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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Mesothelioma Attorneys And How They Can Help

While the term "mesothelioma attorneys" has no meaning in the traditional legal sense, it refers to a law firm that makes a specialty of handling litigation involving victims with the disease known as malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of most cancers of the mesothelium, or the protective lining that surrounds many internal organs of the body, particularly the lungs. While not exclusively brought on by a single agent, mesothelioma is most commonly associated with prolonged publicity to the mineral asbestos.


Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that has long been utilized in industry as both an insulator and a fire retardant. Although the mineral is well-suited to those uses, their fibers are little, sharp, and easily inhaled by humans. The sharp fibers can puncture tissues within the body and linger there for decades. Mesothelioma does not develop quickly; the elapsed time between exposure and onset with the illness is typically more than thirty years. Mesothelioma treatment options are limited and the prognosis for individuals who are diagnosed with the illness is poor.

Lawsuits have been successfully brought against asbestos producers and firms who have used asbestos in construction since the early part of the twentieth century. It has been estimated that some 800,000 individuals have so far brought suit for asbestos publicity and as a result, numerous firms have been forced out of business.

Litigation against asbestos manufacturers is complex and lengthy. A lawyer having a general practice may not suited to taking on a possible lawsuit involving asbestos cancers. Such litigation can take years and might involved hundreds or even thousands of man-hours of research. Attorneys who do not specialize in asbestos law may become overwhelmed by the quantity of work that must be done to bring this type of case to court. Mesothelioma attorneys who specialize in handling such cases on a fulltime basis are ideal for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos and is considering filing a lawsuit. Mesothelioma attorneys will probably be familiar with case track records and other elements that may assist expedite the situation as well as being in a more favorable position to set up a possible asbestos cancer settlement for the plaintiff.

Such lawsuits have, in come instances, resulted in substantial settlements for the plaintiffs, sometimes in the millions of dollars. The first substantial mesothelioma settlement took place in 1982, and also the plaintiff, James Cavett, was awarded nearly $4 million in compensation.

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