What Is Mesothelioma? And What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
There is a lot of misinformation about asbestos and mesothelioma on late-night television and radio ads from law firms that would like you to believe they can help you fight for millions of dollars. The truth is, winning any kind of toxic exposure claim can take years of investigation, preparation and court decisions. In simple terms, that means it takes years of financial resources committed by the law firm. Toxic tort cases are typically handled on a contingency basis. This means that the victim does not pay attorneys fees until the case is resolved. When you chose to hire a law firm to represent you in one of these cases, it is imperative that the law firm has the professional and financial resources to stay in the fight until the end.
We know what it takes to win a significant settlement or verdict in an environmental or toxic exposure case. We are the Kansas City mesothelioma lawyers of Humphrey, Farrington & McClain, nationally recognized for our successful representation of individuals and groups of victims of toxic exposure. We have the resources to fight aggressively to help you recover maximum compensation. That means all the way to trial, if necessary. This is a mission the attorneys at Humphrey, Farrington & McClain take personally. We believe property owners and manufacturers have responsibility to eliminate asbestos products from their property or products. In fact, they have had that responsibility for more than fifty years.
If you or a loved one suffers from mesothelioma, you should seek the legal advice of a skilled, experienced asbestos attorney at Humphrey, Farrington & McClain today. From offices in Independence, Missouri, we are uniquely situated to represent clients in individual and class action mesothelioma lawsuits throughout the United States. Contact us for a free consultation.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that primarily affects the lungs but it can also invade the lining of tissue surrounding other vital organs. Mesothelioma starts when the victim inhales or absorbs the microscopic mineral fibers that made up asbestos products. These fibers attach themselves to the lung lining or are carried by the blood stream to other organs throughout the body.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma causes the cells in the mesothelial layer of our organs to multiply and produce excess lubricating fluid. This causes the mesothelium layer to thicken. The thickening and excess fluid can prevent comfortable expansion of the lung during breathing.
Prognosis
Typically starting at the lungs, mesothelioma can spread into other areas of the body. It can take decades for the meso cells to spread and cause the symptoms of mesothelioma. After diagnosis, however, the patient may only have a few months to live. Treatment is typically used only to slow the progress of the disease and alleviate the discomfort of the symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment is usually palliative; meaning it is used to slow the disease's progress and alleviate the discomfort of the symptoms. Treatment options include:
- Surgery to excise the mesothelium and surrounding tissue
- Chemotherapy
- Drug regimens
- Drug trials
- Gene therapies
- Radiation
- Draining of fluid followed by the injection of medication to prevent further buildup
- In rare cases, the lung may also be removed as a final option
Coming in contact with asbestos or inhaling asbestos fibers does not necessarily result in mesothelioma. In fact, only a fraction of people exposed to asbestos develop the cancer. Statistically, people with the longest period of exposure have the highest risk, although people have developed the cancer after working with asbestos products for only months.
Learn more about asbestos products and toxic torts at these practice pages:
- Toxic substances practice center
- Products liability practice center
- Building contamination
- Mesothelioma and asbestos
From our offices in Independence, Missouri, our lawyers represent clients in courts throughout Missouri, Kansas, and the United States. Contact us to arrange a free consultation about the symptoms of mesothelioma and how we can help you file a lawsuit.
