Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that results from asbestos exposure. People who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation. However, there are many misunderstandings about the disease that may make them reluctant to pursue damages.

Here are a few common misconceptions about mesothelioma that you should not believe.

Mesothelioma Just Affects the Elderly

It is possible to get diagnosed with mesothelioma at any age. However, the disease is actually more common among the elderly. Mesothelioma can take several decades to form after asbestos exposure, so older people are more likely to get diagnosed with it than their younger counterparts.

Mesothelioma Only Attacks the Lungs

When asbestos gets into the body, it can accumulate not in just the lungs, but also the stomach or heart.

Mesothelioma Is Contagious

Mesothelioma patients may be nervous about spreading the disease to their loved ones. The good news is, however, that mesothelioma is not contagious. People can develop mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, but transmit the disease to other people.

Smoking Causes Mesothelioma

As mentioned above, the only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. While smoking does not directly cause mesothelioma, it can make your symptoms worse. For example, you might cough even more or have worse chest pain. Therefore, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma and are a smoker, you may want to consider quitting.

If the Company Is Gone, You Can’t Sue

Unfortunately, some mesothelioma patients believe they can’t pursue compensation if the company where they were exposed to asbestos does not exist anymore. However, even if your company filed bankruptcy, they may still have trust funds to pay claims related to asbestos exposure. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you go after the compensation you deserve.

There Are No Treatments for Mesothelioma

It’s true that mesothelioma is an aggressive disease with no known cure. However, that doesn’t mean the disease can’t be managed. Mesothelioma patients may be able to undergo surgery, chemotherapy or radiation to slow down the progression of the disease.

Mesothelioma Treatment Is Too Costly

Treating mesothelioma certainly is not cheap. However, you may not have to pay for it all on your own. If you were wrongfully exposed to asbestos, you may be able to file a claim against the negligent party. If you win a settlement, it can help you pay for the treatment.

Mesothelioma Can Only Form from Exposure to Large Amounts of Asbestos

Unfortunately, this is another myth. The truth is that being exposed to any amount of asbestos can increase your risk of getting mesothelioma. 

Asbestos Is Banned in the United States

Although the dangers of asbestos are more well known now, asbestos still is not completely banned in the United States. Asbestos is still used in common products, like  vehicle components and construction materials.

If you have been exposed to mesothelioma, you may want to get in touch with a mesothelioma lawyer from Brown Kiely, LLP.