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Mesothelioma is a type of cancer found in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue covering most of the body’s internal organs. This cancer is quite aggressive and deadly. One of the more common types is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue around the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue around the abdomen, and other rare forms affect tissue around the testicles and heart.
According to the American Cancer Society, mesothelioma more often occurs in older people, with the average age for a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis being 72. Although some people are at a higher risk for mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the main cause. Symptoms can include chest pain, coughing, weight loss, lumps under the skin, nausea, and abdominal swelling.
Mesothelioma treatment can be expensive and include procedures, travel, medicine, and caregiving costs. Many forms of treatment may not be covered by insurance. Patients might be unable to work, adding lost wages to the mounting medical expenses. There are various types of asbestos and mesothelioma claims that can be filed. In addition to lawsuits, victims can file Social Security disability and trust fund claims.
Legal claims seek compensation from companies that may be liable, and this is done through wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits, as well as trust fund claims. Some companies even have asbestos trust funds, which offer compensation in exchange for bankruptcy protection. Insurance claims involve medical, life, and disability insurance providers. Veterans that experienced asbestos exposure during their service may be qualified to file for health coverage and disability via the Department of Veterans Affairs.
States have different statutes of limitations that limit the time allowed for filing mesothelioma claims. It can range from one to six years. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, it is two years from the time of diagnosis when a personal injury claim is involved. It may also be possible to file a claim in several states, but this depends on where the asbestos exposure occurred and where the company is located.
According to an insurance consulting firm, there were over 4,200 lawsuits filed by Americans who became ill from occupational asbestos exposure in 2017. Mesothelioma is preventable and can be due to significant corporate negligence. Some victims and families may hesitate to file claims because they think they may not be entitled to benefits, but it is worth looking into. These cases may be complex but determining who is liable can result in receiving the coverage that one is entitled to.
If you or someone you care for suffered from the effects of asbestos exposure, do not wait to contact the Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler. We will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us at 215-569-4000 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.