Mesothelioma Lawsuit

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Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. People who develop this rare from of cancer were most likely exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers while working in various industries to support their families. It is common for the development of mesothelioma to occur 20 or sometimes even 40 years after initial exposure to asbestos.

Types of Malignant Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the pleura or lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs, this type of mesothelioma accounts for 75% of diagnosed cases.

• Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of mesothelial cells that protect the individual organs of a person's abdomen. This protective layer of cells is commonly known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma makes up about 10-20% of cases. The only known cause in the U.S. of peritoneal mesothelioma is previous exposure to asbestos.
  
  
• Pericardial mesothelioma is the most uncommon from of asbestos related cancer. A person with pericardial mesothelioma has cancerous growths in the tissue around their heart. Strong links between asbestos and the development of pericardial mesothelioma have been made.
  
  
• Sub-types (or cell types) of mesothelioma are epithelial (the most common, and considered the most amenable to treatment), sarcomatous (a much more aggressive form), and biphasic or mixed (a combination of both of the other cell types).

Our Experience - Mesothelioma Litigation
Why You Should Choose Schmidt & Clark, LLP

"Our law firm has substantial expertise in the highly specialized field of occupational Asbestos exposure litigation."

There are many law firms in the United States that advertise their legal services for Mesothelioma lawsuits, however most of these law firms do not actually litigate them. You can contact our law firm with confidence in knowing that we have earned the nationwide respect and recognition from our peers for the successful representation of Mesothelioma victims and their families.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to Asbestos and developed a form of Asbestos related cancer like Mesothelioma or other related disease, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.

Who is at risk?

Mesothelioma is found in people who are chronically exposed to asbestos material. Those who are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma are the people who directly handle asbestos material at their job. This group includes:

• vehicle mechanics,
• construction workers,
• shipyard workers,
• electricians and
• other workers in the building trades.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult because symptoms related to the cancer are shared by more common but less devastating diseases.

A diagnosis of mesothelioma starts with a review of the patient's medical history and history of exposure to asbestos. A patient will often undergo a series of tests including an MRI or CAT scan. While these tests may lead to a preliminary diagnosis, a biopsy is necessary to confirm the presence of mesothelioma. The location of the cancer will ultimately determine how the doctor performs the biopsy.

Below are some of the more common techniques used to diagnose mesothelioma:

X-Ray - Chest x-rays are useful in that they can show pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is more common in the right lung than in the left lung. X-rays also show signs of prior non-cancerous asbestos disease in the form of pleural plaques, pleural calcification, or scarring related to asbestosis.

Computed Tomography (CT) - CT scans show pleural effusion, pleural thickening, pleural calcification, thickening of interlobular fissures, or possible chest wall invasion. A CT scan can also aid in needle aspiration of pleural masses for diagnosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - An MRI is used to determine the extent of tumor prior to treatment. MRI's are able to provide images in multiple planes and are able to identify tumors rather than normal structures. An MRI can also display enlargement of the lymph nodes that are located between the lungs in addition to the ability to obtain a clear image of the diaphragmatic surface. Depending on the enlargement of the mediastinal lymph nodes and the status of the diaphragmatic surface, the physician can determine the patient's candidacy for surgery.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - PET is highly useful in the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Although PET scans are not always covered under insurance, they are considered to be the most useful in diagnosing tumor cells. This method of testing is very useful for the physician in determining the stage of cancer.

Once mesothelioma is suspected through imaging tests, it is confirmed by pathological examination. Tissue is removed, put under the microscope, and a pathologist makes a definitive diagnosis, and issues a pathology report. If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done:

Thoracoscopy - For pleural mesothelioma the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test is usually done in a hospital with a local anesthetic or painkiller. If fluid has collected in your chest, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your chest and use gentle suction to remove the fluid. This is called thoracentesis.

Peritoneoscopy - For peritoneal mesothelioma the doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is usually done in the hospital under a local anesthetic.

If fluid has collected in your abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This process is called paracentesis.

Biopsy - If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery.

Do I have a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

The Toxic Tort Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus exclusively on the representation of plaintiffs in mesothelioma lawsuits. We are handling individual and group litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in your area.

Attention Attorneys: We do not publish prior verdict/settlements. If you are an attorney and would like to refer us a case or for us to send you a profile of prior award judgments or average referral fees, please visit the attorney referral section of our website.

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Mesothelioma & Lawsuit News (National)

Several Mesothelioma Lawsuits Filed in Illinois - Transworld News Several new asbestos-related lawsuits filed in Madison County, Illinois continue to emphasize the ongoing problems of malignant mesothelioma in America and in the world at large. Despite its toxicity, asbestos was heavily used in construction until ... Mesothelioma could have been caused by plumber husband's overalls - Western Telegraph Although she had never worked in an environment containing asbestos, 71-years-old Mary Anne Patricia Macken of 6, Connacht Way, Pembroke Dock, died from mesothelioma, an inquest recorded today (Thursday). She may have picked up asbestos dust from ... Business dealings of Biden family could be problematic for him - Los Angeles Times WASHINGTON -- When Joe Biden's brother and son wanted to buy a hedge fund company two years ago, they turned for financing to a law firm that had lobbied the Delaware senator's office on an important piece of business in Congress -- and in fact had ... Mesothelioma Risk in Palm Springs Courthouse Now Under Control - Transworld News Several rooms at the Palm Springs County Courthouse in California are currently sealed off due to asbestos abatement procedures taking place. The rooms are surrounded by plastic barriers, caution tape, and signs in multiple languages in an attempt to ... A rare survival story in a brush with a rare and deadly cancer - Minneapolis Star Tribune Heather Von St. James, of Roseville, found she had mesothelioma when her daughter Lily was a newborn. ?I claim cured,? she says of her faceoff with a killer. Heather Von St. James calls herself "the poster child for hope after meso." She has been ... California is Cracking Down! - Bloggernews.net Read 48 times. As I am located in Los Angeles, I try and keep up with the ins and outs of the bullying and peer abuse problem in this state. Recently, a bill entitled AB86 introduced by Assemblyman Ted Lieu of Torrance would finally crack down on the ... War, fear, and Double Jeapardy - Bloggernews.net Read 35 times. In a trial that was not widely publicized, a Marine was tried and acquitted in a federal court for killing civilians during an incident during the cleansing of Alqaeda and the Sunni militants from Falujah. Why is this court case ... The Leroy Of My Dreams - NPR News Today was picture day. I went through hundreds of old photos. A long and winding road of snapshots that made up some of Leroy's life. Great times with friends. Birthdays he shared with my sister. Images of him hunkered down in the jungles of Central ... People Are Conducted by Too Many Misbeliefs When it Comes to Cancer - eNews 2.0 What's really the cause of cancer? Not only patients, but people all around the world seem to don?t have a clue about what cancer really is and does, as a new study observed. The research was published at the International Union Against Cancer?s ... Biden Didn?t Disclose Son?s Asbestos Work But Don?t Blame Him ... - Wall Street Journal We?ve mentioned Joe Biden?s tie to Mississippi?s legal community, in particular its famed plaintiffs lawyer Dickie Scruggs. But just how deep is Biden?s connection to the trial bar? USA Today takes a look, and reports that, according to the ...