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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Legal Help in Pennsylvania

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma—a rare form of cancer known to be caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos particles call the Pennsylvania Asbestos Attorneys at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler.  The legal team at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown and Sandler puts a special emphasis on mesothelioma and asbestos related cases.  We currently represent about ten thousand clients throughout the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Mesothelioma—occurring in roughly 1 per 1 million people—is a form of cancer that afflicts people including:

  • those that are genetically pre-disposed to developing the condition;
  • those that generally work with or are otherwise exposed to asbestos or asbestos containing products.

Symptoms of the disease typically do not manifest for 20 to 50 years after the exposure to asbestos—which is part of why it is so important to seek legal counsel about benefits that you may be entitled to receive.

The most common incidents of mesothelioma are due to work-related exposure for people whose jobs are in the industries that use materials containing asbestos:

  • Manufacturing asbestos products
  • Asbestos mining
  • Shipyards or heating and construction industries

However, other research shows that the disease can be contracted through limited contact with asbestos or airborne particles near work sites.  There are also a handful of instances where no connection to asbestos can be made to the diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, a protective lining that coats most of the body’s internal organs, manifesting as malignant cells that spread.  The most common site for mesothelioma to develop is in the pleura (the outer lining of the chest wall and lungs) but may also develop in the heart, the pericardium (the sack surrounding the heart), the tunica vaginalis (covering of the testis), or the peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining.).  Treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation; however, the prognosis for the disease at any stage is not good.

The mining of asbestos began in the 1800s, and it has been used for many purposes.  The link between asbestos exposure and the form of cancer known as mesothelioma was established roughly a century ago, some experts dating it as far back as 1898, though use of asbestos was not widespread in industry until after World War II. The first lawsuit pertaining to mesothelioma contracted in the workplace was filed in 1929, and was settled out of court.  Today’s laws around asbestos exposure are fairly well defined, though many people are manifesting symptoms of the disease from exposure that occurred decades ago.

Since the 1940s, the United States and other governments have set standards as to the levels of asbestos workers may be exposed to, protective equipment required, or how much asbestos may be contained in manufactured products.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions & Answers) About Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure

Q. Do I have the right to sue my former employer for causing my Mesothelioma?
If your employer allowed you to work without fully disclosing the possible ramifications of asbestos exposure to you and your family, then you can file a claim for negligence. In most cases, compensation can be awarded for medical bills as well as for pain and suffering. A diagnosis of mesothelioma means less time with your family (no matter what your prognosis, or which treatment options you choose), and the right council will also seek damages for the time you will lose.

Q. I can’t afford a lawyer, how can I pay for a law firm to investigate and possibly pursue my claim?
In these types of cases, law firms typically work based on a contingency fee. This means they get a percentage of the settlement you receive and there is no out of pocket expense for the client. If after the initial consultation the law firm feels you do not have a case, they will decline representation and you will not pay anything.

Q. Why should I hire a firm that specializes in Mesothelioma cases?
A firm that specializes in the handling of mesothelioma cases has the knowledge and experience you will need at your side while going through the legal process. In many cases they have already dealt with the company that caused the exposure, which can make the process go more smoothly.

Q. What if I don‘t know how and where my exposure occurred?
In this case, an investigator hired and paid by the lawyer will do the legwork to determine when the exposure happened and who the responsible company or companies are.

Q. I’m not sure I want to file a lawsuit. How long do I have to decide?
All states have some form of a statute of limitations on cases such as these, to prevent old issues from coming to surface many years later. Because mesothelioma does not usually appear until 20 – 50 years after the exposure to asbestos the statute of limitations does not begin until you have been diagnosed, but you do have a limited time to file a suit once a diagnosis has been made.

Q. What do I do if I decide to sue?
Seek legal council right away. Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler proudly serves clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and will be happy to speak with you regarding your case. Start by calling 215-569-4000.

Q. What should I expect during my Mesothelioma lawsuit?
Every case is unique, and every case is handled individually. However litigation of any kind follows a similar pattern of steps:

  1. Identify the type of lawsuit
  2. Perform preliminary investigation
  3. Filing the complaint
  4. Discovery
  5. Trial Preparation and Settlement Offers

Q. Why should I file a suit?
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma means facing a long and grueling medical battle for most people, and the prognosis is usually poor because the symptoms of the disease do not manifest until its later stages. There is no cure for mesothelioma, and at best treatment can extend life but not save it. Filing a suit for compensation can provide the financial resources you need to seek the best medical care and provide for your family while dealing with your illness and after you are gone.

Q. Who is able to sue for damages when diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
Anyone who has mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure can file a mesothelioma lawsuit. If the patient passes away before receiving a settlement it can be collected for the family, or if the patient passes away before filing a suit, a family member can file a wrongful death suit. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, but never worked with or around asbestos, your exposure may have come from a family member who did and you should still consult an attorney.

Q. Will my case go to court, or be settled outside of court?
A majority of mesothelioma cases do get settled out of court. It saves time and money on both sides because the precedents set indicate that the court will favor the defendant if enough evidence can be produced, so the companies are generally willing to settle.

Q. How long it will take for the process to be completed?
There is no set time for how long such proceedings might take. How soon the case goes to court could depend on how much research is needed to build a strong and effective case. How long it takes to reach a settlement could depend on how eager the company is not to go to trial. There are many factors involved, and there are never any guarantees except that Pennsylvania Mesothelioma attorneys at  Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler will only accept cases we feel have a good foundation, and we will fight for our clients 110%.

Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Attorneys Are Committed To Those Suffering From Asbestos Exposure

Despite the standards set by the United States Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), many employees are still exposed to unacceptable levels of asbestos or are not well educated enough to ensure they follow all safety standards.  From 1940–1979 more that 27.5 million Americans were exposed to asbestos through their workplaces.  And, the death rate from mesothelioma rose from 2,000 per year in 1980 to 3,000 per year in 1990, with still more patients being diagnosed every day.

The Pennsylvania mesothelioma law firm of Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown and Sandler (BRBS) was founded in 1984, with a commitment to the cause of helping those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma get the settlement they and their families need for medical costs, and deserve for their suffering.

In addition to their mesothelioma oriented practice, Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler is a full-service law firm capable of handling any legal needs.  Many clients see this as a comfort as they find it is easier fulfill their legal needs with one firm while dealing with long-term healthcare issues. Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler has instilled confidence in thousands of clients to date, and is ready to evaluate your case and discuss your options. Call us today to discuss your case at 215-569-4000 or contact us online.

Call Us: 1.800.369.0899