A mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating for you and your family. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops after exposure to the toxic mineral asbestos, which was used in many types of insulation and building materials for many years. Exposure can be direct or can occur simply by being near another person who was exposed. For example, some individuals have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after a family member came home from work with asbestos toxins on their clothing.
In some situations, a person may suspect that they may develop mesothelioma or related cancer because of their employment history, however, in other cases, a victim may have no knowledge of their asbestos exposure. In either case, anyone with mesothelioma may be entitled to substantial compensation and should discuss their situation with an experienced attorney.
Mesothelioma cases can be complex
Mesothelioma cases can involve a personal injury claim by the ill individual or a wrongful death claim filed by the surviving family members of a person who died from mesothelioma. In order to prevail in a case, a person must prove as follows:
- The company or person was negligent in causing asbestos exposure;
- The asbestos led to injury (mesothelioma); and
- The injury caused losses to the individual or surviving family members.
A person with mesothelioma generally incurs substantial losses, as the treatment can be extremely costly and painful. Some of the common treatment options can include:
- Surgery to remove the tumor or the lung itself;
- Chemotherapy;
- Radiation;
- Palliative care;
- Any combination of the above.
Because mesothelioma has a lengthy latency period, the cancer is often not identified until patients are in a relatively advanced stage of the disease, which can limit the survival period to a year or two. The overall prognosis for mesothelioma will depend on the type and location of the cancer, the stage of the cancer, whether the cancer has metastasized, and the age and health of the victim.
No matter whether your prognosis is relatively hopeful or bleak, you deserve to recover for your losses due to asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. These cases involve very specific and detailed medical and legal complexities, so you should call the Michigan Injury Lawyers at (888) 454-0801 as soon as possible to discuss your case.