Many workers were exposed to asbestos and began showing mesothelioma symptoms decades later. By this time, it is typically too late for doctors to successfully treat a patient.

If it is caught early enough, there are mesothelioma treatments which can help to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, but there is no cure for mesothelioma.

Many employers knew of the risk of asbestos exposure for years but still allowed their workers to do their jobs around products with asbestos. As the number of mesothelioma cases rose in the past couple of years, so did the number of mesothelioma lawsuits.

The first mesothelioma lawsuit

In 1966, the first mesothelioma lawsuit was filed after a plaintiff became ill from asbestos exposure. In early cases such as these, mesothelioma lawyers were able to document the danger of asbestos and its link to mesothelioma. Roughly 75% of mesothelioma cases have been able to prove this link to asbestos.

In 1969, the first lawsuit emerged that recognized the employer’s duty to notify a worker of the mesothelioma risk of asbestos. In the next decade, thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits followed and attorneys helped clients get compensation for their preventable injuries. To this day, more than 500,000 mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits have been filed.

Cases are still emerging involving patients suffering from mesothelioma as a direct result of working around asbestos. Those affected by mesothelioma have been fighting for compensation, and in many instances, they are winning.

For many people who have lost a loved one or know someone suffering from mesothelioma, seeking legal advice and speaking to a mesothelioma attorney is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral typically used in construction, engineering and some scientific industries. Asbestos releases microscopic fibers into the air; when these are inhaled, a number of health hazards result.

What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, caused by exposure to asbestos, which affects the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing up blood. The disease can be difficult to diagnose since it shares symptoms with other conditions, as well as the natural signs of aging. And different types of mesothelioma feature different symptoms.

How many people have been given a mesothelioma diagnosis?
Every year, approximately 10,000 people worldwide (and 3,000 in the U.S. alone) are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

How many people in the U.S. have suffered asbestos exposure?
More than 8 million, and asbestos still poses a threat to workers in certain fields. Although the U.S. instituted a partial asbestos ban in the 1970s, many asbestos products are still used in industrial settings, and asbestos can still be found in many homes, schools and other buildings, as well as in shipyards and many U.S. Navy and merchant marines vessels.

What should I do if I am diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease?
Follow the directions of your doctor, but also contact an asbestos and mesothelioma attorney to see whether legal action can be taken against the party that caused your disease.

What are the time constraints for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit?
The statute of limitations varies from state to state, so you would be wise to inquire immediately. And since post-diagnosis survival is often measured in months, you should act as soon as possible.

What if I am not sure where or when I was exposed to asbestos?
Even if you do not know this information, a mesothelioma lawyer may be able to help. Experienced asbestos attorneys are trained to help you identify the asbestos products that you used and the job sites you worked at where asbestos exposure may have occurred.

Who should handle my mesothelioma lawsuit?
Experienced mesothelioma lawyers are crucial to helping you understand the complexities involved in such a lawsuit. An attorney can schedule asbestos testing to look for the presence of asbestos in your lungs and diagnose your condition. If you receive a positive diagnosis, your mesothelioma attorney can help you to identify the asbestos-containing products that you used in preparation for filing a lawsuit.