Mesothelioma
At the Pennsylvania and New Jersey mesothelioma law firm of Howard, Brenner & Nass, P.C., we are frequently asked to explain what mesothelioma is, what causes this rare form of cancer, and what legal options are available to individuals suffering from mesothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which attacks the lining around the lungs (known as the pleura) or the lining around the abdomen (known as the peritoneum). Mesothelioma that occurs in the pleura is known as pleural mesothelioma that occurs in the peritoneum is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Approximately 3200 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year.
What causes Mesothelioma?
The only known cause for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Any person who worked with asbestos in the past, or worked around asbestos in the past, is at risk for developing mesothelioma. Spouses and children are also at risk for developing mesothelioma when asbestos is brought home by workers on their clothes. Mesothelioma does not normally occur until at least 20 years after a person is first exposed to asbestos, and mesothelioma typically occurs 30 to 50 years after exposure. Unfortunately, anyone who has been exposed to asbestos in the past is at a life long risk of developing mesothelioma. Many individuals being diagnosed today with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos as far back as the 1940's during World War II.
How does Mesothelioma develop?
Our pleural lining around the lungs and peritoneal lining around the abdomen contains mesothelial cells. When these normal mesothelial cells become cancerous, a tumor begins to grow within the lining, and eventually causes fluid to also accumulate in the lining. The first symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are usually pain on the one side of the chest and shortness of breath. The first symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are usually abdominal pain and abdominal swelling.
What legal options to Mesothelioma victims have?
Mesothelioma victims can file several different types of claims for compensation under Pennsylvania and New Jersey law. A civil lawsuit can be filed against asbestos manufacturers and asbestos product suppliers. This is known as a products liability suit under Pennsylvania and New Jersey law. Mesothelioma victims may also have the right to file worker's compensation claims under New Jersey law, Pennsylvania, law or Federal law. A third avenue of recovery is from those companies who manufactured and supplied asbestos in the past who have filed for bankruptcy and have set up trust funds for mesothelioma victims from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey have time limits insofar as filing asbestos claims, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another type of asbestos cancer or illness, contact the Pennsylvania and New Jersey law firm of Howard, Brenner & Nass, P.C. Our attorneys will explain your legal options in detail. Our phone number is 215-546-8200. You can also submit our quick contact web form.
