Helping Mesothelioma Clients for Over 30 Years

We understand the emotional impact on the whole family when you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma. As you face this diagnosis, you must decide on treatment options and cope with the financial consequences of medical bills and loss of income. We realize that this is an incredibly difficult and trying time as you come to terms with your diagnosis and prognosis.

Although it is probably hard to think about right now, you should be aware that you may have a claim against the companies who caused you or your loved one to be exposed to the asbestos that resulted in this devastating disease. For over 30 years, we have successfully represented hundreds of families with mesothelioma claims and welcome the opportunity to work with you. Our firm is recognized as one of the premier plaintiffs’ law firms in the country. We negotiate substantial settlements for our clients and have obtained multimillion dollar verdicts at trial. Please contact us so we can help you.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the mesothelium, the protective lining of the chest and abdomen. Although most people have never heard of the mesothelium, it  performs an essential function in the body by lubricating the lungs and organs so they can move freely. When a person has mesothelioma, their mesothelial cells become malignant and form painful tumors. There are several types of mesothelioma. Usually, the cancer develops in the pleural lining of the lungs, and is called pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (or peritoneum), which is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Very rarely, pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by past exposure to asbestos. Even very brief or low levels of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma has a very long latency period, so that symptoms generally do not appear for 20, 30, or even 40 years or more after the first exposure to asbestos.

How is Mesothelioma Treated?

There are a variety of treatments for malignant mesothelioma. No two patients are alike, so your treatment options will vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, and your age and general health. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or some combination of all three. There are also numerous clinical trials currently underway to research new anti-cancer drugs and other innovative treatments. These trials provide the best hope for an eventual cure, so we would encourage you to talk to your doctor and see if you qualify to participate. Some people may also wish to explore alternative remedies to alleviate some of the symptoms of mesothelioma. Although mesothelioma is still very difficult to treat, patient’s options are expanding as doctors continue to research new ways to tackle the disease. It is important to educate yourself about the various types of treatment, and make sure that you fully understand the treatment plan that your doctor suggests.

Who is at Risk of Mesothelioma?

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos has a risk of developing malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure, and there is no safe level of exposure. Generally, occupationally exposed workers with the longest and heaviest exposures have the greatest risk of disease. This high-risk group includes U.S. Navy veterans, shipyard workers, Navy seamen, insulators, boilermakers, and other industrial workers. Mesothelioma is five times more common in men than in women because men are much more likely to have worked in the industrial trades and jobsites where asbestos was used. However, many women also have an increased risk of mesothelioma due to household exposure to asbestos dust carried home on their husbands’ clothes. Although mesothelioma is still rare, it has become increasingly common due to the widespread industrial use of asbestos from the 1940s through the 1980s. Currently, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

Asbestos on Navy & Commercial Ships

Asbestos was widely used throughout most of the 20th century on thousands of U.S. Navy and commercial ships. During World War II, literally tons of asbestos insulating products were incorporated into hundreds of Navy vessels, including destroyers, frigates, battleships, cruisers, aircraft carriers, tankers, tenders, LSTs, and submarines, as well as thousands of auxiliary vessels and Liberty Ships. These ships were constructed in naval shipyards and private shipyards throughout the United States and have remained in service for over four decades. Thousands of shipyard workers and Navy seamen were exposed to the asbestos dust generated in the construction, operation, and repair of these ships putting them at risk of asbestos diseases. The Navy’s extensive use of asbestos products continued up through the mid 1970s causing almost all U.S. Navy Veterans to have been exposed to asbestos during their shipboard service and putting them at risk of contracting mesothelioma.

Veterans Administration Claims

United States Navy veterans are at a very high risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma, because they served on ships covered with asbestos. Some research indicates that more than 25% of all mesotheliomas diagnosed each year are a result of exposure aboard U.S. Navy ships. Veterans who have an asbestos-related condition should be aware of their right to file a Veterans Administration Claim related to their service related injury. Because we have represented hundreds of veterans who served on Navy ships, we have the unique knowledge and expertise to assist you in understanding your claim and the steps you need to follow to file it. Contact us and we will assist you at no charge.