Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer most often caused by inhalation of the microscopic fibers found in asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral widely used for insulation in construction, shipbuilding, engineering, the military, and scientific industries.

The link between asbestos and cancer was well-understood by the 1940s, but the material continued to become more popular in the U.S. for decades afterwards. While it started becoming less common from the 1970s onwards, it still poses significant problems today. Unlike a number of other developed countries, the U.S. has not banned asbestos.

The industries that use asbestos most are very prevalent in the Buffalo and Niagara area of New York, so many workers here may be at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. If you’ve developed mesothelioma and you think your workplace activities may have played a role, you should speak to a lawyer with expertise in this area.

The Most Common Types of Mesothelioma

There are three main classifications of mesothelioma, namely:

  • Pleural mesothelioma – This is the most common variant of the condition. It affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs.
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma – The second most common type of mesothelioma, this impacts the cells lining the inside of the abdomen.
  • Pericardial mesothelioma – This is the rarest type of mesothelioma. It affects the cells that form a protective sac around the heart (the pericardium).

Sadly, mesothelioma is often incurable. However, interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy can improve prognoses and quality of life significantly. This is why it’s crucial to pursue compensation after a mesothelioma diagnosis; without financial assistance, you may struggle to fund an effective course of treatment.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer can take as long as 50 years to develop; even if you were exposed decades ago, you may still be at risk. Here’s a list of common symptoms to look for:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Constant chest pain
  • Accumulation of fluid in the chest
  • Coughing up blood
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue.

Some of these symptoms can be linked to other diseases and old age, so a CT scan is usually necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

You must be able to prove when and where you were exposed to asbestos to succeed in a mesothelioma lawsuit. This can be easily determined in some cases, but you will still need an experienced personal injury lawyer to build as strong a case as possible in your favor and ensure you maximize your compensation entitlements, particularly those related to:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Lost wages and lost future earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship (for wrongful death suits).

People working in certain professions are at a particularly high risk of mesothelioma due to their increased likelihood of asbestos exposure. These professions include:

Family members of these professions can also be exposed to significant amounts of asbestos from contact in the family home and laundering asbestos containing dust on work clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do I have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit in Buffalo?

In New York, the statute of limitations is different depending on the claims made in the lawsuit and what defendants are named.  It is best to consult with an attorney early to ensure all of these deadlines are met.

Can family members of mesothelioma victims file a lawsuit?

Yes. If your family member has died because of asbestos-related mesothelioma, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation.

How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit take?

The duration of a mesothelioma lawsuit varies depending on the complexity of the case, but many of the cases we work on reach resolutions within a year. Plaintiffs suffering from terminal illnesses are given priority for faster timelines in the Courts.  We will work to ensure the case is handled efficiently to help your family during this tough time.

Hiring a Mesothelioma Lawyer Who Will Fight For Your Rights

If you live or work in the Niagara or Buffalo areas of New York and have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us today to schedule a complimentary case evaluation. You can reach us via our online contact form or over the phone at 716-854-0700.

We offer a no-fee guarantee – if you don’t recover compensation, you won’t owe us anything.

Attorney John Feroleto

Attorney John Feroleto understands the value of hard work. He is known in the community and by his peers for his willingness to work and go the extra mile. Other lawyers often ask John to handle their trial matters to maximize clients’ recovery. Trial lawyers know who the best trial lawyers are. He was also named Trial Attorney of the Year in 2012 by the Western New York Affiliate of New York State Trial Lawyers Association. [ Attorney Bio ]

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