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Mesothelioma is an incurable and aggressive cancer. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, and the symptoms can take more than 20 years to develop.
Mesothelioma is generally classified by the locations of the tumors. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma, which accounts for 50 to 75 percent of the known cases. The pleura is the tissue that protects and surrounds the lungs. The best surgical outcomes are obtained by early-stage procedures. However, most patients do not experience the telltale chest pain, fever, fatigue, weight loss, and shortness of breath until many years have passed. Other treatment options to extend life expectancy include radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials.
The second most common type of this cancer is peritoneal mesothelioma, which attacks the peritoneum, or the lining of the abdominal cavity. Symptoms include weight loss, fluid in the abdomen, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal swelling and pain. One of the more successful treatments combines surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Known to be quite rare, pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, the protective sac around the heart. It only accounts for about one percent of the cases, and it has a six-month average life expectancy after diagnosis. Patients experience chest pain, irregular heartbeats, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Early intervention surgeries can extend life expectancy.
Testicular mesothelioma is even less common than pericardial, with only 100 or so recorded cases. It grows in the lining of the testicles, resulting in pain, fluid buildup, swelling, and a mass on the testicle.
Mesothelioma is also grouped in accordance to how abnormal the cells look, with grades 1 to 4, There are also four different kinds of mesothelioma cells: epithelioid, biphasic, sarcomatoid, and desmoplastic.
The two main types of lawsuits are personal injury and wrongful death suits. On average, compensation from a trial is approximately $2.4 million.
Nowadays, the majority of suits are filed individually, not class action lawsuits. There are also established asbestos or mesothelioma trust funds that provide compensation to qualified plaintiffs. Additional sources of funds can come from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Workers’ Compensation benefits.
It is important to know that there is a statute of limitations for filing a claim, which is why it is critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will protect your rights and determine which type of claim would work best for you. The steps for filing a suit depend on which type of claim will be filed. Your lawyer will walk you through each step and ensure you meet all filing deadlines.
No matter what type id diagnosed, you or your loved ones will be dealing with medical expenses and other difficult challenges. If you need help with a mesothelioma claim, speak with one of our Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler. Call us at 215-569-4000 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.