Mesothelioma & Asbestos

The number of people diagnosed with asbestos caused diseases in the U.S. continues to increase. Experts believe 60,000 mesothelioma deaths will occur between 2010 and 2030.

Industrial Accidents

Work related injuries harm up to 14 million people annually, with harms including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputations, burns, and electrocutions. Around 20,000 to 60,000 workers die each year from accidents, toxins, and violence at their jobs.

Product Defects

Millions of consumers and workers are injured each year because of defective products. Defects can occur when a product is designed poorly, when a product is manufactured in a manner that differs from the intended design, or when the product does not contain proper warnings or instructions. Defects can occur in automobiles, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, construction equipment, toys, and other goods.

Nursing Home Abuse

Between 1.5 and 2 million elderly reside in nursing home facilities, with studies revealing that 44% have suffered some form of abuse. Many believe the actual number of residents suffering abuse is much higher. Neglect and abuse may result in serious emotional, physical, and financial harm

Our Experience

Paul & Hanley’s legal team has produced some of the most notable verdicts and highest settlements in the United States. Over 500 of our clients have each obtained in excess of 1 million dollars. Over 250 have recovered multi-million dollar recoveries.

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Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosis

Obtaining a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
 
If you are worried that you have mesothelioma, you should immediately contact your doctor. Malignant mesothelioma may not become apparent until twenty, thirty or even fifty years after the first exposure to asbestos, but it can be very aggressive once it takes hold.  Because the symptoms of mesothelioma are not unique to the disease, a mesothelioma diagnosis can be difficult to determine and therefore may take a while; another good reason to go in to see your doctor early.
 
To determine whether a person has mesothelioma, doctors may use one or more of these diagnostic methods:
 
•Chest X-ray or CAT Scan (CT or Computerized Tomography)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography)
• PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)
• Transbronchial biopsy (a flexible, lighted scope is passed down the trachea to the bronchi area of the lungs)
• Thoracotomy (surgical incision into chest)
• Thoracoscopy (surgical incision into chest with examination by small fiber optics camera)
• Centesis (draining and evaluation of pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial fluid)
 
Mesothelioma is Often Misdiagnosed
 
Because mesothelioma symptoms are not unique and the disease is relatively rare, cases of mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed.  A review of the patient's medical and work history is an important part of assessing the risk of mesothelioma.  If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos, you are at risk for mesothelioma and it is important to share your work experience with your doctor.  Asbestos fibers can also be carried into the home on clothing, inadvertently exposing family members to the deadly fibers and the risk of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma diagnosis is serious, but treatments are available. The chance of recovery, or prognosis, depends on the size of the cancer, where the cancer is, how far the cancer has spread, how the cancer cells look under the microscope, how the cancer responds to treatment, and the patient's age.
 
New Ways to Diagnose Mesothelioma
 
Doctors are studying new ways to diagnose this often difficult-to-diagnose disease.  Diagnostic trials exist to assist in this endeavor. One example of a diagnostic trial involves using multiple biomarkers for diagnosing pleural effusions. Other examples of recent trails include: 
 
•Study of F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FluGlucoScan) in Patients With Known or Suspected Cancers of Low Incidence
•Prospective Study of Epigenetic Alterations in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, or Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
•Vibration Response Imaging (VRI) in Lung Cancer Patients
•The Use of Breathing Synchronized CT and PET Scans in Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning 
•Improving Functional Outcomes in Patients With Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis: Assessment of Adaptation Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
 
For further information on diagnostic trials, visit the National Cancer Institute.
 
Paul & Hanley LLP has an outstanding track record of success, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion.  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or any asbestos related disease from asbestos exposure we can help you file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. We also handle car injury cases, wrongful death cases, product defect cases, premises liability cases, and work related injury cases. Our experienced legal team is here to help you get just financial compensation for your injuries.

    * More than 25 years of experience in Mesothelioma and Asbestos litigation.
    * More than 1 billion dollars in settlements.
    * Over 500 of our clients have recovered in excess of 1 million dollars.

Call us today at 800.281.9804 for a free and confidential consultation.
 

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