What To Do When Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

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If a doctor has recently diagnosed you with mesothelioma, it can be terrifying. This is a fatal disease that is typically caused by asbestos exposure and it can lead to a whole host of medical problems. You might be unsure of what to do after a diagnosis. If your work exposed you to asbestos, can you file a claim or a lawsuit? What symptoms should you expect to face? Many people with a mesothelioma diagnosis are not sure what their next steps should be, but if you are looking for more information on this disease and what you are legally entitled to, keep reading.

What Are the Symptoms Of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a disease that is known for causing tumors to grow on areas of your lungs or abdomen. There are usually no signs that you even have this disease until the tumors have grown. This usually starts around stages 3 or 4. The common symptoms of mesothelioma are:

Early Signs

• Muscle Weakness
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chest or Abdomen Pain
• Wheezing
• Shortness of Breath
• Fluid In Your Lungs

Later Signs

• Weight Loss
• Anemia
• Respiratory Complications
• Bowel Obstruction
• Increase of Pain

Mesothelioma is such a dangerous disease because in many cases, the symptoms do not even appear until 20 years or more after you have initially been exposed to asbestos.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

While there are different causes for mesothelioma, one of the most common causes is an exposure to asbestos from your workplace. Doctors have found this with people who have worked in the construction or heating businesses. On the other hand, other people have this disease who did not have first-hand contact with asbestos. This is because asbestos is airborne, leaving many people exposed to this silent-killer without even knowing it. Thus, doctors have diagnosed many people with mesothelioma who were near factories, asbestos mines, or construction plants that had asbestos.

Can I File a Claim?

Yes, many people have filed a personal injury lawsuit when a doctor diagnoses them with mesothelioma. The common damages recovered for this type of claim are:

• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Income
• Loss of Intimacy, and
• Medical Expenses

Wrongful Death Claim

If a loved one has passed away due to suffering from mesothelioma, a family member can file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. In fact, a case is even stronger if the deceased died after filing a personal injury claim for mesothelioma.

Do I Have a Better Chance Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In some cases, you might be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim once a doctor diagnoses you with mesothelioma from work-related activities. However, filing and winning a lawsuit will typically yield larger compensation than workers’ compensation.

What Else Can I Do After My Diagnosis?

If you believe you have asbestos in your home, contact an asbestos abatement contractor Los Angeles, CA offers today. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is ultimately fatal. While treatment can help if doctors find the disease early on, it is usually found much later. If you wish to speak with an attorney, call a law firm today about your case.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Nielsen Environmental for their insight into mesothelioma and asbestos removal.