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Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue surrounding certain internal organs. Most cases are associated with exposure to asbestos, a mineral historically used in construction, shipbuilding, insulation, and industrial manufacturing. Because mesothelioma can take decades to develop after exposure, people diagnosed today may have encountered asbestos many years ago.
There are four main types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type and affects the lining surrounding the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity, while pericardial mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the heart. Testicular mesothelioma is rare and affects the lining surrounding the testicles.
Common symptoms of mesothelioma may include:
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Persistent coughing or chest pain
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
Symptoms vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and can also occur with other medical conditions. Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms should consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.
For more information about the disease, its causes, and its symptoms, visit the CDC's mesothelioma overview.
Asbestos exposure can occur in a variety of workplaces, including shipyards, construction sites, factories, and industrial facilities. Workers who handled asbestos-containing materials may have been exposed without knowing it. In some circumstances, family members may also have encountered asbestos fibers brought home on work clothing.
A mesothelioma diagnosis can raise important questions about past exposure and potential legal options. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can review an individual's circumstances, investigate possible sources of asbestos exposure, and explain whether a legal claim may be available.
The Law Office of Philip C. Hoffman represents individuals and families in asbestos-related litigation. Based in New Orleans, the firm has experience handling mesothelioma matters. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, a mesothelioma attorney or asbestos lung cancer lawyer can help explain potential legal options. Contact the Law Office of Philip C. Hoffman to request a consultation.
Identifying the source of asbestos exposure can be challenging, particularly when exposure occurred decades before a mesothelioma diagnosis. People may have worked at several job sites, handled different products, or been exposed without knowing that asbestos was present.
An asbestos exposure lawyer can investigate a person's work history and circumstances to identify potential sources of exposure and determine whether a legal claim may be available.
How an Attorney Investigates Asbestos Exposure
Depending on the case, an investigation may involve:
• Reviewing employment history: Identifying past employers, job sites, job duties, and the materials handled during employment.
• Identifying asbestos-containing products: Investigating insulation, construction materials, industrial equipment, or other products that may have contributed to exposure.
• Examining available records: Reviewing employment documents, product information, historical records, and other evidence that may help establish where exposure occurred.
• Gathering witness information: Speaking with former coworkers or other individuals who may have knowledge of the workplace and the materials used.
• Evaluating potential legal claims: Examining the available evidence to determine whether manufacturers, employers, or other parties may be legally responsible under applicable law.
The Law Office of Philip C. Hoffman has published mesothelioma case studies describing investigations into workplace asbestos exposure, including cases involving shipyard workers and employees who did not initially know the source of their exposure.
Read more about the firm's experience in its mesothelioma case studies and success stories.
Can Family Members File a Claim After a Mesothelioma Death?
A mesothelioma diagnosis can have serious consequences for the entire family. When a person dies from mesothelioma, certain surviving family members may have legal options to pursue compensation for losses resulting from the death.
Under Louisiana law, eligible relatives may bring a wrongful-death action when the legal requirements are met. A separate survival action may also be relevant in some circumstances, allowing certain damages associated with the deceased person's own injuries to be pursued. These are distinct legal claims, and eligibility depends on the circumstances and applicable law.
Evaluating a potential claim may involve reviewing the person's medical history, employment records, asbestos exposure history, and evidence identifying potentially responsible parties. The applicable filing deadlines should also be reviewed promptly, as they depend on the claim and governing law.
The Law Office of Philip C. Hoffman has published a mesothelioma wrongful-death case result involving a New Orleans family. The case provides an example of the firm's work involving a mesothelioma-related death, but individual cases differ and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
If your family has lost a loved one to mesothelioma, a qualified attorney can review the circumstances, explain potential legal options, and help determine what steps may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma
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Mesothelioma can take decades to develop after asbestos exposure. Because of this long delay, people diagnosed today may have encountered asbestos many years earlier. Reviewing past employment, workplaces, and potential exposure sources may help establish relevant details.
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Possibly. Some people are unaware of when or where they encountered asbestos, particularly if the exposure happened decades ago. An asbestos exposure lawyer may investigate employment history, job sites, products, and available records to identify potential sources. Whether a claim is viable depends on the evidence and applicable law.
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Depending on the circumstances and type of claim, potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, and other legally recoverable damages. A mesothelioma attorney can review the facts and explain what compensation may be available. No particular outcome or amount is guaranteed.
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Certain surviving family members may have legal options after a loved one's death from mesothelioma. Eligibility, the types of claims available, and filing deadlines depend on the circumstances and applicable law. A mesothelioma attorney can review the situation and explain the potential options.
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A mesothelioma attorney can review a person's diagnosis and exposure history, investigate potential sources of asbestos, evaluate possible claims, and explain the legal process. The attorney can also help identify relevant evidence and assess applicable deadlines.
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You can contact the Law Office of Philip C. Hoffman in New Orleans by calling 504-822-6050 or filling out the form on our website to discuss your circumstances and request a consultation. The firm can review the information you provide and explain what additional details may be needed to evaluate your potential legal options.
Start your free Mesothelioma consultation now to see how much your case may be worth. Over thirty billion dollars have been set aside to help victims of Asbestos-related Lung Cancer or Mesothelioma. Phil is here to help you.