Yuma Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma is a rare form of aggressive cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many internal organs, also known as the mesothelium. Many mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos. When these fibers are inhaled, they become firmly attached into the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Over time, this can cause scarring and inflammation, which can lead to the development of tumors. Most victims who were exposed to asbestos fibers are unaware of the dangers until it is too late. Once a victim has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, life expectancy is typically has less than one year.

If you or a loved one are suffering from mesothelioma, you need legal representation as soon as possible. The Yuma mesothelioma lawyers at Phillips Law Group have been helping residents throughout Arizona for close to three decades and have the resources and experience to fully investigate your claim. We have recovered millions in compensation on behalf of our clients and are ready to help protect your legal rights.

To speak with a member of our legal team, call 1-800-706-3000 . There are no upfront fees for our services and your consultation is 100 percent free.

We are available 24/7 to take your call or chat online. Ph: 1-800-706-3000

Am I Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Case?

Since mesothelioma is a rare, but very aggressive form of cancer, those that are affected by this health condition, in most instances, may be eligible to take legal action.

As each case is different, this is a difficult question to answer specifically until we learn more about your situation. This is why we recommend reaching out to a mesothelioma lawyer at our firm to review your claim and discuss the possible legal options available to you.

What is the Value of My Mesothelioma Case?

The value of your mesothelioma case and your legal options for recovering damages will depend on several factors. In the event a company is responsible for you and many others developing a disease related to asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, you may be eligible to seek compensation through one of several mesothelioma trust funds.

These funds are generally managed by trustees, and they are responsible for determining how much compensation is paid to anyone who files against the company. In order to qualify for compensation, you must prove that you have suffered from asbestos exposure. Eligibility requirements could include meeting certain medical criteria, such as the stage of your health condition, the extent of your asbestos exposure, the number of dependents in your household, as well as your marital status.

If you had a family member that passed away from mesothelioma, there are no damage caps or limits on the amount of damages you may be able to recover on behalf of your loved one in a wrongful death lawsuit. We invite you to contact our Yuma mesothelioma lawyers to discuss your claim and potential legal options during a free consultation.

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?

In Arizona, most mesothelioma claims must generally be filed within two years from the date of your diagnosis. However, depending on the particulars of your situation, you may have a later or much earlier filing requirement. Regardless of the filing deadline, also called a statute of limitations, it is worth mentioning that mesothelioma claims are often complicated. Your attorney needs time to build a strong case, so we encourage you to not delay if you think you may have a claim.

If you have any questions about the legal process or are unsure if your time to file has passed, contact one of our licensed Yuma mesothelioma attorneys for legal advice today.

Call 1-800-706-3000 now for your free and confidential consultation.

Mesothelioma Cases Our Firm Handles

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma, which are defined based on the location where the cancer develops and its cell types. At Phillips Law Group, our legal team is prepared to take cases involving various types of mesothelioma, including:

Pleural Mesothelioma

This is the most common form of mesothelioma accounting for about 70 percent of these cases. The tumor forms in the pleural lining, or the chest. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, significant weight loss, fever and fatigue. With treatment, life expectancy for victims with stage 1 pleural mesothelioma is at least three years while victims with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma is about one year or 12 months.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This disease accounts for 10 to 20 percent of mesothelioma cases. The tumor forms in the lining of the abdomen, also known as the peritoneum. Symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling, bloating, loss of appetite and changes in bowel movements.

While there is less research available on this type of mesothelioma compared to pleural, the prognosis for this tumor is much better. About half of the victims diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma who undergo surgery and heated chemotherapy can live for at least five years or more after their initial diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

This type of mesothelioma is very rare. There are approximately only 200 known cases reported. The tumor forms in the lining of the heart or pericardium. Symptoms include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, coughing and breathing problems. Victims diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma who undergo surgery typically have a life expectancy of six weeks to 15 months.

Testicular Mesothelioma

This disease is the most rare, accounting for less than 100 cases reported in the medical field. The tumor forms in the lining of the testes. Symptoms include scrotal swelling and painless testicular lumps. Victims who are diagnosed with testicular mesothelioma who undergo surgery and chemotherapy may live up to two years or more after diagnosis.

Although mesothelioma treatments are available, for many victims with the disease, a cure is not possible. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe that you may have a case, contact our lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your situation. We can determine if you may have grounds to take legal action.

Fill out ourFree Case Evaluation formto get started.

Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The disease begins as tiny nodules in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Each type of mesothelioma displays different symptoms, depending on where the cancer occurs. Mesothelioma typically does not cause symptoms until as long as 20 to 50 years after the initial asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to diagnose early, which is why the disease is usually in an advanced stage when it is discovered.

Chest pain, weight loss and fatigue are common symptoms that do not appear until the tumors begin to press against the nerves, organs, bones and other parts of the body. This commonly happens during stage 3 or stage 4 of the disease.

Some of the most common mesothelioma symptoms include:

  • Dry cough or wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Respiratory problems
  • Chest pain
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Fever or night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Muscle weakness
  • Blot clots
  • Coughing up blood
  • Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs)

When symptoms are identified and treated quickly, victims of mesothelioma may have a better chance of living longer and have an improved quality of life. A biopsy can confirm whether you have the disease. A routine exam, such as an X-ray or blood test may also detect something abnormal. This is why if you do have any symptoms, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. Your medical records can also serve as a vital piece of evidence to help strengthen your claim.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos has a long history and has been used everywhere in the U.S. The naturally occurring mineral was incorporated into thousands of construction, commercial and even household products. This included, but was not limited to:

  • Concrete and cement
  • Bricks
  • Pipes
  • Drywall
  • Insulation
  • Roofing
  • Flooring
  • Paints

Asbestos was also imported into household items, like plastics, rubber, electrical appliances and gloves, to name a few. Now it is not only an established fact that working with asbestos products puts anyone’s health at risk, it has also been proven to cause cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) did not regulate asbestos exposure in the workplace until introducing the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970, which went into effect in 1971. While regulations have reduced the risk of exposure in the workplace, there is still a risk of asbestos exposure for many occupations. These include the following:

  • Construction workers
  • Miners
  • Welders
  • Firefighters
  • Iron workers
  • Industrial workers
  • Roofers
  • Insulators
  • Factory workers
  • Plumbers
  • Shipyard employees
  • Boiler mechanics
  • Steel mill workers
  • Power plant workers

The construction industry is the most heavily impacted by asbestos exposure, especially among demolition crews and renovation workers. While some occupations may only expose workers to low levels of asbestos, it is how often a worker may inhale or ingest harmful amounts of asbestos fibers over an extended period of time that can increase his or her risk of developing this disease.

If you work in one of these types of occupations and have developed symptoms that appear to be linked to mesothelioma, you may be eligible to take legal action for the harm you have suffered.

Talk to a member of our legal team by calling 1-800-706-3000 .

Call Our Yuma Mesothelioma Lawyers Today

Our Yuma mesothelioma lawyers at Phillips Law Group understand that while no amount of compensation can change the outcome of what happened, it may help ease some financial burdens often associated with the recovery process. We have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients, and we are prepared to try to seek maximum compensation for you if you have a mesothelioma case.

We are ready to discuss your claim during a free and confidential consultation. There is no risk or obligation to take legal action. There are also no upfront fees for our services. We do not get paid unless you do.

Call Phillips Law Group 1-800-706-3000 24/7 by phone or online chat.