If you recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you know how serious the condition is. You are facing a challenging, uphill battle. You will need to visit with medical specialists. You might need surgery and other expensive medical procedures. And you may even need to take time off from your job to focus on your health—which could leave you with no way to pay your bills. What you might not know is that you could recover some of your expenses by pursuing damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
When you or your loved one develops mesothelioma due to work-related exposure, a seasoned Bellaire mesothelioma lawyer can help you fight for justice.
Common Symptoms and Signs of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive, incurable type of cancer that occurs from asbestos exposure. It develops when people inhale or ingest asbestos fibers. Instead of disappearing, these fibers can adhere to the linings of an affected person’s organs and irritate their body’s tissues. Most commonly, mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the lungs, resulting in pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer. Less frequently, the fibers affect tissues in the abdomen, heart, and testicles. Mesothelioma does not suddenly develop. Symptoms can take 20-50 years to appear after an initial exposure to asbestos.
Some common symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Chest wall pain
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain and swelling
Because the initial signs of mesothelioma often resemble other common illnesses, many patients do not receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until the condition has progressed to an advanced stage.
If someone has developed any of the above symptoms and has a history of asbestos exposure, they should meet with a doctor for a medical evaluation as soon as possible. They should also consider consulting with an experienced Bellaire mesothelioma attorney for advice.
Professions That Are More Likely To Lead to Asbestos Exposure
Working with or around asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Although the federal government now regulates the use of asbestos, it remains in many buildings, roads, and vehicles. Because asbestos holds up well in different weather conditions, various commercial, consumer, and construction products commonly used the material. Asbestos also exists in insulation, drywall, flooring, roofing, concrete, pipes, plastics, electrical appliances, vehicles, and paints.
People who work or previously worked around asbestos are at an elevated risk of later developing mesothelioma. Some of the most at-risk occupations include the following:
- Painters
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Firefighters
- Electricians
- Factory workers
- Drywall installers
- Shipyard workers
- Service members
- Airplane mechanics
- Maintenance workers
- Construction workers
- Automobile mechanics
Sadly, family members of those who worked near asbestos could also develop mesothelioma through secondhand exposure from fibers on a worker’s clothing or body.
Possible Sources of Legal Compensation for Workers Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
Injured workers diagnosed with mesothelioma might be able to seek benefits under their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance plans. In addition, they may also be able to pursue damages in third-party civil suits against asbestos manufacturers and other people or entities that contributed to exposing the worker to asbestos.
A skilled mesothelioma lawyer in Bellaire could investigate all potential sources of compensation to help injured workers fully recover.
Meet With a Bellaire Mesothelioma Attorney Today
You should meet with a Bellaire mesothelioma lawyer at Gutierrez Law Firm if you believe you developed mesothelioma from your job. Our dedicated attorneys could handle the entire legal process, including meeting complex procedural requirements. In addition, they could gather the appropriate evidence and help you maximize your financial award.
Let a strong legal team take on your case so you can spend your time focusing on your health and your family. Call today to schedule a free consultation with one of our capable legal professionals.
