admin2Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once commonly used in construction, insulation, and other industrial applications because of its durability and fire resistance. However, asbestos exposure can cause scarring and inflammation of the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart, which may lead to mesothelioma decades later.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, understanding your legal rights and options regarding compensation and holding companies accountable is extremely important. Speaking with a mesothelioma lawyer in Springfield can help guide you through the legal process.
Mesothelioma Diagnoses and Treatments in Springfield
Here are the basics to know:
1. Diagnosing Mesothelioma
The only way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is through a biopsy. Your doctor will examine tissue and fluid samples to determine if there are cancerous cells present. Once diagnosed, the stage and type of mesothelioma can be determined to guide treatment.
2. Treatment Options in Springfield
Several treatment facilities in the Springfield area offer options for mesothelioma patients:
- St. John’s Hospital has a dedicated thoracic oncology unit that provides surgery, chemotherapy and radiation for pleural mesothelioma.
- Mercy Hospital’s Cancer Center is a comprehensive facility offering clinical trials and multimodal treatment with a team approach.
- Springfield Clinic’s Cancer Institute is experienced in pleurectomy with decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy surgeries as well as chemotherapy like pemetrexed and cisplatin.
Hiring a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Springfield
Ways of hiring a Mesothelioma lawyer in Springfield
1. Find a Lawyer with Experience Handling Mesothelioma Cases
Not all attorneys have experience with mesothelioma lawsuits. Look for a lawyer in Springfield who focuses specifically on asbestos litigation and mesothelioma cases. They will understand the complexities of these cases and have the resources to build a strong claim on your behalf. Ask about their success rate, experience level, and if they charge any upfront fees. Most mesothelioma lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.
2. Discuss Your Case and Legal Options
Once you hire a lawyer, they will review the details of your asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis. They can determine if you have a viable legal claim against any companies that exposed you to asbestos. In many cases, people develop mesothelioma decades after exposure, so your lawyer may need to conduct a thorough investigation to identify all parties at fault. They can also estimate the potential value of your claim based on factors like medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
3. Consider Filing a Lawsuit or Trust Fund Claim
If there are liable companies that can be sued, your lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit to pursue compensation. However, in some cases the companies have gone bankrupt, in which case you may need to file a claim with asbestos trust funds set up to pay victims. Your lawyer can determine which options may be available in your unique situation.
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Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Springfield
The legal process can be complicated, but with the help of a qualified mesothelioma lawyer in Springfield, you have a good chance of success.
1. Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Springfield
The first step is to find an experienced mesothelioma attorney in Springfield to evaluate your case. Look for lawyers who focus specifically on asbestos litigation and mesothelioma cases. Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your diagnosis and work history to determine if you have a viable case. If so, the lawyer can walk you through your legal options and the process for pursuing compensation or justice.
2. Build Your Case
With your lawyer’s help, you’ll work to build a strong case by establishing evidence of asbestos exposure that led to your mesothelioma. This may include records of the companies, locations and products that exposed you to asbestos. Your mesothelioma lawyer can hire investigators and experts to help determine where and how you were exposed.
3. File a Lawsuit
Once you have a solid case, your lawyer will file a mesothelioma lawsuit against the defendant companies in Springfield courts to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. The companies are given time to respond to the lawsuit. In many cases, settlements are reached before the case goes to trial. If not, your mesothelioma trial will be held in Springfield.
4. Settlement or Verdict
If a settlement is reached, you’ll receive compensation from the defendant companies. If your case goes to trial, a Springfield jury will determine if the companies are liable for your injuries and damages. If found liable, the jury will award compensation. Either a settlement or a favorable verdict can provide much-needed financial security during this difficult time.
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Receiving Compensation for Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis
There are a few options to consider regarding compensation and legal claims.
1. Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
The majority of mesothelioma patients receive compensation through lawsuits and settlements. Since exposure to asbestos, the only known cause of mesothelioma, was often due to company negligence, patients may file claims against former employers or manufacturers of asbestos products. Lawsuits can result in large settlements to cover medical and living expenses.
2. Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Asbestos companies that have gone bankrupt set up trust funds to pay out claims to asbestos victims. There are currently over 60 asbestos trust funds in the U.S. with a total of $30 billion available for compensation. Filing a claim against an asbestos trust fund can result in a settlement much faster than a lawsuit. The amount received depends on the specifics of your asbestos exposure.
3. Workers’ Compensation
If you were exposed to asbestos on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation to help pay for treatment. The amount awarded depends on the state you live in and the severity of your illness. Workers’ comp claims are filed through your employer and state workers’ compensation board.
4. Social Security Disability Insurance
Those diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI to help replace lost income. The average monthly SSDI benefit for mesothelioma patients is between $700 to $1,700. Eligibility depends on your age, employment history, and the severity of your condition.
Receiving compensation won’t change your prognosis, but it can help lift the financial burden of this disease and allow you to focus on what really matters spending time with your loved ones.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick overview of your legal options if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Springfield. While the road ahead will be difficult, know that you don’t have to go through this alone.
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