bone, usually the hip, and removes a small amount of liquid bone marrow for examination.

If leukemia cells are found in the bone marrow sample, the patient's doctor orders other tests to find out the extent of the disease. For example, a spinal tap, which is also called a lumbar puncture, checks for leukemia cells in the cerebrospinal fluid-the fluid that fills the spaces in and around the brain and spinal cord.

Types

Although leukemia cells from different children with ALL often look very similar under the microscope, there are actually many distinctive subtypes of ALL. Most cases of leukemia are associated with changes in genes and chromosomes in the cancerous white blood cells. The various subtypes of ALL can be identified using special laboratory tests that look for specific changes in genes and chromosomes. It is increasingly important for doctors treating children with ALL to determine their patients' subtype of ALL, as some treatments work better for some subtypes than for others.

Fector

The chance of survival for children with ALL is dependent upon a number of factors. The most important factor is receiving optimal care at a center experienced in the treatment of children with ALL. Even with optimal care, some children with ALL are much more difficult to treat successfully than others.

In the past, factors such as age and white blood cell count at diagnosis were commonly used to predict outcome. For example, children 1 to 9 years old have higher survival rates than do infants or older children. However, factors such as age and white blood cell count at diagnosis are, at best, crude predictors of outcome.

It is now clear that the patient's subtype of ALL has a powerful impact on survival. For example, infants commonly have a subtype of ALL in which a specific gene is modified. This subtype of ALL is very hard to treat successfully and only a minority of infants with this subtype of ALL survive with current therapy. Other subtypes of ALL in which different genes are modified occur more commonly in older children and have a much more favorable outcome.

It is now common practice for the leukemia cells of children with ALL to be tested for the gene modifications. The type of treatment is then based on the particular change seen in the leukemia cells

Epithelial Mesothelioma

dangerous and cancer causing substance that was once used regularly within many industries and used inside homes and buildings. The dust from asbestos is inhaled and causes irreversible damage to the lungs. The most common industries in which asbestos was used include construction, insulation, paper mills, ship building, railroads, auto parts and ceramics.
The median length of life of a patient with mesothelioma is only eleven months
It is very important to consult your doctor right away with any symptoms regardless of how mild, especially if you know you have been exposed to asbestos. If caught early, there is a much better prognosis
determined with medical tests such as cytology and needles biopsies. However, often epithelial mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose accurately as it can also look very much like anaplastic lung cancer or other metastatic cancers (5). Sometimes further diagnostic tools will need to be used for an accurate diagnosis.
pithelial mesothelioma, as well as the other types, can develop in different areas of the body. It can be found in the pleural tissues of the lungs, the abdomen or the pericardium. The most common place for it to form is in the pleural tissues of the lungs, which account for 60% of cases (3), with peritoneal (abdominal)

Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers or dust and primarily strikes persons who worked with asbestos products
With many years of experience, dedicated lawyers and numerous staff members, Danziger & Dellano, PC will give your case the attention it deserves. We have represented clients from across the country, and we look forward to helping you and your family
Danziger & Dellano has contributed to many significant victories and settlements for mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer victims. For example, the following are amounts received by some mesothelioma clients after all attorney's fees and expenses are paid. These cases were handled by other attorneys serving as lead counsel and Danziger & Dellano assumed joint responsibility for the litigation. For details click on each award:

Abdominal Asbestos Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a layer of membrane that is very thin and it protects almost all the internal organs inside our body. Mesothelioma has been connected with the fibrous mineral, asbestos that has used in construction for years. In fact, most cases of mesothelioma are always connected with prior contact with the mineral

Abdominal asbestos mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum. People with this condition may have come into contact with asbestos and worked in areas where it has been present. This exposure to asbestos may occur in different forms. A worker while working may inhale the fibers of asbestos while on duty. A person who may not be a worker may also be exposed to asbestos by various other means. A person who washes the clothes of a worker who is exposed to asbestos directly may also be prone to abdominal asbestos mesothelioma

Abdominal asbestos mesothelioma is fatal. The treatment methods that are available today are only partly successful. Doctors combine chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and surgery. Other kinds of treatment that are related to abdominal asbestos mesothelioma are mainly for the relief of the symptoms rather than an actual cure. A procedure that is called heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy helps in the prevention of the development of this cancer by trying to remove as much of the tumor as possible from the patient.

cause of mesothelioma

The only known cause for mesothelioma in the United States is a history of exposure to asbestos. When the asbestos fibers are breathed in, they travel into the nooks and crannies of the pleura where they irritate and can cause physical damage to the mesothelial cells that may result in mesothelioma cancer. The fibers can also cause damage that can result in lung cancer and asbestosis. If swallowed, the fibers can reach the abdominal cavity where they can cause peritoneal mesothelioma

Arizona Mesothelimia Lawyers

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Arizona mesothelioma lawyers are there to help you claim damages when a former company may have been at fault by not telling you that you were working with asbestos. Settlements can often bring a million dollars - most of which will go to cover the cost of medical treatment
Arizona ranks 22 in the nation for mesothelioma cases. If you are living with mesothelioma or with someone who has it, you are not alone in your struggle. Anyone suffering from this dangerous disease has a right to file a lawsuit. In Arizona, mesothelioma laws come under the personal injury category, and there are many lawyers who specialize in these cases
A mesothelioma lawyer, with the help of a private investigator, can find out where the exposure to asbestos took place and pinpoint the company or individual responsible for the exposure. Once, the guilt is proved, a mesothelioma lawyer can help you cover medical treatment that is aggressive and life extending and cost thousands of dollars. They will also help you win compensation for pain and suffering. A good lawyer can help you force asbestos manufacturers to reimburse you for your sufferings and take life long responsibility for your livelihood.
The timely process of selecting and hiring the right lawyer can make the difference by securing a multimillion-dollar compensation for you and your family.

Diego mesothelioma lawyers

Welcome to the Casey Gerry Asbestos Mesothelioma Website. Our San Diego mesothelioma lawyers and asbestos attorneys have created this site especially for people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other diseases caused by asbestos exposure. You and your family will find information about causes of asbestos disease, and about diagnosis, treatment, and the latest medical research and also about national organizations to help patients and families dealing with mesothelioma. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is a very serious matter, but medical advances offer increasing hope for asbestos victims.
You will learn more about asbestos in worksites, and the asbestos industry's fifty-year effort to suppress the facts about the lethal effects of this material on workers.
For more than a century asbestos was widely used in the United States in industrial applications for its insulating and fireproofing properties. Asbestos diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer arise from continuing exposure to airborne microscopic asbestos fibers. The most common sources of asbestos exposure are work in commercial and domestic construction, especially installing insulation, work in shipyards, and in service aboard naval or commercial ships. Even family members of asbestos workers were often exposed to levels of asbestos sufficient to trigger mesothelioma.
Since the 1920's, companies that mined and manufactured asbestos products knew that it presented serious health hazards for their workers. Senior company officers conspired to suppress that information, preventing workers, and even their own managers from knowing the dangers of working with this lethal material. Because of that conspiracy, workers with mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused cancers have important legal rights to compensation from the companies whose negligence and disregard for their safety has harmed them.
Asbestos cancers, like mesothelioma, are slow-growing. Symptoms may first appear as much as 15 to 40 years, or even more, after the initial asbestos exposure. By the time a mesothelioma diagnosis is established the disease may have progressed so far that the victim may not have much time left. Once a mesothelioma diagnosis is established, it is critical to move rapidly to file a mesothelioma or asbestos litigation claim, and press for a timely resolution. If you or a loved one has mesothelioma or another asbestos-caused disease, it is vital to secure an asbestos attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in asbestos litigation.
San Diego mesothelioma lawyer Frederick Schenk is a senior partner at Casey Gerry, the oldest personal injury law firm in San Diego, and he has practiced asbestos law and mesothelioma law for more than 24 years. Casey Gerry has advocated for injured workers and their families since 1947, and is nationally known as a leading advocate for victims of mesothelioma, an asbestos-caused disease. In 1996 Mr Schenk won the largest verdict ever awarded in an asbestos lawsuit in the County of San Diego. He was selected by San Diego Magazine as the best asbestos attorney in San Diego, and the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego voted him the Outstanding Trial Lawyer for that asbestos personal injury verdict. The San Diego Daily Transcript ranked him as one of the Top 10 lawyers in San Diego in 2005, and he is listed in Woodward and White's prestigious Best Lawyers in America.
Frederick Schenk works closely with a team of practiced mesothelioma lawyers, asbestos attorneys, and paralegals. Casey Gerry paralegals, some of whom have worked more than 20 years helping victims with asbestos claims and mesothelioma lawsuits, know how to obtain the essential documents that identify where and how the disease-causing exposures occurred. They work closely with Mr Schenk's asbestos clients and their families throughout the litigation and claims process.
Frederick Schenk and the Casey Gerry asbestos and mesothelioma legal team have helped thousands of people through the claims process and the trial process, to obtain substantial compensation for their clients from the companies that manufactured, installed and sold asbestos products throughout the United States.

MESOTHELIOMA LAWYER

With dedicated attorneys and staff, lawyers have worked hard to ensure that clients receive high quality representation. The following are profiles of some well known mesothelioma lawyers that were instrumental in shaping mesothelioma litigation
Fred Baron, represented his first toxic tort client in the early 1970s. Then, he has built one of the largest toxic tort firms in the United States. Widely recognized as a trailblazer in the area of toxic tort law, one reporter noted,"[i]f the field of toxic torts were the frontier of the American West, Baron would have been driving the first wagon onto the plains." G. Taylor, "Outspoken Texan, Baron Establishes Toxic Tort Domain," Legal Times, Vol. VI, No. 25, at p. 10 (Nov. 21, 1983).
As a result of his work to protect the rights of victims of toxic substances, The National Law Journal has listed Fred as one of the "100 Most Influential Lawyers in the U.S." (The National Law Journal, June 8, 2000). He has been honored as a lawyer who helped shape Texas law during the 20th century in "Legal Legends: A Century of Texas Law and Lawyering" (Texas Lawyer commemorative publication, June 2000) and has been named one of Dallas' top lawyers by D Magazine (May 2001 and May 2005). The University of Texas School of Law has honored him by establishing the Frederick M. Baron Chair in Law, which is held by a senior professor of the law school engaged in original research on lawyering and the civil justice system.
A life-long advocate of the environment, the consumer, and working people, Fred Baron has served as lead attorney in complex tort cases involving MTBE and TCE water contamination, radiation contamination, community lead contamination, toxic waste, and pesticide exposure.
Fred Baron has also been credited for his efforts in defeating class action settlements whereby defendant corporations attempted to settle mass tort claims for a fraction of what individuals would otherwise be entitled to recover through the legal system. Fred has twice led successful battles to convince the United States Supreme Court to de-certify nationwide class action settlements involving the "future claims" of asbestos-related injuries, or claims that might someday be brought by people who develop asbestos-related illnesses in the future. As a result of the United States Supreme Court's opinions in Amchem Products v. Windsor, 521 U.S. 591 (1997) and Ortiz v. Fibreboard Corp., 527 U.S. 815, 119 S.Ct. 2295, 144 L.Ed.2d 715 (1999), future victims of toxic injuries can no longer have their rights compromised by class action settlements in which they have no voice.

Asbestosis

Another variety of asbestos-related illness is known as asbestosis. Asbestosis is an inflammatory health problem that affects parenchymal tissue found in the lungs. It is generally characterized by shortness of breath due to overexposure to asbestos. If a person suffers from asbestosis, most likely than not, he will develop a lung cancer.
It is practically important therefore that a person who is constantly exposed to asbestos must see his or her doctor as often as possible for regular checkup, especially that some of these associated symptoms are also present in common diseases. Families and friends can also help too by encouraging asbestos-exposed relatives to reveal their present medical problems to a doctor. If vital information are not mentioned to the doctor, he might mistaken your illness as ordinary and neglect the possibility that it could have been mesothelioma. Remember that the earlier a person shares his medical problem to a professional, the earlier the necessary treatment is applied. Both the doctor and the patient must establish awareness of mesothelimia in order to save their and other people’s lives in the process.
Recovery, if undergoing treatment, may take a while, but the sufferer can help speed up everything by being in constant communication with the doctor as well as keeping in mind the latter’s instructions and medical prescriptions.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Like the Peritoneal Mesothelioma, the Pericardial Mesothelimia is also a unique kind of cancer. It targets the lining of the heart as well as the cavity surrounding the heart. Common symptoms of this disorder are shortness or difficulty in breathing, palpitations, persistent coughing, and chest pain.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. It generally affects the lining in the abdomen as well as in the stomach. The disease normally begins in the abdominal cavity and then later spreads to other body parts. When the tumor starts growing in the abdomen, a person may experience breathing problems, bowel obstruction, chest pain, loss of appetite, anemia, inability to clot blood, fever, abdominal swelling, vomiting, and nausea

Pleural Mesothelioma

This is the most common type of mesothelioma. Important organs affected are usually the lungs as well as its cavity. Normally, the early signs of pleural mesothelioma start with the fluid buildup between the chest cavity and the lung lining, which is medically termed as pleural effusion. If a person suffers from this sickness, he is likely to have difficulty in swallowing and breathing, persistent coughing, fever, rasping, weight loss, and shortness of breath.

The Different Types of Mesothelioma

A lot of jobs, like mining, require the gathering of a fibrous mineral called asbestos. Generally, this substance is used to manufacture common items like roofing tars, gaskets, acoustical ceilings, stage curtains, fire blankets, fire doors for the interiors, and putty, to name a few. It is even utilized to create firefighters’ fireproof clothing. But what one might not realize is the fact that you can actually get stricken by a disease that, if neglected, may lead to death.

Asbestos gets in a person’s body through inhaling. Once these materials lodge into essential organs like the lungs, they are hard to expel since they are too large. Thus, the body develops diseases because of asbestos, and mesothelimia is a perfect example.

Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that affects vital organs of the body. It was only in recent years that this disease has been subject to serious study. It targets mainly the mesothelium, a protective sac that serve as vital organs’ lining such as in the lungs and heart. If one is struck from mesotheliomia, the cells in these linings become abnormal, and a tumor develops

Mesothelioma occurs if a person is constantly exposed to asbestos. From there, one may suffer from major forms of mesothelioma. These three do share some common symptoms, although other warning signs are specific to the kind of disease an individual is suffering. The major disadvantage of mesothelimia is that its symptoms do not surface until many hears have passed. This, somehow, makes earlier diagnosis difficult, and worse, treatment may prove to be futile as there’s nothing else medical science can do