Salem County Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a heat-resistant and harmful mineral once widely used in various products for decades. Asbestos consists of fibrous silicate minerals that produce long, thin crystalline fibers, which can become airborne when disturbed. When inhaled or ingested, these fibers can become trapped in the body, leading to scarring, inflammation, cell damage, and even cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that millions of Americans were exposed to asbestos over the years, resulting in thousands of new mesothelioma cases annually.
For over 35 years, Shein Law has been committed to seeking justice for clients suffering from mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related illnesses. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos disease, our skilled Salem County mesothelioma lawyers can help.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium, the layered membrane surrounding internal organs. When asbestos fibers become lodged in this membrane, they disrupt and irritate the cells, leading to cancer. There are three primary forms of mesothelioma:
- Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common type, affecting the lining of the lungs and chest wall and causing symptoms such as chest pain, chronic fatigue, breathing difficulties, and persistent cough.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: This aggressive cancer forms in the lining of abdominal organs, resulting in severe abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue.
- Pericardial mesothelioma: The rarest form, which affects the heart’s lining and can restrict heart function, can lead to irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and fatigue.
Although there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgery can help slow its progression and extend life expectancy. Early diagnosis is key.
How Are People Exposed to Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure typically occurs through occupational or secondary exposure. According to the World Health Organization, over 125 million people worldwide are at risk of occupational asbestos exposure, including more than 1.3 million in the United States. Common methods of exposure include:
- Occupational exposure: Workers in industries such as asbestos mining, construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are at the highest risk due to the extensive use of asbestos in insulation, roofing materials, and brake linings.
- Secondary exposure: Family members of exposed workers can also be affected when asbestos fibers are brought home on clothing, hair, and skin.
- Product exposure: Although asbestos is no longer used in most consumer products, it may still be present in older items or ones that contain talc.
- Building exposure: Structures built before the 1980s often contain asbestos materials, which can become airborne during renovations or due to deterioration.
Military veterans, particularly those in the U.S. Navy, face the highest rates of diagnosed mesothelioma due to extensive asbestos use in ships and submarines.
How Do I Prove Liability for My Mesothelioma?
To prove liability in a mesothelioma case, you must demonstrate that asbestos exposure, a known cause of the disease, resulted from the negligence or fault of a company or employer. Key elements to establish include:
- Proof of exposure: This involves showing where, how, and to what products asbestos exposure occurred.
- Medical records: You need to provide documentation linking your diagnosis and illness to asbestos exposure.
- Employment records: Establishing your work history in an occupation with asbestos exposure is essential.
- Witness testimony: Statements from employers, coworkers, or family members can support your case.
- Expert testimony: Medical professionals or asbestos exposure experts can verify your claim.
- Financial records: Documentation of medical expenses and other costs related to your mesothelioma diagnosis is important.
Personal Injury and Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may pursue compensation through personal injury lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Personal injury lawsuits target responsible parties—such as asbestos product manufacturers, employers, or property owners—by proving negligence linked to asbestos exposure and your illness. Mesothelioma cases can be complex due to the disease’s long latency period, but experienced lawyers at Shein Law can guide you through these legal challenges.
Asbestos trust funds, established by bankrupt asbestos companies, offer financial relief without lengthy litigation. Claimants must show a history of asbestos exposure and provide medical documentation of their diagnosis. While the claims process for trust funds is often more streamlined, compensation amounts can vary based on the fund size and the severity of the illness.
Shein Law is committed to helping mesothelioma victims recover the compensation they deserve, whether pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, filing a trust fund claim, or both. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos disease, contact Shein Law. Our mesothelioma lawyers have recovered over $750 million for clients in similar situations. We will help you today.
The Salem County Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Are Here to Assist
We provide comprehensive legal representation and support to clients with asbestos diseases. To learn more, speak with the Salem County mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law. Call 877-743-4652 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.