Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Lawsuits
by: David Arnold Livingston
What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that grows on the mesothelium, the membrane or protective sac that surrounds the various organs of the body. It guards the organs by producing a special type of fluid to promote mobility of the organs. In the case of the lungs, mesothelium fluid allows ease in the movement when taking in air. Mesothelioma tumor can start on any area of the mesothelium which can be benign or cancerous. Known to be the cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a heat resistant fibrous mineral used in the industry as the main material in making roofing, gasket compounds, floor tiles and patching compounds. Its versatility makes it a component of various products in the market but it is extremely dangerous once inhaled no matter how small the quantity may be. Inhaled asbestos fiber can pass through the air passages which can come in contact with linings of the lungs which can injure the cells and result to pleural Mesothelioma. Swallowed asbestos on the other hand can affect the fibers lined up on the abdominal cavity resulting to peritoneal Mesothelioma. There are also evidences that link Mesothelioma with Thorotrast, a component used for X-rays but its usage has been stopped for a long time.
The symptoms and signs of Mesothelioma can be very common that is why the patient may just take it for granted. The symptoms may happen from two to three months before Mesothelioma is detected. Pleural Mesothelioma is the commonly occurring type which takes part in almost two thirds of the total detected Mesothelioma cases. The linings of the lungs and chest called pleura are the affected regions of Pleural Mesothelioma. Common signs are weight loss but not related with shift in diet, extreme tiredness, difficulty in swallowing, raspy or hoarse voice, constant shortness of breath, cough that have lasted for a long time, pain the chest or back, extreme sweating and recurring fever. For Peritoneal Mesothelioma, commonly affected organs of the body are bowel, liver and spleen with signs that are similar to bowel related diseases. Early symptoms include pain on the belly area, recurring constipation or diarrhea, increase in the waist area, nausea, vomiting, fever and even anemia. Anyone who encounters these symptoms that have been exposed to asbestos can better consult their doctor for diagnosis to prevent further Mesothelioma complicated problems.
Prevention of Mesothelioma can be best done by avoiding contact with asbestos which is proven to be its main causing agent. Asbestos is found almost everywhere may it be at home, at work or in any public buildings. Workers involved with it must take extra care and precautions to avoid contact through inhalation or swallowing. Low rates of Mesothelioma cases are detected for the past 20 years but nowadays, the number of affected individuals has been growing to a large degree. In United States almost 2,000 new cases are detected each year. It occurs mostly with men since they are commonly the ones involved in business and cases that involve the use of asbestos. Factory workers, miners, railroad laborers, gas mask makers, insulation workers and ship builders are the commonly asbestos related victims.
The patients or the individuals affected with Mesothelioma can file lawsuits against asbestos makers, manufacturers and employers since they have the duty to protect their workers from the negative effects of asbestos including Mesothelioma. Several law firms and lawyers are now available to help the sufferers fight for their right and to attain the justice that they deserve.
About The Author
David Arnold Livingston is passionate about health issues. Health, fitness and diet are critical to having a great life. For more information about mesothelioma, visit: http://www.newmesothelioma.com/.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Mesothelioma Treatments: What Are My Options?
by: Robert Linebaugh
Clinical research to treat malignant mesothelioma is very active and although no treatment has yet proved entirely successful, there exist a range of treatments available to individuals diagnosed with the disease. There are three types of standard treatments used to treat malignant mesothelioma which include: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Surgery
Surgery for malignant mesothelioma is divided into a number of sub-classes, which are specially designed to limit the disease for individuals with particular strains of the disease.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a severe form of surgery in which the entire lung and a portion of the lining of the chest, the diaphragm, and some or the entire sac which surrounds the heart is removed.
Wide local excision is a form of surgery which targets and removes the cancer and a limited amount of the healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous region.
Pleurectomy and decortication removes part of the covering of the lungs, as well as the lining of the chest and portions of the outside covering of the lungs.
The surgical procedure pleurodesis is a distinct technique insofar as it employs a blend of chemicals and/or drugs to create an intentional scar between the layers of the pleura. Post surgery, the space created by the scar must be drained, using either a catheter or chest tube, and is then filled with a chemical which inhibits the accumulation of fluid in the pleura cavity.
Radiation
The second primary medical technique used to fight the development of malignant mesothelioma is radiation. Radiation therapy, as applied to malignant mesothelioma uses the same basic technology as other forms of medical radiation insofar as the technique employs high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. The process is divided into two broad categories:
External radiation therapy is a technique in which a machine sends radiation in a targeted stream at a certain portion of the body, and in so doing it kills the cancerous cells in its purview.
Internal radiation therapy, by contrast, uses not an external machine, but rather needles, seeds and catheters to place radioactive substance directly on or near the cancer. While the precise method of implementation will of course depend upon the type and stage of the illness, what is constant within this category is that the goal is to get the radiation placed directly onto the cancerous area and in so doing provide a more concentrated and directed dosage.
Chemotherapy
The third standard malignant mesothelioma treatment is Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs which target cancer cells and stop them from dividing and thus prevent their growth.
In systemic chemotherapy, the drug can be taken by mouth or injected, but either way the goal is to have it reach cancer cells by means of the body’s own blood circulation system. In regional chemotherapy, the drug is placed directly onto the target area. And finally, combination chemotherapy involves the use of two or more anticancer drugs which can be administered either orally or through injection.
Malignant mesothelioma is a difficult disease for anyone to bear, however, educating oneself as to the options available is an important step for making the process more manageable.
About The Author
Robert Linebaugh writes about health issues, and focuses on mesothelioma. Learn more at http://www.justmeso.com.
by: Robert Linebaugh
Clinical research to treat malignant mesothelioma is very active and although no treatment has yet proved entirely successful, there exist a range of treatments available to individuals diagnosed with the disease. There are three types of standard treatments used to treat malignant mesothelioma which include: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Surgery
Surgery for malignant mesothelioma is divided into a number of sub-classes, which are specially designed to limit the disease for individuals with particular strains of the disease.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a severe form of surgery in which the entire lung and a portion of the lining of the chest, the diaphragm, and some or the entire sac which surrounds the heart is removed.
Wide local excision is a form of surgery which targets and removes the cancer and a limited amount of the healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous region.
Pleurectomy and decortication removes part of the covering of the lungs, as well as the lining of the chest and portions of the outside covering of the lungs.
The surgical procedure pleurodesis is a distinct technique insofar as it employs a blend of chemicals and/or drugs to create an intentional scar between the layers of the pleura. Post surgery, the space created by the scar must be drained, using either a catheter or chest tube, and is then filled with a chemical which inhibits the accumulation of fluid in the pleura cavity.
Radiation
The second primary medical technique used to fight the development of malignant mesothelioma is radiation. Radiation therapy, as applied to malignant mesothelioma uses the same basic technology as other forms of medical radiation insofar as the technique employs high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. The process is divided into two broad categories:
External radiation therapy is a technique in which a machine sends radiation in a targeted stream at a certain portion of the body, and in so doing it kills the cancerous cells in its purview.
Internal radiation therapy, by contrast, uses not an external machine, but rather needles, seeds and catheters to place radioactive substance directly on or near the cancer. While the precise method of implementation will of course depend upon the type and stage of the illness, what is constant within this category is that the goal is to get the radiation placed directly onto the cancerous area and in so doing provide a more concentrated and directed dosage.
Chemotherapy
The third standard malignant mesothelioma treatment is Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs which target cancer cells and stop them from dividing and thus prevent their growth.
In systemic chemotherapy, the drug can be taken by mouth or injected, but either way the goal is to have it reach cancer cells by means of the body’s own blood circulation system. In regional chemotherapy, the drug is placed directly onto the target area. And finally, combination chemotherapy involves the use of two or more anticancer drugs which can be administered either orally or through injection.
Malignant mesothelioma is a difficult disease for anyone to bear, however, educating oneself as to the options available is an important step for making the process more manageable.
About The Author
Robert Linebaugh writes about health issues, and focuses on mesothelioma. Learn more at http://www.justmeso.com.
Mesothelioma
by: John Moore
What Exactly Is Mesothelioma ?
Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the lung or the abdomen lining, and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. Asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s - 1970s, but during the late 1960s, concerns over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured over the following two decades. But even though new measures where brought in to get rid of it, many schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.
Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended in the air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic. The people most at risk are :-
People working in factories that manufacture asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought home by the worker on his clothes or skin.
Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos manufacturing plant are also at risk.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until between twenty and fifty years after exposure, which explains why so many new cases of this form of cancer are coming to light now. Many people who haven't been in contact with asbestos for decades, are now showing symptoms of this dreadful desease.
As with many forms of cancer, mesothelioma can spread rapidly. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, loss of weight, and chest pains. If it is diagnosed early enough, the tumor can be surgically removed, and with chemotherapy and radiation treatment, a full recovery is often possible.
However, in more advanced cases, cure is usually not possible. In such cases, chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be used alongside other pain relief treatments, to ease the symptoms. Where cure is not possible, the average survival time is between four and eighteen months, depending on the stage of the tumor and the general health of the patient.
I was prompted to write about mesothelioma because as a child I lived near a factory which produced asbestos, and I personally know families who have suffered due to this terrible desease.
About The Author
John Moore ..I grew up near an asbestos factory, hence my decision to write this article. You may use this article as long as you use my link http://www.online-mesothelioma-guide.com.
by: John Moore
What Exactly Is Mesothelioma ?
Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the lung or the abdomen lining, and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. Asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s - 1970s, but during the late 1960s, concerns over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured over the following two decades. But even though new measures where brought in to get rid of it, many schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.
Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended in the air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic. The people most at risk are :-
People working in factories that manufacture asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought home by the worker on his clothes or skin.
Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos manufacturing plant are also at risk.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until between twenty and fifty years after exposure, which explains why so many new cases of this form of cancer are coming to light now. Many people who haven't been in contact with asbestos for decades, are now showing symptoms of this dreadful desease.
As with many forms of cancer, mesothelioma can spread rapidly. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, loss of weight, and chest pains. If it is diagnosed early enough, the tumor can be surgically removed, and with chemotherapy and radiation treatment, a full recovery is often possible.
However, in more advanced cases, cure is usually not possible. In such cases, chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be used alongside other pain relief treatments, to ease the symptoms. Where cure is not possible, the average survival time is between four and eighteen months, depending on the stage of the tumor and the general health of the patient.
I was prompted to write about mesothelioma because as a child I lived near a factory which produced asbestos, and I personally know families who have suffered due to this terrible desease.
About The Author
John Moore ..I grew up near an asbestos factory, hence my decision to write this article. You may use this article as long as you use my link http://www.online-mesothelioma-guide.com.
What Are The Steps In Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit and Finding The Right Mesothelioma Attorney?
by: Matt West
In order to get compensation for mesothelioma, filing a lawsuit is quite imperative. However the process is quite long drawn and tedious. The most important step pertaining to the same is selecting the correct mesothelioma attorney or law firm. It is important to find a good, decent and experienced mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after one has been diagnosed with the disease. In most places there is a set time limit within which one can file a lawsuit, and it is very important that the victim party does not miss that deadline. Otherwise it may land you up as an ineligible claimant. So, the earlier you get to a mesothelioma lawyer, the better are your chances of success.
Apart from that the firm should be trustworthy one and the victim party should build up an excellent relationship cum rapport with the same. If one is considering about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, then the victim party should meet up with several law firms before making the final decision. There are a large number of law firms who are specialized in filing mesothelioma lawsuits.
In order to choose the correct law firm for filing your lawsuit, the following steps can be followed:
• Start the Search: You can look for a qualified mesothelioma attorney in various bar associations, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory that is found in most public libraries, Yellow Pages, and of course the Internet. Law firms normally have their own sites.
• Narrow down the Field: After compiling a list of some mesothelioma law firms in your area, try to make establish contact with them either by mail, email or telephone for further information. It is important to provide the law firms with details of your legal issue and find out if they can handle your situation. Also enquire about their fees for an initial consultation and an estimate of the total costs involved in handling a mesothelioma lawsuit. It is recommended that the victim party make schedule appointments with two or three different law firms before coming to the final decision.
• Meet the Prospective Attorneys: During the initial consultation, it is important that you and your lawyer get to know each other. There has to be a free flow of exchange words between both of you. After carefully reviewing your case, the lawyer must be in a position to inform you of your rights and suggest alternative courses of action, if any. Moreover, it is during this initial consultation period that a mesothelioma attorney can explain what he or she can do for you and how much will be the cost factor. Also it is important for you to know about the attorney’s experience in handling previous mesothelioma lawsuits. If you are totally satisfied with the details, you may request a written fee agreement before proceeding and a list of references that you may contact.
Making your Decision: After each initial consultation, it is important to consider the following questions about the mesothelioma attorney you just met:
• Did I got a firm understanding of my alternative courses of action from the attorney?
• Was the attorney knowledgeable about asbestos law?
• Was I given enough time and did the person listened to me carefully?
• Did the attorney seem trustworthy?
• Am I understanding the range of possible results, which might spill out during each course of action?
Fees: It is important to consider this aspect with due diligence. To lower costs, you can ask your asbestos lawyer to employ a junior lawyer to perform a certain part of the entire process. You can also do some tasks by yourself to save time and money (Provided your attorney allows you to do the same). An asbestos lawyer may charge a flat fee for a specific task or offer other methods of payment.
Also you can go for contingent fee arrangement process. A contingent fee arrangement is that your lawyer gets a percentage of the compensation money you receive as resolution of your asbestos lawsuit. If you do not receive compensation for the lawsuit then your lawyer collects no fees. A contingency fee is a good option for those people who cannot do away with hourly legal fees.
Also you may incur charges on other fronts like; court fees, copying, hiring expert witnesses etc.
Mesothelioma lawsuit records:
Keep copies of all the documents that you hand over to your lawyer relating to your lawsuit.
About The Author
Matt West
Did you know that mesothelioma symptoms are hard to detect? Find out why by visiting www.mesothelioma-a.com
by: Matt West
In order to get compensation for mesothelioma, filing a lawsuit is quite imperative. However the process is quite long drawn and tedious. The most important step pertaining to the same is selecting the correct mesothelioma attorney or law firm. It is important to find a good, decent and experienced mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after one has been diagnosed with the disease. In most places there is a set time limit within which one can file a lawsuit, and it is very important that the victim party does not miss that deadline. Otherwise it may land you up as an ineligible claimant. So, the earlier you get to a mesothelioma lawyer, the better are your chances of success.
Apart from that the firm should be trustworthy one and the victim party should build up an excellent relationship cum rapport with the same. If one is considering about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, then the victim party should meet up with several law firms before making the final decision. There are a large number of law firms who are specialized in filing mesothelioma lawsuits.
In order to choose the correct law firm for filing your lawsuit, the following steps can be followed:
• Start the Search: You can look for a qualified mesothelioma attorney in various bar associations, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory that is found in most public libraries, Yellow Pages, and of course the Internet. Law firms normally have their own sites.
• Narrow down the Field: After compiling a list of some mesothelioma law firms in your area, try to make establish contact with them either by mail, email or telephone for further information. It is important to provide the law firms with details of your legal issue and find out if they can handle your situation. Also enquire about their fees for an initial consultation and an estimate of the total costs involved in handling a mesothelioma lawsuit. It is recommended that the victim party make schedule appointments with two or three different law firms before coming to the final decision.
• Meet the Prospective Attorneys: During the initial consultation, it is important that you and your lawyer get to know each other. There has to be a free flow of exchange words between both of you. After carefully reviewing your case, the lawyer must be in a position to inform you of your rights and suggest alternative courses of action, if any. Moreover, it is during this initial consultation period that a mesothelioma attorney can explain what he or she can do for you and how much will be the cost factor. Also it is important for you to know about the attorney’s experience in handling previous mesothelioma lawsuits. If you are totally satisfied with the details, you may request a written fee agreement before proceeding and a list of references that you may contact.
Making your Decision: After each initial consultation, it is important to consider the following questions about the mesothelioma attorney you just met:
• Did I got a firm understanding of my alternative courses of action from the attorney?
• Was the attorney knowledgeable about asbestos law?
• Was I given enough time and did the person listened to me carefully?
• Did the attorney seem trustworthy?
• Am I understanding the range of possible results, which might spill out during each course of action?
Fees: It is important to consider this aspect with due diligence. To lower costs, you can ask your asbestos lawyer to employ a junior lawyer to perform a certain part of the entire process. You can also do some tasks by yourself to save time and money (Provided your attorney allows you to do the same). An asbestos lawyer may charge a flat fee for a specific task or offer other methods of payment.
Also you can go for contingent fee arrangement process. A contingent fee arrangement is that your lawyer gets a percentage of the compensation money you receive as resolution of your asbestos lawsuit. If you do not receive compensation for the lawsuit then your lawyer collects no fees. A contingency fee is a good option for those people who cannot do away with hourly legal fees.
Also you may incur charges on other fronts like; court fees, copying, hiring expert witnesses etc.
Mesothelioma lawsuit records:
Keep copies of all the documents that you hand over to your lawyer relating to your lawsuit.
About The Author
Matt West
Did you know that mesothelioma symptoms are hard to detect? Find out why by visiting www.mesothelioma-a.com
What the Asbestos Companies Knew About Mesothelioma
by: Robert Linebaugh
The asbestos industry caused a great amount of pain to many families by ignoring the startling evidence that asbestos exposure is harmful and often deadly. All of the suffering could have been avoided because the asbestos companies knew a lot more than they informed the public about. The companies considered the protection of the industry more important than the lives of their workers.
Back in the 1920s, a large variety of medical articles showed that there was scarring on the lungs of asbestos factory workers. This evidence was revealed during autopsies of those workers. Asbestos companies had full knowledge of these articles, but chose to ignore the facts presented because the public reaction to such information would kill the asbestos industry. Further studies in the 1930s revealed that asbestos miners and factory workers were indeed dying of lung disease and cancer. There was enough evidence to support an undeniable correlation between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma. Sadly, the companies decided to suppress this overwhelming evidence and in a series of letters between asbestos companies. In these same letters, executives revealed how far the companies were willing to go in order to protect their own interests. These letters that were circulated in the 1930s are called the “Sumner Simpson Papers.” In these letters, certain asbestos company executives made statements such as “the less said about asbestos, the better off we are.” Owens Illinois and Owens Corning Fiberglas conducted studies in the 1940s, attempting to prove that asbestos exposure was harmless, and save the asbestos industry. The studies revealed the exact opposite. They showed that exposure to asbestos was indeed quite harmful and even deadly. In light of the studies, the companies attempted to force scientists to change their conclusions.
Asbestos companies had full knowledge of the potential harm that could be caused by exposure to asbestos. Scientists and studies confirmed that there was a direct relationship between asbestos exposure and early death. Asbestos companies first tried to cover up the knowledge and silence scientists who conducted studies showing the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. Once the information about asbestos came to the public, these same companies attempted to deny having knowledge that people simply working around asbestos-containing products would suffer. The companies denied knowledge in order to avoid lawsuits. The simple fact is that asbestos-containing products cause serious injury and often lead to premature death. For this reason, mesothelioma lawsuits are quite valid and are in no way frivolous. Lung disease, lung cancer, and mesothelioma all stem from asbestos exposure. Many lives could have been saved if the asbestos companies were willing to release the information that they had access to.
About The Author
Robert Linebaugh writes about a variety of health topics, but focuses on mesothelioma. Learn more at http://www.justmeso.com.
by: Robert Linebaugh
The asbestos industry caused a great amount of pain to many families by ignoring the startling evidence that asbestos exposure is harmful and often deadly. All of the suffering could have been avoided because the asbestos companies knew a lot more than they informed the public about. The companies considered the protection of the industry more important than the lives of their workers.
Back in the 1920s, a large variety of medical articles showed that there was scarring on the lungs of asbestos factory workers. This evidence was revealed during autopsies of those workers. Asbestos companies had full knowledge of these articles, but chose to ignore the facts presented because the public reaction to such information would kill the asbestos industry. Further studies in the 1930s revealed that asbestos miners and factory workers were indeed dying of lung disease and cancer. There was enough evidence to support an undeniable correlation between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma. Sadly, the companies decided to suppress this overwhelming evidence and in a series of letters between asbestos companies. In these same letters, executives revealed how far the companies were willing to go in order to protect their own interests. These letters that were circulated in the 1930s are called the “Sumner Simpson Papers.” In these letters, certain asbestos company executives made statements such as “the less said about asbestos, the better off we are.” Owens Illinois and Owens Corning Fiberglas conducted studies in the 1940s, attempting to prove that asbestos exposure was harmless, and save the asbestos industry. The studies revealed the exact opposite. They showed that exposure to asbestos was indeed quite harmful and even deadly. In light of the studies, the companies attempted to force scientists to change their conclusions.
Asbestos companies had full knowledge of the potential harm that could be caused by exposure to asbestos. Scientists and studies confirmed that there was a direct relationship between asbestos exposure and early death. Asbestos companies first tried to cover up the knowledge and silence scientists who conducted studies showing the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. Once the information about asbestos came to the public, these same companies attempted to deny having knowledge that people simply working around asbestos-containing products would suffer. The companies denied knowledge in order to avoid lawsuits. The simple fact is that asbestos-containing products cause serious injury and often lead to premature death. For this reason, mesothelioma lawsuits are quite valid and are in no way frivolous. Lung disease, lung cancer, and mesothelioma all stem from asbestos exposure. Many lives could have been saved if the asbestos companies were willing to release the information that they had access to.
About The Author
Robert Linebaugh writes about a variety of health topics, but focuses on mesothelioma. Learn more at http://www.justmeso.com.
10 Keys to Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney
by: Scott M. Hendler
10 Keys to Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney
Hiring a lawyer can be an intimidating process, especially if you've never hired one before. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cases are complex and require experienced, top notch attorneys. How do you know which lawyer will bring the attention and skill to your case that it deserves? We've compiled the following list to help you with your decision:
1. Trust your instincts. Do you feel comfortable talking with the prospective attorney? Does he or she listen and ask questions? If you feel that you are not being taken seriously, go elsewhere.
2. Check the attorney’s professional credentials. Carefully review the firm’s website and brochures, and check the attorney’s profile and rating at www.martindale-hubbell.com. If you’re still unsure, ask for references.
3. Make sure the firm is customer-oriented. Do you have direct access to the attorney who is actually responsible for your case? Does he or she return your phone calls promptly? Remember you are the customer and have the right to expect good service.
4. Ask if your case will be handled individually. Some firms will accept your case, only to bundle it with a large group of similar cases. This practice tends to diminish the value of stronger cases in order to help weaker ones.
5. Find an attorney with experience in mesothelioma litigation. Does your attorney have direct experience in mesothelioma litigation? Look nationally for a firm with a solid track record in this area.
6. Make sure your attorney has trial experience. Many attorneys have limited trial experience. Although most cases settle out of court, a lawyer with a strong trial record puts you in a better bargaining position during the negotiating process.
7. Find a skilled negotiator. Does your attorney have training in negotiation? What is his or her settlement value track record? Even though most lawyers spend a much greater percentage of their time negotiating than trying cases, very few attorneys have training or expertise in this area.
8. Ask the firm who their strategic partners are. Under certain circumstances law firms join forces to share their research, expertise and other resources in order to build the best possible case for you.
9. Make sure the firm works on a contingency fee basis. With this type of arrangement the law firm incurs all the financial risk. You don’t pay any out-of-pocket costs until the firm recovers compensation for you; fees are a percentage of the recovery.
10. Check to see if the lawyer is AARP-approved. If not, go to the AARP Legal Services Network to find an attorney. Besides being extensively screened by AARP to become approved, AARP attorneys offer AARP members a 20% discount on their standard legal fees.
Although selecting a qualified mesothelioma attorney is not easy, don't get discouraged. There are great lawyers out there who are genuinely interested in helping others. Your case deserves no less. For more information visit www.mesotheliomaadvice.org/legal/mesothelioma-attorney.asp.
About The Author
Scott Hendler is Founder of HendlerLaw, an international plaintiff's firm focused on mesothelioma (www.mesotheliomaadvice.com), pharmaceutical drug and complex commercial litigation. He attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where he graduated with honors. His firm has won record verdicts and settlements in numerous cases and recently won an argument in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2003 Scott was honored with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, an award granted to attorneys who demonstrate high levels of professionalism, skill and ethics in the practice of law. You can reach him at 800.443.6353 or help@hendlerlaw.com.
by: Scott M. Hendler
10 Keys to Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney
Hiring a lawyer can be an intimidating process, especially if you've never hired one before. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cases are complex and require experienced, top notch attorneys. How do you know which lawyer will bring the attention and skill to your case that it deserves? We've compiled the following list to help you with your decision:
1. Trust your instincts. Do you feel comfortable talking with the prospective attorney? Does he or she listen and ask questions? If you feel that you are not being taken seriously, go elsewhere.
2. Check the attorney’s professional credentials. Carefully review the firm’s website and brochures, and check the attorney’s profile and rating at www.martindale-hubbell.com. If you’re still unsure, ask for references.
3. Make sure the firm is customer-oriented. Do you have direct access to the attorney who is actually responsible for your case? Does he or she return your phone calls promptly? Remember you are the customer and have the right to expect good service.
4. Ask if your case will be handled individually. Some firms will accept your case, only to bundle it with a large group of similar cases. This practice tends to diminish the value of stronger cases in order to help weaker ones.
5. Find an attorney with experience in mesothelioma litigation. Does your attorney have direct experience in mesothelioma litigation? Look nationally for a firm with a solid track record in this area.
6. Make sure your attorney has trial experience. Many attorneys have limited trial experience. Although most cases settle out of court, a lawyer with a strong trial record puts you in a better bargaining position during the negotiating process.
7. Find a skilled negotiator. Does your attorney have training in negotiation? What is his or her settlement value track record? Even though most lawyers spend a much greater percentage of their time negotiating than trying cases, very few attorneys have training or expertise in this area.
8. Ask the firm who their strategic partners are. Under certain circumstances law firms join forces to share their research, expertise and other resources in order to build the best possible case for you.
9. Make sure the firm works on a contingency fee basis. With this type of arrangement the law firm incurs all the financial risk. You don’t pay any out-of-pocket costs until the firm recovers compensation for you; fees are a percentage of the recovery.
10. Check to see if the lawyer is AARP-approved. If not, go to the AARP Legal Services Network to find an attorney. Besides being extensively screened by AARP to become approved, AARP attorneys offer AARP members a 20% discount on their standard legal fees.
Although selecting a qualified mesothelioma attorney is not easy, don't get discouraged. There are great lawyers out there who are genuinely interested in helping others. Your case deserves no less. For more information visit www.mesotheliomaadvice.org/legal/mesothelioma-attorney.asp.
About The Author
Scott Hendler is Founder of HendlerLaw, an international plaintiff's firm focused on mesothelioma (www.mesotheliomaadvice.com), pharmaceutical drug and complex commercial litigation. He attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where he graduated with honors. His firm has won record verdicts and settlements in numerous cases and recently won an argument in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2003 Scott was honored with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, an award granted to attorneys who demonstrate high levels of professionalism, skill and ethics in the practice of law. You can reach him at 800.443.6353 or help@hendlerlaw.com.
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