Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyer
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which is caused due to the exposure of asbestos. It is commonly found in shipyard or construction workers, miners, mechanics, plumbers, and those in the military. This is a rare form of cancer and usually affects the tissue, known as mesothelium, found around the chest, heart, and abdomen. It is treatable in its early stages due to the new methods of detection available today.
Often people are not aware of how and when they were exposed to asbestos which has led to this illness. A qualified Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer who has experience representing such victims will be able to evaluate the facts of your situation and chart out a plan of action.
Types of Mesothelioma and Symptoms
Mesothelioma can be pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or testicular depending upon which part of the body it affects. Another type of classification is based on the cancer cells and mesothelioma can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic.
Since early symptoms of mesothelioma are almost non-existent, early diagnosis is quite rare. Many of the symptoms associated with this disease are common to a host of other ailments and pinpointing the cancer becomes difficult until much later. Fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, persistent cough, abdominal pain, chest pain, can all be early symptoms of mesothelioma. At early stages, there are better chances of the patient responding favorably to treatment. Age and the overall health of the individual will also be significant factor pertaining to this.
Why Find a Lawyer?
Speaking to a mesothelioma attorney as soon as your illness is diagnosed is crucial. There is a statute of limitations in each state on such cases which severely limits the time you have to file your lawsuit. In most instances, the clock starts on the day of the diagnosis. Once your illness has been diagnosed, you may not be in the frame of mind to pursue legal options. But it is necessary since you can seek monetary compensation from those liable which may be your employer or somebody else.
The Endgame
The costs of medical treatment for mesothelioma can be very high and combined with the loss of income that you will be subjected to it can put a strain on your finances. You may also want to provide for your family in the event of your death and pulling out all your savings for medical expenses will not help in any way. Since mesothelioma is not a spontaneous accident, there are better chances of proving fault and negligence. Compensation can be claimed for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as death benefits for the surviving family members. In some instances, social security disability or veterans benefits may be claimed depending upon eligibility. If the exposure to asbestos happened at the workplace, then the employer will have to provide worker’s compensation and any other benefits available. Though outwardly, it may not be visible that you are injured, there is no disputing the fact that you have been hurt at or in the workplace.
