Importance of Hiring an Attorney for Phoenix, AZ Mesothelioma Cases

Mesothelioma is a devastating type of cancer that can leave you and your loved ones asking plenty of questions. Mesothelioma does its damage by attacking the lungs and other organs like the heart and liver. The average life expectancy of this disease is between 18 and 31 months. Treatment advances have allowed patients to live longer and achieve a greater rate of survival.

If you have been exposed to asbestos at your job, in the military, or at home, contact Phillips Law Group today. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys have helped clients win over $1 billion in damages.

You can reach Phillips Law Group today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless you win, so call us today.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Options

Victims of mesothelioma can file one of three main types of lawsuits:

  • Personal injury
  • Wrongful death
  • Class-action lawsuit

Survivors may file a personal injury suit while loved ones can fight a wrongful death case.

The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. While known as a dangerous, cancer-causing mineral, asbestos exposure is still common around the world. Victims can encounter it at work, at home, in the military, and from products. Approximately 125 million people worldwide are at risk of asbestos exposure in the workplace.

Personal injury lawsuit

Once a mesothelioma diagnosis has been made, the patient can file a personal injury lawsuit. The suit will be filed against the party responsible for causing the asbestos exposure. The patient will want to be compensated for treatment costs, pain and suffering, lost income, and more.

Wrongful death suit

A wrongful death suit is often filed by the family of the deceased victim who died from mesothelioma, exposed to asbestos at work or in the military, for example. The family can go after the liable party who caused the exposure that resulted in death. They can be compensated for funeral expenses, any remaining medical expenses, loss of consortium, lost income, and more.

Class-action lawsuit

With a class-action lawsuit, a suit can be filed on behalf of multiple plaintiffs. For example, if a group of factory workers all develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure at their job, they can band together in a single lawsuit against their employer.

A class-action lawsuit can include anywhere from a few people to several thousand. As an individual, you can decide to join the suit or go your way and file an individual claim.

Why File a Lawsuit for Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a deadly type of cancer that can infect the lungs and spread to other organs. If you have developed this disease through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Considering that most mesothelioma cases are due to asbestos exposure, you can go after the responsible party.

The average mesothelioma lawsuit compensation averages between $1 and $1.4 million for a settlement and upwards of $2.4 million if a trial verdict is reached. While health insurance can cover most of the cost of treatment, it does not pay for many long-term expenses you may be facing for follow-up care, transportation costs, and other financial losses.

Ultimately, mesothelioma lawsuits help hold companies that use asbestos responsible for their actions. The dangerous properties of asbestos have been known since 1918. That was when the US Bureau of Labor Statistics found an abnormally high risk of early death among workers exposed to the substance. Sadly, more than 39,000 Americans die from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases annually today.

Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a sneaky substance that does not bring about immediate exposure symptoms. You would have to be around it for years before noticing any harm. Even then, you might not realize that asbestos is the cause of your health problems. Asbestos symptoms can match problems caused by other ailments and diseases. It is important to check for asbestos in your home before moving in to prevent prolonged exposure.

The symptoms of asbestos exposure include:

  • Wheezing
  • Hoarseness
  • Lingering cough
  • Feeling like you cannot get enough air
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swelling in the neck or face
  • Coughing up blood
  • Weight loss
  • Lack of appetite
  • Exhaustion
  • Anemia

If you have any of these symptoms, do not wait to see a doctor. After your appointment, call Phillips Law Group right away to seek compensation for your injuries.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Eligibility

If you want to file a lawsuit for asbestos exposure that caused mesothelioma, you must meet a few requirements.

These requirements include:

  • Having proper medical documentation of a mesothelioma diagnosis from medical professionals
  • Being able to prove the defendant caused the asbestos exposure
  • Submitting the lawsuit within the statute of limitations

Every state’s statute of limitations is different and can be anywhere between 1 and 4 years from the time the patient is diagnosed. Hiring a personal injury attorney can help you gather all the evidence you need and ensure all the paperwork is filed before the deadline that applies to you. He or she can guide you through the difficult and complicated legal process.

How to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

After you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may feel anxiety and have plenty of questions. How did this happen? Who is responsible for exposing me to asbestos? What are the next steps I should take?

Here is what you can do next.

Call Phillips Law Group

The average person knows very little about personal injury law. You can make things much easier and more stress-free by leaving it all up to the legal professionals to show you how to navigate the process.

When you contact Phillips Law Group for the first time, you will receive a free consultation. This is an in-depth conversation where you can ask questions freely and find the answers you are looking for.

We will probably ask you to share your medical history and discuss how you might have been exposed to asbestos. From this point on, our lawyers can do most of the heavy lifting.

Research the facts

Once the consultation with your lawyer is finished and he or she has taken on your case, it will be time to start collecting all the information and evidence possible. This is where your case will be built up. Evidence must be gathered to prove you were injured due to the negligence of the defendant.

The types of evidence your lawyer may collect include:

  • Witness statements
  • Medical reports
  • Employment history
  • Information to determine your compensation

You may be eligible for different types of compensation you may not know about yet. Your attorney will investigate everything to help you get every dollar you deserve. This includes all your economic losses as well as other awards. There may be asbestos trust funds and money set aside for veterans that you can claim. Your lawyer will know what you can qualify for.

Find a resolution

After the evidence has been combed through and you have a solid case, it will be time to find a resolution. Most personal injury cases are settled before they ever make it to court. Your lawyer will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement. If one cannot be reached, the case will go to trial.

If you developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, call Phillips Law Group today. We will help you get on the path to receiving the compensation you deserve. You have too many other worries on your plate already. Let us take care of the legal process for you. We have over 26 years of experience handling all kinds of personal injury cases.

For your free consultation, call Phillips Law Group. There is no fee unless you win your case.

The news of a diagnosis can bring on a range of emotions from fear to anxiety. Yet, when the illness is chronic, such as with mesothelioma, you may be devastated. Thoughts of how your life is about to permanently be altered may begin racing through your mind.

If it’s discovered that your diagnosis of mesothelioma could have been avoided, you may begin to feel anger at the responsible party and rightly feel that they should compensate for their negligence. However, in cases of mesothelioma, it can be extremely difficult to pursue compensation on your own.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the law firm of Phillips Law Group can help you to get the maximum amount of compensation for your suffering and losses – from all responsible parties. Our lawyers have years of experience in handling all types of personal injury cases, and we have helped more than 155,000 clients in over 25 years. Contact us so you won’t suffer alone.

What is Mesothelioma?

Most people have probably never heard of the thin layer of tissue that covers most of the organs in our bodies called mesothelium. One aggressive type of cancer that forms in this thin tissue is called mesothelioma. It is rather rare, with only about 3,000 people being diagnosed in the US every year.

This is a very serious condition. Sadly, although there are treatments including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, there is no cure for most people diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may vary but generally include the following:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Lumps under the skin on the chest
  • Difficulties swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Tiredness
  • Abdominal swelling and pain

Asbestos and mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure is by far the most common cause of a patient receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is composed of tiny fibers that are heat resistant, non-corrosive, and smaller than a human hair, yet stronger than steel. The substance has thus been used in thousands of products, such as paints, tiles, bricks, drywall, automobile parts, appliances, and books, for many decades throughout the US.

The harm that asbestos in its natural state can cause to humans is low. However, when asbestos is used in the production of products, it creates dust that can be inhaled or ingested. This dust is extremely toxic since it never leaves the body and gets trapped in the mesothelium, eventually resulting in cancer.

To develop mesothelioma, a person would likely have to inhale asbestos fibers for a while. This is why the vast majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have either worked in an industry where they have been exposed to asbestos or lived in a location where asbestos was present.

Asbestos Regulations in Place

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were both established by the federal government in 1970. The EPA and OSHA are the two main governmental agencies that regulate the use of asbestos in the workplace and in the environment in general.

The EPA

Laws and regulations were established by the EPA to limit the amount of asbestos that can be released into the environment in an effort to protect the health of the general public. In that regard, in 1989, the EPA issued a partial ban on the manufacturing and distribution of products that contain asbestos.

OSHA

OSHA’s primary focus is on employee safety in the workplace, having created regulations and standards that limit worker exposure to asbestos in the workplace. OSHA has stipulated that employers have a responsibility to ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of asbestos in excess of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter of air for over a sampling period of thirty minutes.

In order to comply with this regulation, an employer has the responsibility to post warning signs in asbestos work areas and periodically take samples of the air where employees are engaged in work. The methods used to take the samples and the results of lab analysis must be documented.

How Hiring a Lawyer Can Help Your Claim

Due to the complexities of the rules and regulations stipulated by the EPA and OSHA regarding asbestos handling, filing a claim for compensation is never a simple process. Not only is extensive knowledge of these laws and regulations needed, but it must also be proven that the diagnosis of mesothelioma is a direct result of negligence on the part of the victim’s employer or another entity.

For these reasons, the assistance of an asbestos attorney, who would be familiar with asbestos laws, would be vital for a victim to receive the maximum amount of compensation for damages. The laws regarding asbestos are constantly changing, so extensive legal knowledge regarding asbestos laws is especially needed.

Thus, it’s crucial to have the assistance of an asbestos attorney who would know what to look for to help with your case. In order to build and strengthen your claim, your asbestos lawyer would need to gather specific evidence, such as your medical records and history, products you may have worked with throughout the years, working conditions, and much more.

In some cases, a wrongful death lawsuit may need to be filed by family members if they have lost a loved one to this dreadful disease. Your Phillips Law Group lawyer will fight for you, even if your case must be argued in court.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive

When you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the results are definitely life-changing. As such, your attorney will pursue compensation for both incurred and future losses.

Some examples include:

  • Present and future lost income
  • Present and future medical expenses
  • Household renovation for disability
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Pain and emotional suffering
  • Wrongful death

Our Lawyers Stand Ready to Assist You

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lost a loved one from this disease, do not attempt to pursue compensation on your own. You need the team of experienced asbestos lawyers at Phillips Law Group in your corner. You may find yourself fighting against corporations or other entities that have teams of knowledgeable lawyers ready to defend the interests of the company.

Phillips Law Group is one of Arizona’s largest consumer law firms, and we have the resources nationwide to gather facts and determine whether your diagnosis of mesothelioma is the result of asbestos exposure from products or the workplace. Our attorneys can fight to make sure that you get the full compensation you are entitled to receive.

Fighting any type of cancer, or watching a loved one fight, can be draining emotionally, physically, and mentally. You don’t need the added stress of trying to pursue compensation that would assist with medical costs, so leave the legal matters to us.

Let the experienced lawyers of Phillips Law Group fight for you so that you can focus on your health and family. Call us today at (800) 706-3000 for a free consultation.

Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma for yourself or a loved one can send your life reeling. The lawyers at Phillips Law Group understand how intensely difficult this news can be for you and your family because we’ve seen the effects among our clients for many years.

Money cannot undo all the harm done to you or your loved one, of course. Nonetheless, a mesothelioma lawsuit can get you the financial compensation you need in order to focus on your health and family.

To determine whether or not you should sue for your mesothelioma diagnosis, keep reading. Or contact Phillips Law Group to schedule a free consultation – call (800) 706-3000.

What is Mesothelioma?

Every year, some 3,000 individuals in the US receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Though the diagnosis may be new, the reason for developing this illness could have occurred long before. In many cases, the cause of the mesothelioma occurred 25 to 50 years before the diagnosis.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer. It is a tumor that forms on the thin membrane that lines the lungs, chest, and abdomen. The medical name for this thin membrane is mesothelium. Thus, the name of this cancer originates with this part of the human body.

The mesothelium is a very important substance in the human body. One basic purpose that it serves is providing a slippery surface over the organs in the chest and abdomen. This is crucial during movement and even basic human functions, such as breathing. In a way, it acts on the body as motor oil does to a car engine.

Additionally, mesothelium serves to aid in immune functions. It helps fight bacteria and promotes blood clotting (coagulation). It seems to also impede cancer cells when they try to adhere (stick) to the digestive tract.

Mesothelioma can interfere with these important functions and body parts. It is aggressive cancer. Medical treatment is available. However, a cure is often unattainable.

Types of Mesothelioma

There are four types of mesothelioma tumors. They are:

  • Pleural
  • Peritoneal
  • Pericardial
  • Testicular

The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural. This form is so prevalent that it accounts for about 75 percent of all cases of mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms caused by mesothelioma differ with each person. However, in most cases, there are symptoms that are more prevalent, such as:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Respiratory complications
  • Pain in the chest or abdomen
  • Fever or night sweats
  • Fluid around the lungs
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Abdominal bloating

These are general symptoms. Other signs of the disease, not mentioned here, can also present themselves. An individual’s symptoms are unique since they can be influenced by the exact location of the tumor in the body.

How Are Mesothelioma and Asbestos Related?

Asbestos is frequently connected to mesothelioma. So much so that, at times, mesothelioma is referred to as asbestos lung cancer. Of the people who have had a long and consistent exposure to asbestos, between 2 percent to 10 percent are diagnosed later in life with pleural mesothelioma.

For some four decades, asbestos was included in the manufacturing of many key construction products. Consequently, construction workers who handled these products were repeatedly and directly exposed to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos fibers can become airborne quite easily in the process of construction. Saws, drills, hammers, and similar tools can loosen and detach the asbestos fibers into the air. Construction workers and other people could then inhale or swallow the airborne asbestos fibers. With each exposure, the quantity of asbestos increases within the human body.

These products could be encountered on a daily basis by everyday people working in and around locations where asbestos had been used in the construction. Yet, the asbestos exposure did not end there.

Additionally, the asbestos fibers could attach to clothes and be brought home where family members would be exposed to this dangerous product.

Fortunately, not all persons with contact with asbestos will become seriously ill. Nonetheless, this mineral fiber found in pipe insulation, fireproofing, plasters, types of cement, and much more was in widespread use for some forty years. The harmful symptoms often take decades to become apparent.

Does Asbestos Still Exist in the US in the 21st Century?

You may be thinking at this point that this dangerous product has been eliminated throughout the US in our 21st Century. Actually, it has not. Although asbestos is banned in some sixty countries globally, it can still be used legally in the US. However, employers must follow strict regulations connected with its use.

Currently, it is estimated that more than a million workers in the United States work in an environment with possible exposure to asbestos. Its use is found primarily in the fields of construction and general industry.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the following types of asbestos in the US:

  • Chrysotile(also known as white asbestos): This is the most widely used asbestos. Chrysotile is commonly found in the construction of houses and businesses – specifically with ceilings, walls, roofs, and floors. Additionally, it can be found in vehicle parts such as brake lining and gaskets.
  • Amosite (also called brown asbestos): Amosite is included in the making of cement sheets, pipe insulation, insulating boards, ceiling tiles, and products that aid in thermal insulation.
  • Crocidolite (also identified as blue asbestos): This asbestos is not nearly as popular today as in the past. In the past, it was primarily used to provide insulation for steam engines. In our modern century, it can be found in some plastics and cement products.
  • Anthophyllite: This is asbestos used in a very limited amount. It can usually be found in talc.
  • Tremolite and actinolite: These last two types of asbestos are not used commercially but are pollutants.

How Pursuing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Can Benefit You

After receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma, you might feel exhausted physically and emotionally. Further, the economic pressures connected to this illness can leave you depleted economically. The idea of pursuing a legal claim against an at-fault party can sometimes seem like too much to confront.

Phillips Law Group understands how overwhelming this situation can feel, and we want to help. Rest assured, our top priority is to reduce or even eliminate your stress, in part by getting you the financial compensation your situation requires.

Get compensation

By means of a claim, you significantly improve the likelihood of obtaining the compensation needed to cover your losses. By means of a lawsuit, you can obtain compensation for:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical bills
  • Medical equipment and care
  • Noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering

Get support

A lawsuit can sound like just another hassle in an already stressful situation. However, it is noteworthy that many mesothelioma claims are settled out of court.

In any case, an attorney can do the critical work to establish your case, such as:

  • Conducting an investigation of who is responsible for your mesothelioma
  • Forming and presenting your case
  • Negotiating on your behalf
  • Dealing with difficult and obstinate parties
  • Preparing and filing relevant legal documents

An attorney can handle all of these crucial steps and processes while you focus on your health.

How You Can Get Compensation for Mesothelioma?

If you received a diagnosis of mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos, please speak with a mesothelioma lawyer at Phillips Law Group. This can give you peace of mind.

We know and sympathize with how challenging it can be to pursue a legal claim while in pain. We want you to focus on your health, and we can address your legal concerns to help you do so.

Keep in mind that if we take on your case, there are no upfront fees. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Phillips Law Group today for a free case evaluation at 1-800-706-3000.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please know that Phillips Law Group is here to support you at this difficult time. We know that when a loved one receives a diagnosis of mesothelioma, this is a crushing emotional blow for the entire family, especially since this chronic disease tends to be incurable.

In practically all cases of mesothelioma, it is discovered that the diagnosis could have been prevented if someone would have taken the proper precautions. As such, if you or your loved one has received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, call Phillips Law Group as soon as possible at (800) 706-3000. You’re entitled to seek compensation from the liable party, and our lawyers with decades of experience can help you get fair compensation.

The Connection Between Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of flexible microscopic fibers. Some of the most common forms of asbestos include chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, and anthophyllite. Asbestos is also extremely durable, resistant to heat, and non-corrosive, yet a single fiber can be up to 700 times smaller than a human hair.

It’s these properties of asbestos that made the mineral the ideal component used for decades in manufacturing products in the construction, automotive, railroad, and other industries. Indeed, the use of asbestos in products became extremely widespread from paints and appliances in homes to hospital equipment used by healthcare workers.

In its natural state, asbestos is practically harmless to humans. However, when asbestos is broken or disturbed, the fibers are released into the air and become deadly if inhaled. Unlike most toxins that our bodies can eliminate if exposed to, asbestos never leaves the body once it’s inhaled. Exposure to asbestos over time results in a type of cancer known as mesothelioma.

Many companies continued using asbestos for decades even when well aware of the risk to health and life that their products could pose to users. Rather than make the necessary adjustments out of safety concerns, these companies chose to hide the risks in favor of profits. This is why, if you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it would be wise to speak with an asbestos lawyer today! You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer Now

A diagnosis of any type of cancer comes in four stages to indicate how far the disease has progressed. The higher the stage, the more the cancer has spread in the body, and the prognosis is bleak. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed at stage 3, which means life expectancy is greatly reduced. This is one reason why it is urgent to speak with an asbestos lawyer as soon as you or your loved one receives a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Another reason is that each state has set a limited time during which you can file a claim to get compensation from the liable party for the diagnosis of mesothelioma and related damages. In legal terms, this time limit is known as the statute of limitations. In Arizona, the statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma claim is 2 years from being diagnosed or 2 years from the death of your loved one.

Additionally, the two governmental agencies that are responsible for monitoring the use and handling of asbestos, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have established extensive laws and regulations for this purpose. Trying to navigate these complex, constantly changing laws on your own may only lead to a feeling of further frustration.

An asbestos lawyer is not only familiar with the current laws stipulated by the EPA and OSHA but also be aware of the history of asbestos usage in the county. Further, your lawyer will know what specific evidence may be needed regarding a mesothelioma claim and how to attain such evidence through investigation, medical records, work history, and other means. Thus, the sooner you get the assistance of an attorney for your claim, the better.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive

The dangers of asbestos have been known by manufacturers since at least the 1930s. However, throughout the decades since then, companies have chosen profits over the safety of workers and the environment in general. The results have been many victims of asbestosis and mesothelioma, both of which are life-changing diseases.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, do not forget that you have legal rights. You should not have to suffer for the careless actions of another. Let our law firm help you during this tough time to get just compensation for your loss. If you have lost a loved one to this dreadful disease, your lawyer can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family.

You may be compensated for economic and non-economic damages such as:

  • Present and long-term expenses for medical treatment
  • Present and long-term lost wages
  • Household renovation for disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Compensation for wrongful death

Get Your Claim in Good Hands Today

If you have been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the drastic change in your life. The physical pain, coupled with the mounting medical bills, and possible economic hardship may cause you much distress. Or if you have gone through the incredibly traumatic experience of losing a loved one to this dreadful disease, you may suffer a great deal of emotional anguish.

In either case, don’t suffer alone. Our lawyers, with extensive knowledge of asbestos law, can help you get a fair settlement for your losses that covers your medical expenses, emotional distress, and more. Although there is no way to truly compensate for the loss of a family member, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide you with a measure of justice and assist in securing your financial future.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to pursue compensation on your own. These big companies that may be found liable for damages have teams of highly skilled lawyers on hand whose sole purpose is to protect the interests of the company.

Neither is it advisable to agree to a settlement offered by any insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the amount of the claim since they know that most people aren’t aware of its true value.

That’s why you need a highly skilled law firm in your corner as soon as possible after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Lawyers intimately familiar with asbestos law will know how to calculate the true value of your claim so that you will receive full compensation for damages. The right attorneys for you will be prepared to argue your case in court if necessary.

Phillips Law Group is that law firm. Our team of lawyers has successfully recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for victims.

Get your claim in good hands today by calling for a free consultation. Our lawyers will fight for you so that you can focus on your health and family.