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Mesothelioma is an aggressive, deadly form of cancer that attacks tissue associated with a person’s internal organs, according to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Although treatments are available for mesothelioma, for many individuals, a cure is not possible. Most people contract mesothelioma from contact with asbestos.
Approximately 3,000 individuals are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States. About 2,500 people die from mesothelioma annually. Over 100 individuals are diagnosed with this usually fatal form of cancer in Pennsylvania each year. The five-year survival rate is dismally low, at between 5 to 10 percent according to the American Cancer Society.
Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure Rates
There are certain occupations in which workers were exposed to asbestos are rates far higher than was the case with other professions. Consequently, workers from these occupations demonstrate a high rate of mesothelioma diagnoses. These occupations include:
- construction workers
- demolition workers
- airplane mechanics
- automobile mechanics
- shipyard workers
- electricians
- pipe fitters
- building engineers
- welders
- HVAC installers
- insulation removal workers
Family members of workers exposed to asbestos also contract mesothelioma. The sad reality is that asbestos fibers stuck to a workers’ clothing and were unwittingly brought into their homes, endangering a larger group of individuals.
Compensation in a Mesothelioma Case
There are two basic types of mesothelioma claims. First, there is a personal injury claim, made by an individual who contracted mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. Second, there is a wrongful deal claim, brought by certain family members of a loved one who died from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure.
A tenacious mesothelioma attorney works tirelessly to fight to optimize the compensation received in either type of mesothelioma case. Examples of losses, injuries, and damages for which compensation is sought include:
- pain and suffering
- mental anguish and emotional distress
- lost income
- medical bills and expenses
- funeral expenses
A lawyer strives to ensure that a person injured by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure obtains comprehensive compensation. This includes not only financial recovery for existing injuries, damages, and losses, but also for those reasonably expected to be incurred in the future.
Retain Philadelphia Mesothelioma Attorneys
The first step to engage a skilled, experienced Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys in a mesothelioma case is to schedule an initial consultation. During an initial consultation, a qualified lawyer provides a prospective client with a case or claim evaluation. In addition, an attorney will provide answers to questions about a case. A Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyer charges no fee for an initial consultation. A person typically is best served proactively scheduling an appointment with a lawyer.
A mesothelioma lawyer uses what is known as a contingency fee agreement. Through this contract, an attorney charges a client no fee in a mesothelioma case unless a favorable settlement or judgment is obtained. The fee is an agreed percentage of a settlement or judgment obtained for a client.
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