The standard of care refers to the best-known medical practices for treating a specific condition based on the latest research and clinical advancements. For mesothelioma, traditional treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, recent breakthroughs have expanded treatment options to include:
- Immunotherapy: Drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) are now used to boost the body’s immune response against cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapies: These therapies focus on specific genetic mutations within mesothelioma tumors, offering a more personalized approach.
- Multimodal Treatment Plans: Combining surgery with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation for improved effectiveness.
- Clinical Trials: Clinical research has given patients greater access to experimental therapies and innovative drug combinations.
Legal Implications of a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. For many patients, their illness is directly linked to workplace exposure, often decades prior to diagnosis. This makes mesothelioma not just a medical issue but a legal one as well.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may file a personal injury lawsuit in the court system and/or pursue claims through asbestos trust funds. These claims can cover costs and losses, including but not limited to:
- Medical expenses, including advanced treatments.
- Lost wages due to the inability to work.
- Pain and suffering caused by the illness.
Mesothelioma care often adds financial strain due to the high cost of specialized treatments like immunotherapy and participation in clinical trials. Compensation from legal claims can help ease this burden.
The Role of Legal Representation
Navigating a mesothelioma case requires specialized legal knowledge. Attorneys experienced in asbestos litigation will investigate the source of exposure, identify liable parties, and build a compelling case. Importantly, these cases often involve tracing exposure that occurred decades earlier, requiring detailed research and expert testimony.
The Intersection of Medical and Legal Advocacy
The evolving standard of care and the legal process for mesothelioma claims are deeply intertwined. As new treatments become available, they may be used as evidence of the financial impact of the disease in legal cases. For example:
- Medical Experts as Witnesses: Doctors specializing in mesothelioma may testify to the necessity of advanced treatments.
- Economic Damages: The cost of cutting-edge therapies may be factored into the compensation sought.
- Future Care Costs: Legal claims can account for the expenses associated with ongoing and experimental treatments.
By working with both medical professionals and legal advocates, mesothelioma patients can ensure they receive comprehensive support.
Take Legal Action: Contact a Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyer at Shein Law
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, knowing the new standard of care is critical. At the same time, you may be entitled to financial compensation that can help alleviate treatment costs. At Shein Law, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of mesothelioma patients and their families. Call a Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyer at 877-743-4652 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.