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Indiana Mesothelioma Lawyer

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Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that effects the thin layers of tissue that surround most of the internal organs in the body, such as the stomach, heart, and lungs. The mesothelium produces an important fluid that allows the organs to move smoothly, just as when the lungs move during breathing. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, approximately 75 percent, directly develops in the mesothelial lining of the lungs. All forms of this disease affect thousands of Americans every year, and typically goes unnoticed for decades before diagnoses.

Some warning signs for mesothelioma are commonly mistaken for everyday illness like a cold, or the flu, bronchitis, and even pneumonia. The symptoms include a dry cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Additionally, one might experience a shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing and swallowing. Loss of appetite, weight loss, and a fever are more common signs linked to mesothelioma. Oftentimes these symptoms are latent for anywhere between 20-50 years. Thus the average age of a mesothelioma patient is 65 years of age. Sadly, the latency period erases many chances for early detection, which leaves many diagnoses in the later stages of cancer. On average, the life expectancy after a mesothelioma diagnoses is around one year.

Treatments and therapies can extend the life of a patient and ease the symptoms of cancer. Many medical advancements are being made, however there is no known cure for any type of mesothelioma. Some possible treatments include surgery to remove tumors, and perhaps even portions of the effected tissue. Chemotherapy and radiation are also commonly used in most cases, depending on the age and health of the patient. In addition, drug therapy and alternative medicines (acupuncture, vitamin supplements, and massage) are implemented as well. All of the treatments can be used in combinations with one another, and are rarely used in isolation.

Mesothelioma has been directly linked to asbestos exposure, and approximately 80 percent of exposure occurs in the workplace. For much of the 20th century, asbestos was used in many industries such as shipyards, automobile plants, metal works, oil refineries, power plants, and chemical plants. While asbestos exposure was prevalent in these locations, many other occupations also exposed their workers to the dangerous mineral asbestos. For example, firefighters can be exposed when working on older contaminated homes, and the armed forces (especially the Navy) because asbestos was used in the shipyards. However, asbestos is located in over 700,000 buildings nationwide today, including many schools.

When the asbestos is disturbed the tiny particles enter the air and are either inhaled or ingested. The fibers settle into the tissue (mesothelium) around the lung and cause cellular damage and scarring, thus leading to cancerous cells that uncontrollably divide. Then the affected membranes thicken, and fluid builds up causing complications, like causing breathing to be difficult and even lung failure for pleural mesothelioma patients. There is an increased rate of mesothelioma in people who smoke and have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

If you or a loved one are victim to occupational asbestos exposure and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should consider contacting an Indiana attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for the mounting medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering. An Indiana lawyer will be able to navigate your case through the legalities, while you concentrate on your health. This can be a very difficult time for a family, but do not lose sight of holding those responsible for your deteriorating health accountable. Mesothelioma can be very aggressive, and you may be in the last stages of cancer. Be sure to plan for the future of your family and take legal action immediately. Everyone deserves to earn a honest living in a healthy work environment, and you are no exception.