When Should I Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that develops from exposure to asbestos. The cancer attacks the mesothelium, which is the protective lining in the lungs, heart, and abdominal cavity. The prognosis depends a good deal on when the cancer is discovered. Mesothelioma is generally divided into two stages. In the first stage, the cancer has spread to only one area. In the second stage, it now involves other organs. Surgery can sometimes remove part of the lung or heart lining in the early stages, or the disease may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation. Mesothelioma lawsuits are usually time sensitive, and it is important to contact a lawyer with qualifications in this area and a good track record. Victims of this cancer generally have a good chance of winning their cases, usually from the company that manufactured or installed the asbestos. However, the lawsuits can be complicated from a medical standpoint because mesothelioma may not show up in the victim until 10 or more years after the exposure. Because the time factor is often so critical in cases that involve mesothelioma and the facts of the case sometimes may be difficult to uncover, it is important to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer as soon as you are aware that you or a loved one has been exposed to this cancer. A mesothelioma lawyer is an expert in the ramifications of asbestos exposure and the diseases that it causes. You should feel comfortable with your lawyer at your first consultation. Even if you are not sure where or when you were exposed to asbestos, your lawyer can investigate the background and attempt to find the company or companies responsible for your illness. In cases where more than one company is at fault, responsibility is usually split among all of them. Your lawyer will also explain the important statute of limitations for filing this type of lawsuit. The deadline for filing a mesothelioma case vary throughout the states, but are usually one or two years from the date of the diagnosis or one or two years from date of death. There is no set time for how long these cases will take. Often a settlement can be reached before the case gets to the trial stage. Sometimes the victim’s state of health can expedite the process. The payment times for these types of lawsuits vary. If the source of payment is an insurance company, for instance, the case may be settled within the year. In a lawsuit that goes to trial, however, the settlement may not come for two years or more. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this cancer, contact a mesothelioma lawyer now. A knowledgeable and dedicated lawyer will protect your rights and will fight for the just compensation that you deserve. Make a no-obligation appointment to discuss the possibilities of a lawsuit. Most of these cases never reach the trial stage, but are settled out of court. Call today and make a start at getting justice for a loved one or for yourself.