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Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure has long been associated with the development of mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the symptoms of mesothelioma often do not become apparent until years or decades after exposure. This means that people are still getting sick today despite recent regulations limiting the use of asbestos in several industries. What’s more, many legal uses of asbestos still abound, meaning exposure is still possible today.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the membranes of the lungs and abdomen. Since the disease shows symptoms that mimic other ailments, it can be hard to diagnose. Learn more with our full guide to understanding mesothelioma and asbestos.
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There are four types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular. Those with a mesothelioma-related disease often experience fatigue, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and chest pain, coughing, and shortness of breath, among other symptoms.
What can an Oregon mesothelioma attorney do?
Proving a mesothelioma case can be complex. Often, it requires collecting and examining evidence – such as medical and employment records – that are years or decades old. It may also involve collecting evidence from different states or jurisdictions. Additionally, there are typically many parties with conflicting interests involved, such as employers, manufacturers, and insurance companies.
As a local Oregon law firm that specializes in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses, Nelson MacNeil Rayfield is familiar with all of the relevant laws and regulations regarding the handling and usage of asbestos, as well as how manufacturers and insurance companies operate. We are also versed in the types of evidence necessary to prove a mesothelioma case in Oregon, should this case go to trial.
Other Illnesses Associated with Asbestos
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure is linked to a specific type of lung cancer, sometimes called asbestos lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue surrounding the lungs, known as the pleura. It’s the most common of the four types of mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed annually in the United States.
Although surgery generally offers the best chance for long-term survival, only patients in the early stages of pleural mesothelioma are candidates. For those who aren’t candidates for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of the two are the primary treatment options. The initial symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue surrounding the lungs, known as the pleura. It’s the most common of the four types of mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed annually in the United States. The initial symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
The majority of asbestos lung cancer cases can be traced to occupational exposure to asbestos, leading many patients to wonder if they should pursue litigation. An attorney can help navigate your asbestos lung cancer case.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer, or cancer of the voice box, is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the larynx. In most cases, laryngeal cancer is found and diagnosed because of the symptoms they cause. Tests that examine the throat and neck are used to detect, diagnose, and stage laryngeal cancers, including a physical exam of the throat and neck, a biopsy, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, bone scans, and a barium swallow. Once diagnosed, treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, and a variety of specialists are often involved. The symptoms of laryngeal cancer include:
Laryngeal cancer is often linked to asbestos exposure. Although past investigations of the link between asbestos exposure and laryngeal cancer were somewhat contradictory, the connection was confirmed in a 2006 report sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. The report found that asbestos was not only determined to be a definite cause of laryngeal cancer, but that the cancer risk was dependent on the amount of exposure, meaning the risk of developing the disease increases with the duration and extent of exposure.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms and have worked as an electrician, mechanic, or carpenter, or may have otherwise been exposed to asbestos, Nelson MacNeil Rayfield can help you learn your rights, gather information to support your case and, if needed, take your case to trial.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestosis signs and symptoms can include:
Unlike other forms of asbestos-related diseases, every case of asbestosis is directly related to asbestos exposure. Asbestosis symptoms can range from mild to severe, and usually don’t appear until many years after continued exposure. Most people with asbestosis acquired it on the job before the federal government began regulating asbestos in the 1970s.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of any of the illnesses described above and have worked as an electrician, mechanic, carpenter, or may have otherwise been exposed to asbestos, you may benefit from speaking with an attorney.
What Makes Us Different
With over 70 years of collective legal and trial experience, our malpractice lawyers will answer your questions at no cost, help point you in the right direction, or if need be, represent you and your malpractice claim in court. A successful claim requires a lawyer who understands the intricacies of a malpractice case, ranging from thoroughly investigating the claim to understanding the state-by-state regulations for filing.
Finding a reputable mesothelioma law firm with attorneys who are understanding, compassionate, and willing to fight on your behalf is essential. When choosing a mesothelioma law firm, here’s what to look for:
- Experience you can trust
- Specialty in mesothelioma litigation
- Satisfied clients
- Fair fee structure
- Ethics
- Responsiveness
Information You Should Know
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Common Legal Questions About Mesothelioma Claims
As with many personal injury claims, it can sometimes be difficult to fully prove that you were exposed to and harmed by asbestos. Thorough medical testing to confirm an illness, and obtaining records of this diagnosis from a medical professional is an important step in the process. Additionally, you will need to provide a history and records that prove you were in contact with asbestos. This can be a range of documents, including work records, building maintenance history, photos, and more.
The experienced mesothelioma attorneys at Nelson MacNeil Rayfield are well-versed in everything that is required in order to prove exposure to asbestos, and will work with you in a free consultation to ensure that you’re ready with everything you need to confirm your exposure.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality regulates how asbestos is handled and disposed of in an effort to maintain standards of public and environmental health. In 2018, Oregon adopted additional asbestos regulations, stating that the DEQ requires anyone who owns property or professional contractors to properly identify structures or materials that contain asbestos. You can read more about it on Oregon.gov‘s official document.
In the state of Oregon, you may have a workers’ compensation claim if you think you have been exposed to asbestos and have developed a serious illness due to that exposure while on a job where you were not adequately protected from or informed about the presence of asbestos.
An asbestos trust fund is a pool of money that companies found negligent in asbestos claims and filed bankruptcy because of it build for themselves. The fund is used to pay out future victims of exposure who file and win mesothelioma claims against these companies.
When filing an asbestos-related claim in Oregon, you may receive financial compensation pulled from these funds.