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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Guidelines for a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Though the deadly effects of exposure to asbestos were documented years ago, it is still used in many commercial applications worldwide. Companies have made great strides to keep workers safe from the effects of asbestos exposure; however, each year many people still become the victims of corporate negligence and develop asbestos-related diseases.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be considering a lawsuit. Many Americans have received relief in the form of a legal award of compensation for damages or through a settlement with the manufacturer and/or employer. The relief may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

Each year, large corporations make billions of dollars, sometimes by risking the lives of the ones who work so hard for them. While most jobs have some kinds of risks, it is the employer’s duty to protect their employees and to let them know of potential risks. When these ethical duties are not abided to, a lawsuit also holds the companies accountable for their actions and hopefully prevents others from acting in such a callous and reckless manner.

A mesothelioma lawsuit should be considered with great care. Obviously, the defendant (the company being sued) will try to avoid paying any compensation, or by paying as little as possible. A company that works with asbestos or has worked with it in the past may have already been sued many times, and may already have a team of lawyers and a suite of defense tactics ready and waiting. They have experience and can use that experience gained over time to their advantage.

The most important aspect of initiating legal action is to locate an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Normally, people choose a lawyer based on the advice of someone they trust. In the case of an asbestos-related lawsuit, however, you need to take the decision process somewhat further than that. You need an attorney who know the ins and outs of this subject and has more knowledge and experience at this specific type of lawsuit than their opponent.

An experienced mesothelioma law firm will be able to help you through the complex legal process. They usually don’t charge the client for their services for the lawsuit, but they do receive a percentage (usually between thirty and forty percent of the total amount awarded to the client) from the mesothelioma settlement.

During the case there will be many decisions to make, especially if the defendant offers a settlement. Thankfully, a highly competent law firm with experience in asbestos-related cases can make this process much easier to go through.

(ArticlesBase SC #1264887)

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/national-state-local-articles/guidelines-for-a-mesothelioma-lawsuit-1264887.html#ixzz17ySVJsha
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Saturday, December 25, 2010

Mesothelioma Lawyers and Mesothelioma Lawsuits- Do you need them?

Why File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit ?

Every year, thousands of people die or become ill due to the negligence of asbestos manufacturers. If this has happened to you or a loved one, you should look for a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible. You may have been powerless to prevent current medical problems, but you do have legal options. Hire a lawyer with extensive experience and knowledge of asbestos claims to help you receive compensation from those responsible.

Mesothelioma cancer, which is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, and other asbestos-related illnesses are attributed to negligence of asbestos companies who knew about the associated health risks and decided not to tell employees or leak this information to the general public. As early as the 1920s asbestos companies were completely aware that their product not only causes harm to human health, but that it could also lead ultimately to the death of those exposed to the harmful asbestos mineral.

By the 1930s and '40s, medical evidence had clearly linked exposure to asbestos to the development of lung disease and deadly asbestos related cancers. Asbestos companies had been extensively warned of these dangers, but instead of choosing to use alternative substances (and many were available at the time), the industry chose huge profits over the preservation of human health. It is because of these unethical actions that asbestos manufacturers are held liable for the undue suffering they caused many people suffering from asbestos related disease.

As a result, those with mesothelioma have the right to seek compensation from the asbestos companies through the court system because of their criminal actions. Filing a Lawsuit against these companies that are responsible for your asbestos exposure will not only bring justice to the corrupt asbestos industry, it will also give you the necessary compensation for the costs, as well as pain and suffering, associated with asbestos-induced illness. The following include some of the expenses for which you can pursue compensation:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Group support for you and your loved ones
• Funeral expenses
• Travel expenses relating to medical treatments
• Expenses not covered by health insurance

A mesothelioma lawyer can review even add more expenses that could be covered under your lawsuit, as each case varies. Make sure to save all medical and financial records relating to your asbestos-induced illness for this purpose.

Aside from providing these sorts of documents and answering questions about your condition and how you may have been exposed to asbestos, you will not have to be involved with other stages of the case. Mesothelioma lawyers understand that their clients are far too ill and concerned with spending time with their families to deal with the details of filing a lawsuit or attending trial. For this reason, mesothelioma lawyers handle every aspect and detail of the case.

Types of Lawsuits

There are two types of lawsuits you may rightfully file in asbestos injury cases. If a family member has passed away from an asbestos-induced disease, you can file a wrongful death suit. In a personal injury claim, the individual suffering with an asbestos-related illness must be the one to file suit. Specific rights in these lawsuits depend on the county and state where the case is filed.
Employees of companies who used asbestos are not the only individuals who have rights against asbestos companies.

Although the vast majority of cases are between employers and employees, other groups have rights as well. For example, if you have developed an asbestos-related disease because a spouse or family member worked for a company using asbestos, you may also have a case. Asbestos fibers readily attaches to and travels well on clothing and hair, making it easy to track home after working around the material.

Having a mesothelioma lawyer is essential to successfully file suit against a corporation in an asbestos-related case. Although you have the legal right to pursue compensation, the entity being sued also has the legal right to try to disprove your case, and this is why it is so important to hire an experienced mesothelioma attorney who has the knowledge and experience to bring justice to those responsible for your illness.

(ArticlesBase SC #1112599)

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/mesothelioma-lawyers-and-mesothelioma-lawsuits-do-you-need-them-1112599.html#ixzz17yQm0bqT
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Monday, December 20, 2010

Understanding Mesothelioma Lawsuit Procedures

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should understand that #1) legal precedent and case law, as well as public record, favors the plaintiff in such cases, and #2) mesothelioma lawsuits are usually long, drawn-out and stressful procedures that may take years to complete. There is no question of liability; for over 30 years, it has been public record that companies (as well as the federal government) have known of the dangers of asbestos, yet deliberately hid the information for financial gain. However, understanding the procedure for a mesothelioma lawsuit is key to a successful outcome.

Clear medical records are the first step in this procedure. The defense attorney will make every attempt to show that your sickness is not the fault of the defendant. They will put your medical and insurance records under close scrutiny to see if you had any possible lifestyle issues or conditions that might have led to your asbestos cancer.

This is why it is crucial to get a diagnosis from a qualified, experienced cancer specialist. All of the medical records should establish beyond a doubt that you #1) had no prior knowledge of your condition, and #2) that the diagnosis has been confirmed by specialists as being mesothelioma.

Once the documentation of your diagnosis is established, it is important to find qualified legal counsel as soon as possible because all states have a statute of limitations (a time limit) on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. This statute ranges from 1 to 3 three years from the date of your diagnosis. In addition, mesothelioma is an aggressive disease. Some victims manage to live with it for as long as ten years, but sadly, most succumb within a year.

Once you have found a mesothelioma attorney knowledgeable about mesothelioma and asbestos issues, s/he will ask you for information with which to file the formal complaint. Once the complaint is prepared, a copy will be hand-delivered to each named defendant by a process server. Usually, the defendant's legal department will file a motion with the court to dismiss the case in response to the complaint. They may claim that the complaint was not filed properly, that the statute of limitations is over, or that the grounds for the action are either unclear or unvalid. An asbestos lawyer is trained to write the complaint so as to leave as little discrepancies as possible.

The discovery phase is the period during which both sides gather information. Evidence is then examined, analyzed and organized; subpoenas are issued to witnesses; experts in chemistry, medicine, and industrial sciences are hired to offer testimony; sworn statements known as depositions are taken and filed. An any time during the process a settlement may be offered in order to bring the case to a close. An experienced mesothelioma attorney is crucial in advising the plaintiff whether an offer is reasonable or not.

(ArticlesBase SC #1506486)

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/understanding-mesothelioma-lawsuit-procedures-1506486.html#ixzz17yRUjqhl
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Wednesday, December 15, 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.

(ArticlesBase SC #3061212)

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/is-filing-a-mesothelioma-lawsuit-a-choice-you-should-consider-3061212.html#ixzz17yPsSNxd
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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Essential Facts About Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. The most common form of the disease affects the lining of the lungs, while more rare forms affect the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity. While this disease is uncommon, it is always fatal, with an average survival time after diagnosis of just one year. If the disease is diagnosed early, around twenty percent of patients may live up to five years.

If you have been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be feeling as though your life has been turned upside down. There is so much to do-finding out as much information as you can about the disease and treatments, trying to determine how and when you were exposed to asbestos, and, unfortunately for many people, trying to get help with the costs associated with this devastating disease.

If you fall into this last category, it may be of some comfort to know that you will be able to seek legal help in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. Winning a mesothelioma lawsuit can not only help recover the cost of treatment, but can also provide compensation for lost earnings, and the pain and suffering that this disease causes in its sufferers. In addition, even if you do not have much time left to you, your loved ones will be more assured of being financially secure after your death.

Before seeking legal advice, it is important to have as many facts about your case as possible. Because almost all cases of mesothelioma are associated with asbestos exposure, if you are diagnosed with the disease it is very likely that you were exposed to asbestos at some point. However, because symptoms may not appear for up to forty years after exposure, it is also important to be able to pinpoint with as much accuracy as possible how and when the exposure occurred.

If you were exposed at work, for example, you should try to recall your occupation at the time, and what type of work you were doing when you were exposed to asbestos. If the exposure occurred at home, it will be important to determine how your home was exposed to asbestos. A successful mesothelioma lawsuit will require that your information be as accurate and detailed as possible, because the nature of your exposure to asbestos will determine who should be held legally responsible for your having developed mesothelioma.

To ensure the success of your lawsuit, your lawyer will need as much information as you can supply, and it is also important to supply this information as quickly as possible. This can be difficult to do at such a stressful time, but it is essential because each state has a statute of limitations that governs how long a period of time you have in which you can legally file a mesothelioma claim. Note that the statute of limitations is based upon the time of your diagnosis, rather than when your asbestos exposure occurred. Depending on the state you live in, you may have between one and three years to file a lawsuit once you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. In most states the limitations period is two years, and in some states this is three years or more.

Most mesothelioma lawsuits are conducted to cause as little inconvenience as possible to the person making the claim. In many cases settlement can be made out of court, and depending on the circumstances, a case may be expedited so that it can be resolved more quickly. If you decide to file a claim, you will be required to sign documents that allow your lawyer to gather medical information relevant to your case, and will likely need to give a deposition, in which you will answer questions from the defendant's lawyer, and perhaps your own lawyer as well. In some cases, you may also be asked to supply video footage or testimony that documents how your life has been affected by mesothelioma.

For the most part, law firms that deal with mesothelioma cases do so on a contingency basis, meaning that you will not have to pay any fees until your case has been won. If you are awarded compensation as a result of the lawsuit, your lawyer will be paid a fee from that money; if you are not awarded any compensation, you will likely not have to pay any fees at all.

(ArticlesBase SC #232578)

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/essential-facts-about-mesothelioma-lawsuits-232578.html#ixzz17yOZvIrM
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100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma, Second Edition [Paperback]

Product Description
Whether you re a newly diagnosed Mesothelioma patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. Completely revised and updated for this second edition, this is the only book to provide the doctor s and patient s views. 100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma, Second Edition gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, legal options, and much more. This outstanding team of authors led by a world-class lung disease expert and including an insider s comments from the wife and caregiver of a patient provides an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease.
Product Details

* Paperback: 168 pages
* Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Publishers; 2 edition (June 11, 2009)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0763771236
* ISBN-13: 978-0763771232
* Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
* Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces

Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide [Paperback]

Review
Paul Kraus' book has all the information a cancer patient needs to have to learn what survival behavior is about. -- Bernie Siegel, MD author Love, Medicine and Miracles and Help Me To Heal --Bernie Siegel, MD
About the Author
Paul Kraus was born in 1944 in Austria and migrated with his parents to Australia as a young child. He received his BA at Macquarie University and a Master of Arts and Education from the University of Sydney. For most of his working life he has been a high school history teacher. It was during a summer vacation job as a university student that he was exposed to asbestos. Over thirty years later he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, the asbestos related cancer. Today, he works as a freelance writer and journalist. He, his wife and their two miniature schnauzers live north of Sydney in the city of Newcastle. More information about Paul Kraus and his story can be found at his website: survivingmesothelioma.com

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

About 15% of Mesothelioma cases are found in the early stages, before the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or elsewhere. The 5 year survival rate for people with Mesothelioma is 50% if there is no evidence of cancer in lymph nodes at the time of surgery. Unfortunately, in most cases, the spread of cancer has already occurred even if not detected by current medical tests. When all Mesothelioma stages are considered together, the 5 year survival rate is only about 14%. Many early Mesothelioma are diagnosed incidentally - they are found as a result of tests that are done for an unrelated medical condition. Although Mesothelioma does not cause any symptoms until it has spread too far to be cured, symptoms do occur in some patients with early Mesothelioma . Prompt attention to symptoms, leading to early diagnosis and treatment can result in a cure for some patients. For others, prompt attention to symptoms can improve the likelihood that treatment can extend their life and relieve many of their symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma include:

-A cough that does not go away
-Chest pain, often aggravated by deep breathing
-Hoarseness
-Weight loss and loss of appetite
-Bloody or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)
-Shortness of breath
-Fever without a known reason
-Recurring infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
-New onset of wheezing
-When Mesothelioma spreads to distant organs, it may cause:
-Bone pain
-Neurologic changes (such as weakness or numbness of a limb, dizziness)
-Jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes)
-Masses near the surface of the body, due to cancer spreading to the skin or to lymph nodes (collection of immune system cells) in the neck or above the collarbone.

A. Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma cancer of the lung lining) include:

-pain in the lower back or the side of the chest
-shortness of breath
-a persistent cough
-difficulty swallowing food
-fever and sweating
-fatigue
-weight loss.

These symptoms are also common to many minor ailments and, therefore, may not cause a doctor to suspect mesothelioma.

Pleural Effusion-fluid in the Lungs
One of the most common and specific symptoms of pleural mesothelioma is the accumulation of fluid between the lungs and chest cavity. This generally causes shortness of breath, and requires a doctor to drain the fluid, called fine-needle aspiration, to make breathing easier and relieve chest pain. This symptom is more unique to mesothelioma, making it more likely that you may have the disease.

B. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal mesothelioma - mesothelioma of the lining of the stomach) include:

-stomach pain
-nausea and vomiting
-weight loss.

Like pleural mesothelioma, these symptoms are also common to many minor ailments and, therefore, may not cause a doctor to suspect mesothelioma.

http://www.mesotheliomamedical.com/resources/what-is-mesothelioma/symptoms-of-mesothelioma.html

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Mesothelioma life expectancy at the time of diagnosis will traditionally be announced at being somewhere between a few months to only a year or two. Statistically speaking, mesothelioma life expectancy is frighteningly short. However, the mesothelioma life expectancy rate is a mere average, mean or median of mesothelioma patients with wildly different independent variables. Many of these mesothelioma patients have lived years past their expected “date of death” estimate.


Mesothelioma treatment and mesothelioma treatment options for these patients differed. Physicians for some patients may have been more experienced than physicians for the less fortunate. Not all patients follow through with chemotherapy or cancer treatment plans upon hearing the low mesothelioma life expectancy statistics, and many are not in shape to handle surgery. Others fight to live for just one more day.


Survival stories that can affect mesothelioma life expectancy rates range from the rarer cases of a young woman being “cured” – or having no remittance for decades, to the extremes on the other side, an 80+ year old gentleman with lifetime asbestos exposure, smoking heavily and suffering from numerous pre-existing diseases who dies a month after diagnosis. Others die during surgery. Most mesothelioma patient circumstances are somewhere in between. Many mesothelioma sufferers and their life expectancy statistics go unrecorded. Mesothelioma life expectancy will depend on your individual variables, your medical treatment, and your perseverance and outlook.


Mesothelioma life expectancy diagnosis will always depend on how early or late the disease was discovered. Because mesothelioma has been largely unrecognized in the past, the bulk of mesothelioma life expectancy statistics are mesothelioma patients who were diagnosed late in the disease. A greater awareness of the disease exists in the medical community, and although the majority of physicians do not have experience treating mesothelioma, most are aware of the potential presence of mesothelioma if a patient has been exposed to asbestos, and can refer a potential mesothelioma patient to a specialist.


Early detection and early treatment leads to longer life expectancy. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos can be pro-active in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused diseases. Patients can monitor their health and mesothelioma symptoms and begin early detection X-ray and CT scan tests. Mesothelioma patients can research mesothelioma treatment options available in clinical trials and discuss these with their physician. A physician can not be aware of every clinical trial that exists, and a mesothelioma patient’s own research could add years on to mesothelioma life expectancy.


Statistics for mesothelioma life expectancy will logically improve rather than become worse. Clinical trials on mesothelioma treatment options are increasing with an urgency to halt the disease. Many clinical trial participants live years past the initial diagnosis due to innovative mesothelioma treatment. Others may have participated in a mesothelioma clinical trial that was not as successful, but their participation has cleared the way to successful mesothelioma treatment for others. Chemotherapy and drug combinations have been proven to lengthen mesothelioma life expectancy. Imaging and radiation technology has made significant advances.


Mesothelioma life expectancy can pass the low mesothelioma life expectancy rates of the past. Nobody in the statistics of mesothelioma has the identical combination of the physical, emotional, and environmental variables that you do. Medicine advances, it does not go backwards. Mesothelioma treatment and mesothelioma treatment options for your early stage or advanced malignant stage mesothelioma will be up to you. There is a strong chance that you can defy mesothelioma life expectancy statistics. Research. Stay alert to new mesothelioma treatment options. And look at yourself, not statistics.

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/mesothelioma-life-expectancy-766791.html

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Mesothelioma Lawyers In High Demand

Mesothelioma Lawyers In High Demand

Mesothelioma is a rare, deadly cancer that strikes nearly 3,000 people in the United States every year. The average life expectancy of a person suffering from mesothelioma is a mere six months from diagnosis. Most victims are men over the age of forty who have worked with asbestos or in buildings where asbestos was present.

Because mesothelioma is caused by direct exposure to asbestos or asbestos dust, and nearly 30 million tons of asbestos was used in buildings of every description until the mid 1970's, it has kept Mesothelioma lawyers in high demand, as they pursue Mesothelioma settlements for the victims and their families. If your home was built prior to the mid 1970's it should be inspected for asbestos. Asbestos was used in insulation, to include boiler and pipe insulation, fireproofing spray; firebrick, gunite and many construction materials, such as roof, floor and ceiling tiles.

Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after direct or indirect exposure to asbestos. Early symptoms can include shortness of breath, pain in the lower back or in the sides of your chest. Unfortunately, these symptoms are common to many types of illness, and diagnosis is often delayed because of this. If you suspect that you or your loved one may have mesothelioma, it is critical that you inform your doctor of your asbestos exposure. Other less common symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, cough, fever and sweats.

If you or your loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma you should contact a mesothelioma lawyer immediately to see if you have a mesothelioma case. Try to write down any source of possible exposure regardless of time passed and try to locate the responsible parties. Your mesothelioma lawyer will advise you on the statute of limitations. If you have a family member who has died from mesothelioma you may still be eligible to file a claim. If you were never directly exposed to asbestos but contracted mesothelioma from indirect exposure, such as asbestos dust brought home on a family members clothing, you may also be eligible to file a mesothelioma case.

While a settlement can not erase the fact that you or your loved one have contracted mesothelioma, it can bring comfort, security and stability to a family in crisis.

In order to cope with a diagnosis of Mesothelioma, it is crucial to know three important facts about this disease. First, one needs to know what Mesothelioma is. Second, it is imperative to know what causes this deadly cancer. Lastly, one must know as much as possible about the three forms of Mesothelioma. They are Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is attributed to repeated exposure to asbestos. Individuals most susceptible for developing Mesothelioma are those who work in shipyards, asbestos mines, manufacture asbestos products, and those employed in the heating and construction trades. Mesothelioma does not usually become evident until 20 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma gets its name from the word mesothelium. The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers and helps to protect most of the body's internal organs. This form of cancer invades the mesothelium. Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma are aggressive forms of cancer that attack the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen and heart, respectively.

Pleural Mesothelioma is the most prevalent form of Mesothelioma. It presents itself in the Pleura, or lining of the inside of the chest that house the lungs. When asbestos is mined, manufactured or disturbed, asbestos particles escape into the air. These particles are easily inhaled or swallowed. Over an extended period of time, these inhaled and ingested asbestos particles may eventually cause normal cells in the Pleura to become abnormal, causing Pleural Mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a more rare form of Mesothelioma. This type of cancer originates in the Peritoneum or the membranous lining of the abdomen that encloses the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and pancreas. Peritoneal Mesothelioma accounts for less than a quarter of all Mesothelioma cases.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer invades the Pericardium, or the membrane that surrounds the heart. This condition causes severe heart problems, and most people who contract this asbestos-related cancer eventually die from heart failure.

The Pleura is thought to be most susceptible to Mesothelioma. Due to this membrane surrounding the lungs it is in direct contact with asbestos fibers when inhaled. This would explain why Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of this deadly cancer.

It has been suggested that when asbestos-containing fibers are ingested or inhaled they can be picked up by the lymph nodes and spread to other parts of the body. This may account for cases of Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma.

Chronic exposure to asbestos, after a latency period of approximately 20 to 60 years, can cause Mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma it is imperative to know what it is, what causes it and its three major forms; Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma. Once you know what form of this asbestos related cancer you are up against it will aid you in seeking appropriate treatment options.

In addition to seeking aggressive medical treatment, you need to find out the cause of your asbestos-related cancer. Since all three forms are caused by contact with asbestos, think back on all the jobs you've had, and where you were exposed to asbestos. Next, seek the advice of an attorney who is familiar with litigating Mesothelioma lawsuits. Your attorney will help you in documenting your exposure to asbestos even if it occurred many years ago, and also documenting the physical and emotional damage that your diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma or Pericardial Mesothelioma has caused for you.

http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/mesothelioma-lawyers-in-high-demand-98744.html

Mesothelioma Lawyers In High Demand

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

California Mesothelioma Laws And California Mesothelioma Lawyers

California Mesothelioma Laws And California Mesothelioma Lawyers

Finding a highly qualified and competent California mesothelioma attorney involves a little investigation. Newly diagnosed victims of Mesothelioma in California often have ample questions involving their health, their future, and their lawful recourses in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. The facts of mesothelioma are not easy to hear, nor are they easy to deal with. While a Mesothelioma doctor is equipped to answer medical and health questions as they relate to Mesothelioma, only a qualified Mesothelioma attorney is capable of answering questions that are associated with the legal ramifications of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

California mesothelioma victims are encouraged to make a list of questions that they feel they need answers to, one list for their Mesothelioma physician and another list for their attorney. The top ten questions to ask a California mesothelioma attorney have been suggested here, but there will be many more questions regarding a Mesothelioma case.

1. It is vital to contact a Mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as possible as many states have complicated regulations concerning Mesothelioma lawsuits. The first question to ask a qualified Mesothelioma lawyer is whether or not you qualify to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. This of course will involve divulging all the information possible to allow the Mesothelioma lawyer to determine if you qualify to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit.

2. Some California mesothelioma lawyers are already involved with other Mesothelioma lawsuits or Mesothelioma settlements which may preclude them from taking on any new cases. It is possible that you may qualify for a class action lawsuit or perhaps an individual Mesothelioma lawsuit, depending on the circumstances. Mesothelioma patients need to inquire whether their case would be handled as an individual case or as part of a class action Mesothelioma lawsuit, and which would benefit them the most.

3. Knowing that your potential Mesothelioma lawyer has ample actual courtroom experience is a highly important part of hiring a Mesothelioma lawyer. It is perfectly acceptable to inquire with your potential Mesothelioma lawyer about their prior Mesothelioma and courtroom experience. Mesothelioma lawsuits are not the type of lawsuits you want a newbie cutting their teeth on, there is simply too much at stake.

4. California mesothelioma lawsuits tend to be large cases with a lot of complicated laws and circumstances to navigate. A Mesothelioma attorney needs to have ample support and resources to assist in the research and argument process. You will want to ask the Mesothelioma attorney how many Mesothelioma cases are in the firm, how many Mesothelioma expert lawyers are in the firm, and how much extra support services they can receive from the other California mesothelioma attorneys in the law firm.

5. Mesothelioma victims tend to be victimized by the contraction of the disease and are often very sensitive to other people's feelings, including their Mesothelioma lawyer's feelings. Asking questions that validate their experience is a good thing, and is not offensive to a Mesothelioma lawyer. If your potential Mesothelioma attorney reacts to questions with offense, it is not in your best interest to hire them. Asking them about their track record with Mesothelioma cases, how many went to trial versus how many of them were settled, as well as the results of each case is a reasonable line of questioning.

6. It is rarely in the best interest of the Mesothelioma victim for their case to be split between multiple law firms. Asking whether your lawsuit will be handled in house or if there is the possibility of splitting the case between law firms is a question of relative importance.

7. The vast majority of California mesothelioma cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means the attorney gets paid a percentage of what he or she is able to win on the Mesothelioma victim's behalf. If the case goes nowhere, the Mesothelioma lawyer typically doesn't get paid. The percentage of the Mesothelioma award or the Mesothelioma settlement which typically goes to the representing Mesothelioma lawyer is between 30 and 40 percent.

8. Asking your California mesothelioma lawyer to describe the process of a lawsuit will enable you to understand the process which you are about to enter as well as inform you of how well your Mesothelioma lawyer communicates..

9. It is important to understand how long the Mesothelioma lawyer will need for research and how much information he or she will need from the Mesothelioma victim and the Mesothelioma doctor. Television has given us the impression that lawsuits and court proceedings happen quickly. They don't it takes time, and for a Mesothelioma victim, time is very precious.

10. California mesothelioma laws may vary by county. Establishing the jurisdiction that the Mesothelioma case will be tried is vital. Often it is tried in the county which the exposure to asbestos took place. Your Mesothelioma lawyer will have to have access to that region.

http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/california-mesothelioma-laws-and-california-mesothelioma-lawyers-119293.html

California Mesothelioma Laws And California Mesothelioma Lawyers

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Facing Mesothelioma Without a California Mesothelioma Attorney

Facing Mesothelioma Without a California Mesothelioma Attorney

The diagnosis of Mesothelioma will leave a victim in California in a state of perpetual challenges. Mesothelioma is a gravely difficult disease to contend with, and there are numerous issues which will unfortunately arise along the way.

The absolute best chance a California mesothelioma victim has at minimizing stress and discouragement is finding the best Mesothelioma team available. This includes Mesothelioma doctors and a top notch California mesothelioma lawyer.

Finding the best mesothelioma attorney in California can be a challenge, and the more information you are armed with, the better the chances you have of finding the Mesothelioma lawyer that is right for you. One of your top priorities is knowledge.

Knowing everything there is to know about Mesothelioma, the current California mesothelioma laws which will apply to you and your Mesothelioma case, and knowing what other people in your area have determined about their Mesothelioma representation can paint the picture of what your Mesothelioma attorney should be able to do for you.

While California mesothelioma attorneys should definitely be more knowledgeable than you when it comes to Mesothelioma law, having enough information to know whether or not the Mesothelioma lawyer you are interviewing has a solid knowledge base can help you determine the attorney's credentials.

Searching for a good Mesothelioma lawyer is exactly that, a search. Searching entails things like the use of the internet, meeting with several California mesothelioma lawyers, and determining which Mesothelioma lawyer has the best chance of representing you within the confines of the law and aggressively as possible while holding your best interests as their top priority.

So often, whether it is doctors, lawyers, or counselors we pull a name from the phone book, make an appointment, and just assume that we have found a quality professional to handle our needs. Finding a highly qualified specialist takes more effort than that. Keep in mind that there are two types of Mesothelioma attorneys. California mesothelioma lawsuits tend to be awarded or settled quite high.

Jury awards for California mesothelioma lawsuits have historically been very high. Some Mesothelioma lawyers are interested in finding justice for their clients, and they are naturally compassionate and caring about the process and sensitive to becoming the best Mesothelioma lawyer they can possibly become. The second type of Mesothelioma lawyer is interested mostly in their share of those very high Mesothelioma settlements and awards.

This type of Mesothelioma lawyer will be lacking compassion and sensitivity to a Mesothelioma victim's journey and their needs. It is usually noticeable right away whether or not you are greeted professionally but compassionately to discuss your Mesothelioma case or if you are greeted with callousness and a lack of basic integrity. Good Mesothelioma lawyers understand the disease, the complications, and most often the difficulties you are going to face even more than you do. A disassociated Mesothelioma attorney has simply plastered the words "Mesothelioma attorney" under his or her name in the phone book.

Word of mouth is an excellent form of Mesothelioma attorney research. For the most part, Mesothelioma victims can offer each other advice about finding a capable California mesothelioma attorney. Bear in mind that every case is different and each personality is unique, and there are instances where a referral from a fellow Mesothelioma victim just doesn't suit you. That's okay. Most of the time, however, Mesothelioma victims can be truly beneficial in helping each other find these very highly recommended Mesothelioma lawyers.

It is perfectly appropriate to insist the Mesothelioma attorney provides an accurate case history that can allow you to evaluate their basic performance record. Researching their self proclaimed results can be a little time consuming, but when it is a question of integrity and honesty, the research is very important. Mesothelioma lawyers are basically honest, but you don't want to risk ending up with the laughing stock of the profession.

Researching your selections for a Mesothelioma lawyer may take some time, and Mesothelioma victims and their families do not have ample time, but the time it takes to research the quality of a Mesothelioma lawyer is invaluable considering the time and financial resources which can be lost when the research is not completed.

Facing Mesothelioma with a California mesothelioma attorney you can not trust will simply make the challenges which lay ahead in dealing with Mesothelioma more difficult. You may need your Mesothelioma to speak on your behalf in the event that you are not capable of doing so, and not having an established and trusted relationship with a Mesothelioma attorney to begin with may make that an impossible situation.

This is not the time to pull a random name from a phone book. Treating the search for a California mesothelioma attorney much like the search for the perfect employee is the only way to feel confident enough to allow you to focus on other issues regarding your health rather than babysitting your attorney.

Facing Mesothelioma Without a California Mesothelioma Attorney

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Malignant Mesotheliomas

Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Malignant Mesotheliomas

Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, but both of these typically malignant mesotheliomas can be just as tragic. Peritoneal mesothelioma begins in the abdominal cavity, as opposed to the lungs and pleural areas of pleural mesothelioma. “Peritoneal” means it has to do with the peritoneum, which is a membrane that surrounds the abdominal area. “Pleural” refers to the pleura which is a membrane that surrounds the lungs. There is also a “pericardial” mesothelioma which targets the heart membrane first.


The lungs, abdominal area and heart all have a membrane made up of mesothelial cells, named the mesothelium. A cancerous attack of these membrane areas are mesotheliomas. Asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma in well over 90% of the cases. There are a few rare recorded cases of malignant mesothelioma when asbestos exposure was not identified. If you have been exposed to asbestos, there is a high chance you will suffer from an asbestos-caused disease such as asbestosis or pleural plaques. However, not all asbestos-caused diseases are fatal.


Peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma can be fatal malignant mesotheliomas which spread uncontrollably, or they can be benign, when the tumor stays where it is and can likely be removed. Unexplainable weight loss is a mesothelioma symptom which may occur in as many as 90% of benign and malignant mesothelioma. Generally, benign mesothelioma tends to show less symptoms than malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms for peritoneal mesothelioma almost always includes abdominal pain. This is because there is excess fluid between the peritoneal membrane and the abdomen walls. Pleural mesothelioma has excess fluid in the pleural area and this causes shortness of breath and chest pain.


The mesothelioma symptoms of pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma are not as outwardly visible as the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. In peritoneal mesothelioma, the abdomen can appear larger. Tumor masses may be visible, but external tumor visibility only occurs in a minority of peritoneal mesothelioma cases. Nausea is a common mesothelioma symptom with peritoneal mesothelioma, and the abdominal area will also be very tender.


In a healthy peritoneal area between the membrane and the wall, the peritoneal fluid helps the intestines move food. In peritoneal mesothelioma however, excess fluid causes bowel obstruction. The mesothelioma symptoms of extra fluid and bowel obstruction both contribute to abdominal pain. The bowel obstruction can also produce mesothelioma symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. Many peritoneal malignant mesothelioma patients have reported mesothelioma symptoms of a burning sensation in the abdomen. Mesothelioma symptoms for peritoneal malignant mesothelioma may not surface for 20-30 years after asbestos exposure, but it generally surfaces sooner than pleural mesothelioma.


Peritoneal mesothelioma is fortunately rare, however its rarity sometimes makes it harder to diagnose. The symptoms are similar to hernias and gall bladder problems, and identifying peritoneal mesothelioma in a CT scan is difficult. The medical industry is aware that asbestos-related diseases will be escalating over the upcoming years, and treatment for peritoneal malignant mesothelioma is undergoing many clinical trials. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have unexplainable abdominal pain and are experiencing unexplained weight loss
, begin preliminary testing for peritoneal mesothelioma. The sooner the testing begins, the higher the chances for symptomatic relief, and hopefully today’s mesothelioma clinical trials will lead to a mesothelioma cure in the future.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Malignant Mesotheliomas

Friday, April 30, 2010

Mesothelioma Cancer, And The Asbetos Exposure Risk Component

Mesothelioma Cancer, And The Asbetos Exposure Risk Component

Excessive cough, breathlessness, chest pain, weakness, cachexia (unexplained weight loss) etc are a fraction of the traits of a dreaded cancer called mesothelioma. It is a cancer affecting mesothelium of pleura, peritoneum, and/or pericardium. The cancer cells grow fast at times and lead to metastasis to distant organs in the body, thus evoking an undesirable prognosis.

If we examine the number of cases of this cancer worldwide, we percieve that it is regretably increasing over years and the information say that it may climb further. What is the root cause behind this damaging cancer?

The leading factor that governs the mesothelioma cancer is asbestos exposure. The contact with asbestos fiber is compared to setting ourselves up to be unsuccessful. The incidence of the disease is therefore high in occupations those get direct contact with asbestos. The sectors include ship yard field, roof shingles, construction trade, etc..

This is exactly why the laborers listed here are at the highest threat of getting the mesothelioma cancer. Also several solvents and chemicals used in specific industrial sectors are risky and could work as triggers for genetic mutation to happen.

Inevitably the genetic mutation continues as the key causative variable for almost any cancer. But asbestos exposure serves as a trigger for this mutation. The particles of asbestos are microscopic and they are often breathed in simply while working in its location. These particles when inhaled stick in the lungs and possess the capacity to remain there for very long period. This initiates the beginning of the cancer although it takes two or three decades for symptoms to surface.

That's the reason why many general practitioners overlook the diagnosis and consider the severe cough is because of pneumonia. Though very careful investigative studies, doctors can diagnose mesothelioma, and pleural biopsy is the final test that confirms the diagnosis. It is definitely good for the affected individual when this diagnosis is conducted at beginning stages so that his probability of recuperation and life improve by leaps and bounds.

Comprehending the dangerous effect of asbestos, for this reason, numerous governments today (like UK Government) have taken strict actions against the occupational environment and have resolved the amounts of asbestos allowable in the workplaces. But in countless developing countries, using asbestos is the norm, and this is increasing the incidence of mesothelioma.

The most significant aspect about avoidance of asbestos exposure is that for putting into action such prevention, employers need not devote huge dollars. Merely making accessible a well-fitting mask is enough for protecting enormous amounts of asbestos employees throughout the world. However this action seems difficult for some companies. That is the reason why these companies currently can be disciplined and sought compensations from by filing a lawsuit.

The mesothelioma sufferers can speak to mesothelioma law firm and file a case against such reckless employers. No question prevention is much better than a cure. But if your company cuased you to endure this serious cancer, you should be due compensation for health-related expenses and lost wages.

Just beware of this harmful cancer. If you or your family member is working in comparable industries, help to make certain your employer is taking care of appropriate preventive steps and if not, you can raise your voice in opposition to it! You ought to have safety at your job!

http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-injury-articles/mesothelioma-cancer-and-the-asbetos-exposure-risk-component-2155355.html

Mesothelioma Cancer, And The Asbetos Exposure Risk Component

Monday, April 19, 2010

Mesothelioma Mesomark Blood Test

Mesothelioma Mesomark Blood Test

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the MESOMARK assay to help monitor response to treatment in malignant mesothelioma patients. The MESOMARK test signifies the beginning of a new era in monitoring mesothelioma malignancies," said Dr. W. Jeffrey Allard, vice president and chief scientific officer of Fujirebio Diagnostics. "As the first in-vitro test for patients with this aggressive disease, it will enable doctors to more accurately detect recurrence and monitor treatment of patients."
The MESOMARK Assay test kit was developed to measure levels of a biomarker, mesothelin, in serum. Biomarkers are substances found in higher-than-normal concentrations in the blood, urine or body tissues of patients with certain types of cancers. The test may be used to monitor patients confirmed as having mesothelioma, for recurrence in patients following surgery, or for measuring response to therapies.
"Current diagnostic tests are less than ideal for quantification of changes in tumor volume, which is key to managing the disease," continued Allard. "As the MESOMARK results correlate with tumor volume*, it provides a much needed tool for monitoring patient status. It is our plan to collect additional data in the future to support the use of the test to detect mesothelioma."

MESOMARK test are now making it possible - with a simple blood test -to monitor response to treatment and to detect recurrence following treatment. This provides an important head start to patients racing against this aggressive cancer. "The Meso Foundation is the national research funding, patient support and advocacy organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma as a life-threatening disease.
Those wishing to take part in MESOMARK testing will be asked to provide one or more samples of blood. The blood samples will then be sent to a national reference laboratory for testing. In conjunction with other clinical and laboratory data obtained by your doctor, decisions regarding your treatment and care may be simplified. You may discontinue testing at any time.

http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/mesothelioma-mesomark-blood-test-814876.html
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Mesothelioma Mesomark Blood Test