Mesothelioma is a rare and incurable form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. For many, the diagnosis comes as quite a shock. Symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 15 to 50 years to manifest, and oftentimes the disease is already in advanced stages by the time it is detected. Some people with mesothelioma live for several years with aggressive treatment. But sadly, most patients die from the illness within 12 to 18 months after diagnosis.
About 2,500 people die from mesothelioma in the U.S. each year. But millions of others come in contact with asbestos every day, both in the workplace and at home. Not all of them will develop mesothelioma. But those who do may be entitled to compensation to assist with medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or a family member is suffering from mesothelioma, reach out to the Georgia lawyers at the Spiva Law Group. For more than 30 years, clients have been turning to our attorneys for help with personal injury matters, including mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease claims. While no amount of money can buy a medical miracle, our Savannah mesothelioma lawyers can help you get the financial security you need to get the best treatment possible and provide for your family’s future.
For a free consultation, call us or fill out our online contact form today.
Mesothelioma forms in the thin tissue surrounding the lungs, stomach and other organs. Inhaling or swallowing asbestos dust can cause particles to get lodged in the tissues, where they may remain for decades. Mesothelioma occasionally occurs in the heart and testicles as well.
Most people who develop mesothelioma worked in industries where asbestos is commonly found, such asconstruction, shipyards, manufacturing, plumbing, automotive, railroads and the military. Family members can also develop the disease as a result of secondhand exposure to asbestos particles on clothing and skin.
Doctors typically classify mesothelioma based on the location of where the disease began.
Pleural: Involves the lungs and is the most common form of mesothelioma. It also responds best to treatment.
Peritoneal: Affects the tissues surrounding the abdomen and can spread to other abdominal organs. The prognosis is generally poor for people with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Pericardial:Occurs when cancerous cells form in the sac around the heart. It is uncommon, found in only approximately 1 percent of all patients.
Testicular:Very rarely, mesothelioma can be found in the testicles. There is no fixed treatment protocol for patients with this form of the disease because there are so few cases.
Mesothelioma can be tricky to diagnose because of its late onset and subtle symptoms. Many people do not seek out treatment until the symptoms have started to interfere with daily life. Often that means that the disease is quite advanced and may have spread to other areas of the body.
If you worked in a field where you know asbestos was abundant, you should tell your doctor immediately when you begin showing signs of the illness, such as:
Many people may not realize that they were exposed to asbestos at work. Because the diagnosis comes later in life, they may not connect it back to previous employment. If you aren’t sure if you worked in an industry where asbestos was present, consider these examples.
Asbestos can be found in:
Roofing materials
Friction products (brake linings in automotive and railroad industries, for example)
Home or industrial insulation
Flooring
Paper
Military ships
Railroads
Mines
Protective firefighting clothing
Power plants
Textile mills
Pipes
Boilers
There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. If you suspect you were exposed or are showing signs of the illness, inform your physician right away. Mesothelioma may be detected in a variety of ways, including X-ray, CT scans, MRIs, biopsies and blood tests.
Could I Get a Mesothelioma Settlement in Savannah, Georgia?
Every situation is unique. The mesothelioma lawyers at the Spiva Law Group would need to evaluate your specific circumstances to determine if you have a possible claim. What we can say for sure is that mesothelioma treatment is costly, often placing a severe and unfair burden on patients and their families.
There are also several sources of compensation available to eligible claimants, including the Veterans Administration, asbestos trust funds and the companies themselves. Railroad workers are also protected under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our attorneys can explain the various types of mesothelioma claims available to you during your consultation and help you figure out the next steps.
Mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed against many businesses and institutions in the Savannah area, including:
Mesothelioma lawsuits fall under Georgia’s personal injury laws Statute of Limitations. To be eligible for compensation, you must file a claim within two years of your diagnosis of mesothelioma. Families who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations for wrongful death in Georgia is two years from the date of death.
Mesothelioma lawsuit settlement amounts can total in the millions of dollars. Victims may be awarded compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, punitive damages and more.
The mesothelioma attorneys at the Spiva Law Group are committed to helping Georgia clients obtain the funds they will need to pay for top medical care and personal well-being. Contact us today for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
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Mesothelioma is a rare and incurable form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. For many, the diagnosis comes as quite a shock. Symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 15 to 50 years to manifest, and oftentimes the disease is already in advanced stages by the time it is detected. Some people with mesothelioma live for several years with aggressive treatment. But sadly, most patients die from the illness within 12 to 18 months after diagnosis. 
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Mesothelioma can be 
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