Health is a basic need of human beings to live a fruitful life. Good health is a combined result of personal efforts and an effective healthcare system. The healthcare system is not limited to good medical facilities and opportunities available; set health standards should also be maintained in every relevant facility.
Asbestos has been in use for a long time. Asbestos fibers have been detected in archaeological debris dating back to the stone age. The primary use of asbestos was in its fire resistance and thermal properties. Throughout centuries, its use varied from pots to clothing items, such as in firefighting uniforms.
Even with the negative effects known, asbestos saw extensive use in thermal insulation, plastics, paper, and coatings from 1940 to the 1970s. More efficient materials have replaced asbestos in almost every industry, but it is still present in older structures and some newer structures. While its daily-life application has slowly diminished where alternatives are available, some industries continue to use it, albeit regulated.
People affected by asbestos exposure are provided a legal way to get justice if they see any signs of mesothelioma cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
This article explains what medical and legal steps you can take if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Medical Treatment
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to seek medical help immediately. The sooner you start the treatment, the higher chances of alleviating the symptoms. In this regard, the following steps can be helpful:
Confirm Diagnosis
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, the first thing that you should do is to confirm the diagnosis. According to American Cancer Society, 8 out of 10 mesothelioma cases are due to asbestos exposure. This confirmation will help you get a second opinion.
Along with a second opinion, you may also be able to pinpoint when the exposure occurred and seek legal action accordingly while starting an effective treatment plan.
Follow the Treatment
Mesothelioma is detected after a long incubation period and affects the lining of the chest, lungs, and abdominal cavities. It can be painful for the patient if left untreated. You must follow the recommended treatment course.
Generally, radiation therapies, gene therapy, or combined treatment is recommended based on the medical history, condition, and exposure.
Support Groups
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be life-changing and affects both the physical and mental health of the patients. Anyone with a cancer diagnosis can lose hope if they are not consoled or helped during this time. Support groups are common and instrumental in such cases. When people meet others with similar experiences and conditions, they support each other in the healing process.
Legal Options
Health is the priority, and you should start the treatment immediately. Sometimes, the expensive treatment is not covered under health insurance for asbestos-related cases. To receive the financial help for effective treatment and compensation for your loss, you should follow the legal options as well, some of which are explained below:
Mesothelioma Claim
To file a mesothelioma claim, you need to hire a professional lawyer who can take care of legal complications, so you can focus on your treatment procedures.
Lawyer consultation and legal process
The first thing you need to do is consult a professional lawyer and explain your case to them. They will show you the legal options available and how you want to pursue your claim.
A knowledgeable lawyer will also conduct their interviews and investigations into your workplace to determine the cause of exposure and build up the case on the findings. After investigation, the lawyer will start the legal process and file your lawsuit in the relevant courts.
One thing to note is that many mesothelioma claims end up in a settlement outside of the trials. The defendants compensate the plaintiffs before the trial due to the legal complexities and lengthy procedures. Since many organizations already have asbestos trust funds set up, it is possible to get compensated for legal claims without much effort.
Lawsuits and Timelines
To get the best legal help, you need to know the timeline to file a legal claim against a company. Every state has a different statute of limitations after the official diagnosis. Even if your case is past the timeline requirement, you should still seek legal help. The courts may extend the deadlines based on the case facts and circumstances, and you will get compensation from the relevant sources.
Mesothelioma claim payments
If you file a mesothelioma claim lawsuit, you have a chance of getting compensation from multiple sources. These sources are:
Companies: Asbestos dealing companies, including manufacturers, distributors, and user companies, can be held liable for claim payment in some cases.
Insurance Companies: Companies often have liability insurance covering asbestos exposure and mesothelioma lawsuits covered under their policies. Insurance companies also deal with compensation losses due to asbestos exposure.
Veteran Affairs: If the asbestos exposure was during military service, then the department of veteran affairs compensates for the mesothelioma lawsuits.
Summary
Asbestos exposure is dangerous and can lead to cancerous mesothelioma. There are various medical and legal steps available to the victims of asbestos exposure. Professional asbestos lawyers who are experienced in mesothelioma claims can help you build up and fight your case while focusing on medical efforts.
The victim’s family can also file a mesothelioma claim under wrongful death claims to get justice for their loved ones. A legal expert may prove invaluable if you have to file such claims.
