admin2Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction and manufacturing for decades.
If you or a loved one have lived or worked in Tillamook County for a long time, especially in jobs like construction, shipbuilding, or lumber mills, you may have been exposed to asbestos fibers. These microscopic fibers can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart, causing scarring and mutations over many years that may lead to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment Options
They options available includes;
1. Diagnosing Mesothelioma
The first step is confirming the diagnosis and staging the cancer to determine how advanced it is. This typically involves imaging scans, blood tests, and a biopsy to examine tissue samples. Knowing the cancer stage helps doctors develop an effective treatment plan.
2. Surgery
For early stage mesothelioma, doctors may recommend surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Two common surgeries are pleurectomy/decortication, removing the pleura lining around the lungs, and extrapleural pneumonectomy, removing the pleura lining along with the affected lung. While not curative, surgery can reduce symptoms and may extend life expectancy.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and is often used after surgery. It can also be used for palliative care to reduce pain and improve quality of life. Chemotherapy may extend life expectancy for some, especially when combined with surgery.
4. Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or provide palliative relief from pain and other symptoms. Radiation alone is typically not curative but may extend life expectancy when combined with other treatments.
The most effective approach is often a multi-modal one that combines surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. While mesothelioma remains incurable, new treatments are offering hope.
Legal Options for Tillamook Mesothelioma Patients
Some of the few paths you can take includes;
1. Filing a Lawsuit
One option is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the companies responsible for exposing you or your loved one to asbestos. In a lawsuit, you can recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The average mesothelioma lawsuit settlement amount is between $1 million to $1.4 million. If multiple companies are found liable, the total settlement amount may be higher.
Lawsuits, however, can be time-consuming and expensive. It may take several years to reach a settlement. If the defendent’s company has gone bankrupt, you may recover very little. For these reasons, many people opt to explore trust funds and settlement claims instead.
2. Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Asbestos trust funds were set up by companies that went bankrupt due to asbestos-related liabilities. The funds have billions of dollars set aside to compensate asbestos victims. Filing a claim against a trust fund is typically faster and less expensive than a lawsuit. The amounts awarded, however, may be lower. Still, it can be an easy way to recover some compensation without a lengthy legal battle.
3. Settlement Claims
Some companies that exposed people to asbestos have set up settlement claim programs to avoid litigation. Applying for a settlement claim typically moves faster than a lawsuit and may not require as much proof to qualify for compensation. However, settlement amounts tend to be on the lower end. For seriously ill claimants, a lawsuit may yield a higher payout.
The best approach depends on your specific situation and priorities.
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Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Tillamook
Below are some of the processes involved in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Tillamook;
1. Find an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer
Look for a lawyer with experience handling mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases, specifically in Oregon. They should offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case in detail and determine if you may have grounds for compensation. An experienced lawyer will understand the complexities of mesothelioma lawsuits and Oregon’s statutes of limitations for filing a claim.
2. Investigate Responsible Parties
Your lawyer will work to identify companies that manufactured, distributed or installed asbestos products that may have led to your asbestos exposure. This could include former employers, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, etc. They will gather evidence to build a strong case to prove liability and maximize your compensation.
3. Decide to File a Lawsuit or Trust Fund Claim
You have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit against responsible companies in court or making a claim against asbestos trust funds (if companies have gone bankrupt). Your lawyer can advise which option may yield the best outcome based on factors like available evidence, company viability, and Oregon’s laws. Lawsuits may lead to higher compensation but can take years to settle, while trust fund claims typically settle faster but for less.
4. Negotiate a Settlement
The majority of mesothelioma lawsuits and trust fund claims settle out of court through negotiations with the defendants and claims administrators. Your lawyer will work to negotiate the highest possible settlement for you and your family to cover related costs like medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.
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Finding the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer in Tillamook
Here are some tips to help you find the right lawyer for your case:
1. Do your research
Search online for mesothelioma lawyers in Tillamook. Check their credentials, experience, and client reviews. Look for lawyers who specialize in asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cases. These lawyers will understand the complexities of your case and Oregon laws regarding asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.
2. Ask the right questions
Schedule consultations with a few lawyers you’re interested in. Ask about their experience with mesothelioma cases, success rate, availability, and fees. Find out if they charge upfront legal fees or work on contingency, taking a percentage of your settlement only if you win your case. Make sure you feel comfortable with the lawyer’s experience and style of communication.
3. Consider location
While it may be convenient to hire a local lawyer, mesothelioma cases can be complex. It may be better to find a lawyer anywhere in Oregon with extensive experience in mesothelioma litigation. Many top lawyers work remotely and are willing to travel to Tillamook as needed for your case.
4. Check credentials
An experienced lawyer will be certified as a mesothelioma trial lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy or the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys. They should also be licensed to practice in Oregon and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
5. Discuss legal options
A good mesothelioma lawyer will discuss your legal options in depth, including asbestos trust funds, settlements, and going to trial. They will help determine the best path based on medical records, work history, and other evidence related to your asbestos exposure. Together you can build the strongest case possible to get you and your family the financial assistance and justice you deserve.
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Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Tillamook, don’t delay in speaking to a lawyer about your legal options for compensation.
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