Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyers

Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral once widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries. Symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure, making diagnosis challenging.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it's important to know your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our mesothelioma lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and pursue the justice you deserve.

Mesothelioma primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer, but they often do not appear until the disease has progressed. Here are some common symptoms and signs associated with mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs):

• Persistent dry cough
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Chest pain, often under the rib cage or in the shoulder
• Painful breathing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Lumps or masses in the chest area
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Hoarseness
• Night sweats

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen):

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Lumps or masses in the abdominal area

Pericardial Mesothelioma (Heart):

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down (dyspnea)
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Fever and night sweats
• Cough
• Swelling of the face and arms
• Weakness

It's important to note that these symptoms can often be attributed to other less serious conditions, which can make diagnosis challenging. Additionally, symptoms may not appear until decades after asbestos exposure, which is the primary cause of mesothelioma.

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment options and improved outcomes. Your healthcare provider may recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, as well as biopsies to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it's also important to reach out to a qualified mesothelioma specialist and legal counsel, such as the mesothelioma lawyers at Morgan & Morgan, who can provide guidance and support throughout your journey.

Unlike companies that attract clients and then hand their cases off to third-party law firms, we handle mesothelioma claims ourselves. From start to finish, you will have the same attorneys working on your case. And not just any attorneys: A mesothelioma lawsuit requires an asbestos law specialist who can navigate the complex claims process and take on the powerful asbestos industry. Morgan & Morgan has vast experience doing this.

Our mesothelioma experts will do all the work of seeking compensation from asbestos companies, but since we are a nationwide firm with legal experts in numerous fields, we can also help in other ways, such as putting you in touch with top cancer doctors in your area and filing claims with:

• Veterans Affairs
• Social Security Disability Insurance
• Medicare

As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm with offices in every state, Morgan & Morgan accepts cases nationwide and will come to you no matter where you live. While it may seem more convenient to work with a local law firm, keep in mind that we are uniquely qualified to handle these very complicated mesothelioma cases.

In addition to representing those living with mesothelioma, we represent the families of those who have lost a loved one to the disease.

If you’ve been diagnosed with or lost a family member to mesothelioma, schedule a free case evaluation and learn how we can help.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. Mesothelioma claims seek to provide financial support for the damages and losses incurred due to the illness. Here are some types of compensation you may be eligible to receive:

Medical Expenses:

• Coverage for current and ongoing medical treatments related to mesothelioma, including surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications, and doctor visits.
• Future anticipated medical costs, such as follow-up appointments, additional treatments, and palliative care.

Lost Wages and Income:

• Compensation for lost wages due to the inability to work during treatment and recovery.
• Loss of future earning capacity if the illness prevents you from returning to work or advancing in your career.

Pain and Suffering:

• Damages for the physical and emotional pain caused by mesothelioma, including the impact on your quality of life.
• Mental anguish and emotional distress resulting from the diagnosis and treatment.

Loss of Consortium:

• Compensation for the impact of the illness on the relationship with your spouse or partner, including loss of companionship, intimacy, and support.

Travel and Accommodation Costs:

• Reimbursement for travel expenses related to medical treatments, such as transportation to and from appointments, lodging, and meals.

Funeral and Burial Expenses:

• Coverage for funeral and burial costs, relieving the financial burden on your family.

Punitive Damages:

• In cases of extreme negligence or misconduct by the responsible party, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. 

Around 3,000 to 5,000 known products contain asbestos. The mineral is most dangerous when disturbed and its fibers become airborne, where they can be inhaled or ingested. Those who worked with and around asbestos products were likely exposed during cutting, tearing, sawing, drilling, sanding, or scraping of these products, or from raw asbestos used in manufacturing. And since the substance becomes brittle as it ages, older asbestos products might produce dust and fibers with minor handling. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.

Nowadays, asbestos removal professionals wear heavy-duty respirators and airtight suits when handling it. Prior to the 1980s, when the dangers of asbestos weren’t widely known to the public, most workers had no gear to protect them from the fibers. Many were exposed to it on a daily basis, completely unaware that the seeds of mesothelioma were being sown.

The prevalence of asbestos products leads to the uncomfortable conclusion that most Americans have encountered asbestos at some point, although not in amounts sufficient to cause disease. Pre-1980, however, certain industries, including the following, repeatedly exposed people to high amounts of the mineral:

• Shipbuilding and repair
• Construction
• Asbestos mining and milling
• Power plants
• Textile manufacturing
• Glass manufacturing
• Electronics manufacturing
• Chemical manufacturing
• Metal manufacturing
• Aerospace manufacturing
• Automotive manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Automobile repair
• Paper and pulp manufacturing
• Firefighting
• Food processing
• Agriculture
• Railroads

Individual occupations with a high incidence of asbestos exposure include:

• Insulation workers
• Electricians
• Carpenters
• Drywall workers
• Cement workers
• Painters
• Motor vehicle and aircraft mechanics
• Maintenance mechanics
• Machinists
• Navy yard workers

If any of these areas of labor may have affected you, seek medical examinations to ensure your health. If any complications are discovered, follow through on their treatment and contact Morgan & Morgan to take action.

At Morgan & Morgan, we have a dedicated team of birth injury attorneys who are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of injured children and their families, and as the largest personal injury law firm in the country with offices in every state, we may have a lawyer nearby who can help—no matter where you are.

For over 35 years, we have fought for victims of negligence and personal injury and have recovered over $20 billion for our clients in pursuit of justice. We understand that birth injuries are very difficult, and that’s why we want to make hiring one of our attorneys as easy as possible. In just minutes, you can submit a free case evaluation online with no obligation.