Charleston Mesothelioma Legal Question

The most common cause of mesothelioma is occupational asbestos exposure. If you worked in an environment where asbestos was used or handled, such as shipyards, power plants, or construction sites, you may have inhaled or ingested microscopic asbestos fibers. These fibers can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart and remain there for decades before causing mesothelioma.

Family members of asbestos workers can also develop mesothelioma from secondhand exposure to asbestos fibers brought into the home on the worker’s hair, skin, and clothing. This is known as environmental or “take-home” asbestos exposure.

The time between exposure to asbestos and diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually 20 to 50 years. This long latency period means mesothelioma symptoms often do not appear until decades after exposure. Early symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing, and fluid buildup. By the time mesothelioma is diagnosed, the cancer has usually spread significantly, making it difficult to treat.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. While asbestos use is now strictly regulated, the devastating health impacts of past asbestos use are still being felt today through diseases like mesothelioma. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, talking to a lawyer about your legal options can help you obtain compensation for medical bills and other expenses.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Staging in Charleston

Once diagnosed with mesothelioma in Charleston, the next step is determining how advanced the cancer is. This is known as staging and it helps your doctor develop an effective treatment plan.

The Staging Process

The staging process typically involves several tests like CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs to check for tumors in the lungs, abdomen, and other areas where asbestos exposure may have occurred.

1. A biopsy, usually a needle biopsy, is also done to examine cancer cells under a microscope and determine the specific type of mesothelioma.
2. Based on the results, your doctor assigns a stage from I to IV, indicating how far the cancer has spread. Stage I means the cancer is localized, while Stage IV means it has metastasized to distant parts of the body.
3. Stage I or II mesothelioma is often treated with surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
4. Stage III or IV typically requires a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and other treatments to destroy cancer cells and slow progression.

Prognosis and treatment options depend heavily on the stage at diagnosis. That’s why early detection of mesothelioma in Charleston is so critical. The earlier the cancer is found, the better chance of successful treatment and long-term survival.

Finding a Charleston Mesothelioma Lawyer

Finding the right lawyer to handle your Charleston mesothelioma claim is critical.

Here are some tips to help you find an experienced Charleston mesothelioma lawyer:

• Look for lawyers who focus specifically on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases. These lawyers will have the most relevant experience and expertise for your case. Some top options in Charleston are MesoWatch, American Mesothelioma Foundation, and Weitz & Luxenberg.
• Check the lawyer’s credentials and experience. Look for a lawyer who is licensed to practice in South Carolina, has years of experience handling mesothelioma cases, and has a proven track record of success. Read reviews from former clients about their experience.
• Meet with candidates for a free initial consultation. Discuss your situation, goals, and concerns to determine if you feel comfortable working with them. Ask about their experience, strategy for your case, and fee structure. Look for someone you connect with and who answers your questions fully.
• Consider the lawyer’s resources and ability to take on large companies. Mesothelioma cases often involve going up against massive asbestos corporations, so you need a firm with substantial resources, legal expertise and financial backing to have a fighting chance.
• Discuss fees and compensation. Most mesothelioma lawyers work on contingency, taking a percentage (usually around 33-40%) of any settlement or verdict awarded to you. Make sure you understand the fee agreement fully before signing on.
• Once you choose a lawyer, they can start investigating your case, determining liable companies, and seeking compensation through settlements or trials. The earlier you find a lawyer after diagnosis, the stronger your case is likely to be.

Building Your Charleston Mesothelioma Legal Case

Building a strong legal case is essential to seeking compensation for mesothelioma in Charleston.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Gather Evidence of Asbestos Exposure

The first thing you need to prove is that you were exposed to asbestos, often through occupational exposure. Think back to jobs you’ve had where you may have handled or been around asbestos products. Collect records from former employers, like pay stubs, contracts, or employee records to establish the dates and duration of your employment. Get written statements from co-workers who can corroborate your exposure. All of this evidence will be crucial to building your case.

2. Find Medical Records

Obtain copies of medical records related to your mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment. These provide factual evidence to support your claim that asbestos exposure caused your illness. Ask doctors, hospitals, and clinics where you received care for copies of your medical charts, test results, imaging scans, biopsies, and doctor’s notes or letters. The more detailed records you can gather, the stronger your case will be.

3. Talk to Mesothelioma Lawyers

Discussing your case with experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Charleston is key. They can evaluate your evidence of exposure and medical records to determine if you have a viable claim. They are also well-versed in mesothelioma laws and have the resources to take on powerful asbestos companies and their legal teams. Lawyers work on contingency, so they only get paid if they win your case. Meet with a few lawyers to find one you connect with and who will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Charleston

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Charleston, filing a lawsuit is an important step toward obtaining compensation.

The process of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit involves several stages:

1. Find an Attorney

The first step is to find an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma cases. Look for a lawyer with experience handling asbestos exposure claims in Charleston. They will evaluate your case, determine if you have grounds for legal action, and advise you on the strength of your claim.

2. Investigation

Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into how and where you were exposed to asbestos. This often involves tracking down former employers or companies that produced or used asbestos products. They will gather evidence to identify liable parties and build your case.

3. Filing a Lawsuit

Once the investigation is complete and liable parties have been determined, your attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf. In Charleston, mesothelioma lawsuits are usually filed against companies that negligently exposed workers and others to asbestos. Multiple companies can be named in one lawsuit.

4. Case Proceedings

The companies named in the lawsuit will have the opportunity to respond. This often begins a long process of negotiations, discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions and settlement talks. Your attorney will represent you throughout the entire legal process. Many mesothelioma cases end in settlement before going to trial.

5. Settlement or Trial

If a fair settlement is not reached, your case may go to trial in front of a jury. Your attorney must prove that asbestos exposure from the defendants caused your mesothelioma before a verdict can be reached. If the jury finds in your favor, they will award financial damages. The process can be lengthy, but sticking with it will help hold companies accountable and gain you deserved compensation.

READ ALSO- Lakewood Mesothelioma Legal Question

Conclusion

While the legal process can seem complicated, an experienced Charleston mesothelioma attorney will guide you through each step. Filing a lawsuit is often the only way to recover costs of medical care, loss of income, and other damages related to asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.