Raleigh Mesothelioma Attorney
A mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating. However, the only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos – a class of harmful naturally-occurring minerals used in a variety of products throughout the 1900s. Those suffering from the disease are eligible to seek compensation from manufacturers of asbestos containing products. Contact the Raleigh personal injury lawyers at Riddle & Brantley if a doctor has diagnosed you or a loved one with mesothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that affects the inner lining of the lungs, or the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma can also form in the abdomen, heart, and, in rare cases, the testicles, with different names depending on the location of the cancer. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include:
- Persistent, dry cough
- Shortness of breath or respiratory problems
- Pain in the chest or stomach
- Fever and night sweats
- Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)
- Constant fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea or vomiting and weight loss
- Anemia
Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma, but not immediately. Instead, microscopic asbestos particles will lodge in the lungs or elsewhere in the body and remain there, undetected, for years. It can take 10 to 50 years for the particles to eventually create tumors. In most cases, by the time the patient notices symptoms of mesothelioma, the cancer is already in a mid to advanced stage.
Life and Prognoses for Mesothelioma Patients
Although no cure exists for malignant mesothelioma, patients can improve their qualities of life and expand life expectancies with advanced treatment options, medications, diets, and therapies. Each mesothelioma patient will have a different prognosis and potential treatment options. In general, younger patients and females have better survival rates than others with mesothelioma. It is important to act quickly to file a claim once a doctor diagnoses you or a relative with mesothelioma.
Pursuing a Mesothelioma Claim in Raleigh
Every year, thousands of new mesothelioma cases arise. Despite the U.S. banning asbestos in the 1970s, consumers may still suffer exposure to this harmful substance in construction materials, talcum powder products, and other sources. Those who work in the construction, electrician, plumbing, and auto mechanic industries are most at risk of coming into contact with asbestos. Others may have experienced exposure decades ago, before the ban, but are only today receiving diagnoses.
Whatever the case, contact our attorneys to discuss your rights. As a patient with mesothelioma, someone at some point negligently exposed you to asbestos. The at-fault party is likely an employer, property owner, or product manufacturer. Our law firm can trace your case back to where you suffered asbestos exposure, even if it was decades ago. We can help you file a claim against the responsible party or parties. You may also be entitled to file for Workers Compensation benefits if your exposure occurred at work.
In the event that the entity that exposed you to asbestos is gone, deceased, or bankrupt, you can still recover compensation. National organizations have asbestos trust funds in place to provide compensation to those with mesothelioma in these situations. You could be eligible for thousands of dollars to cover your past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, funeral/burial costs, and other expenses.
Call Our Raleigh Office for a Free Mesothelioma Case Evaluation
The Raleigh personal injury lawyers at Riddle & Brantley want to help mesothelioma patients in any way they can. This includes offer free, confidential legal consultations with lead attorneys at no obligation to retain our firm. During your consultation in Raleigh, you can find out whether you have a case, who might be liable for your damages, and what steps you should take toward compensation. We can also inform you of the potential value of your claim with our assistance. Contact us online for your free mesothelioma consultation today.