Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer
Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer
The asbestos lawyers at Allen & Nolte have a proven track record in cases involving mesothelioma and lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Many workers in the industrial and trade industries have been exposed to asbestos, and the symptoms sometimes can take decades to appear. Our team has helped many victims and their families affected by asbestos-related diseases.
More than 11 million people have been exposed to asbestos since 1940. As many as 10% of those who were exposed for long periods of time are, or will be, diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. Some mesothelioma and lung cancer victims even unknowingly exposed their families to asbestos fibers on their work clothes.
One of the largest groups of asbestos victims are veterans who served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Marines. All four military branches used extensive amounts of asbestos products through the 1970s, exposing thousands of service members to cancer-causing fibers.
Many mesothelioma victims wrongly believe the statute of limitations has expired when they actually have a valid asbestos lawsuit. If you or a love one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos on the job, contact our asbestos litigation team about seeking compensation through litigation or settlement.
Mesothelioma Explained
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that releases thin fibrous crystals when disturbed. More than 80% of mesothelioma cases can be traced directly to asbestos exposure on the job.
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos crystals are inhaled and adhere to the thin layer of tissue surrounding the internal organs, which is called the mesothelium. The disease most commonly affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall, but it also can attack the lining of the abdomen, heart, and testicles.
Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdomen, are the most common types of malignant mesothelioma. These two variations of the disease are found in more than 95% of diagnosed patients.
Mesothelioma in the Courts
Many companies have filed for bankruptcy protection based on the money they owe to victims of asbestos exposure. Fortunately, our courts have required these companies to set up trust funds to pay current and future victims of mesothelioma and asbestos related cancer.
The billions of dollars that remain in these trusts are distributed through a court-approved system that is designed to compensate people who have been exposed to asbestos.
To qualify for a payment, most trusts require that you provide:
- Dates you were exposed to asbestos and where the exposure occurred;
- Medical proof that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer; and
- Information about which asbestos products you used.
Once your claim has been submitted, it will be reviewed by trust fund administrators who will determine whether you qualify for a payment. The review process can be different based on your circumstances, which is why it is import to consult with a mesothelioma law firm with a proven track record in asbestos cases.
At Allen & Nolte, our lawyers have decades of experience helping people resolve asbestos lawsuits, including negotiating with trust administrators and insurance companies. When we seek compensation for you, we come prepared and ready to defend your legal rights.
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