Mesothelioma Attorneys in Bay Area, California

Bay Area Mesothelioma Laws

Mesothelioma is an uncommon type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the tissue lining that surrounds and protects many of the body's organs. The primary risk factor associated with the development of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Because mesothelioma is incurable and fatal, it's important for those who regularly came into contact with asbestos fibers to understand the symptoms of mesothelioma, as well as the treatments for it. If you are considering mesothelioma litigation in California, you should contact the Asbestos Legal Center today to discuss your case and receive a complimentary information packet.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Although intact asbestos is harmless, once disturbed and airborne, asbestos fibers are easy to inhale and are extremely toxic. Years of inhaling these asbestos fibers can seriously affect a person's health, causing some to develop various types of cancer, including mesothelioma.

In most patients, noticeable symptoms of mesothelioma take between 15 and 50 years to arise. When present, symptoms typically include:

  • Arrhythmias
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of weight
  • Chest pain
  • General breathing problems
  • Persistent coughing
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarse throat
  • Sleeping problems

Those who experience any combination of the above symptoms and who have a history of asbestos exposure should seek immediate medical attention for a proper diagnosis. Doctors will likely perform a biopsy, an x-ray and/or a CT scan to determine whether or not mesothelioma cancer is present.

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Cancer: Who is at Risk?

 Many people come into contact with harmful asbestos fibers at some point in their lives. The Bay Area mesothelioma lawyers of the Asbestos Legal Center have seen that those who are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma are people who regularly work with asbestos, such as:

  • Construction workers
  • Longshoremen
  • Painters
  • Boilermakers
  • Machinists
  • Pipe fitters
  • Demolition workers
  • Mechanics
  • Railroad workers
  • Electricians
  • Miners
  • Shipbuilders
  • Welders

The Asbestos Legal Center has represented all these trades and helped workers to obtain the mesothelioma settlements they deserve.

Mesothelioma Types & Treatments

There are three main types of mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma a patient is diagnosed with depends on the specific area of the mesothelium that is affected. The California mesothelioma attorneys of the Asbestos Legal Center have witnessed firsthand that no matter the type, the disease can develop many years after a patient has been exposed.

Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the lining of the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma with less than 10% of  mesothelioma cases being pericardial. Pericardial mesothelioma can lie latent for over two decades after the initial asbestos exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity. Each year 300 to 500 of  mesothelioma diagnoses represent cases of peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma also can take over 20 years to fully develop and for symptoms to be evident.

Pleural mesothelioma, develops on the outer lining of the lungs and tends to be found in men between the ages of 50 and 70 years old because of widespread industrial use last century.

Because mesothelioma can develop for years without being noticed, it usually is not diagnosed until it has progressed to advanced, less treatable stages. Depending on how critical the condition is, mesothelioma treatment can involve:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Palliative care (This refers to any medication, therapy and/or piece of equipment that makes patients more comfortable without directly treating the condition itself.)
  • Radiation
  • Surgery

For the best prognoses, patients will need to follow through with all prescribed treatments. In general, most mesothelioma patients only live for about 18 months after being diagnosed.

Speak to a California Mesothelioma Attorney Today

Victims of malignant mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at The Asbestos Legal Center help mesothelioma victims and their families obtain the compensation they deserve. Contact our firm today to learn more about your legal rights and to receive a complimentary information packet and to speak to an attorney about your California asbestos lawsuit.

Contact the Asbestos Legal Center Today. We Can Help.

To learn more about how we can help you with your case, please contact us today! Complimentary Legal Evaluation.

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