Cleveland Mesothelioma Lawyer
Cleveland Mesothelioma Lawyer
Were you exposed to asbestos while on the job, and were then diagnosed with mesothelioma or other type of cancer?
I have dedicated more than 40 years of my life to helping injured victims. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been awarded to my clients for their life-altering injuries, and I can help you too.
Call me today and I’ll Make Them Pay!® FREE Case Review. No Out of Pocket Costs.
What Should You Do if You are Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
Your health is the most important issue, and therefore understanding your treatment options is essential. Speak to your doctor or oncologist to discuss what treatment options are available to you.
Secondly, you must understand your legal rights. If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you were most likely exposed to asbestos. For decades, the asbestos insulation manufacturers knew that asbestos was hazardous, yet because of pure greed, they elected not to warn people of the danger. As a top mesothelioma attorney, the greed sickens me. However, you may have a right to monetary recovery against those manufacturers.
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is very important to contact me as soon as possible. There are strict statutes of limitations for filing a wrongful death or personal injury claim related to being exposed to asbestos and subsequently diagnosed with mesothelioma.
In Cleveland, Ohio some of my mesothelioma clients already receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, they may also recover damages in a separate personal injury lawsuit. Dependents who have lost a family member to wrongful death as a result of asbestos acquired mesothelioma, can also file for damages.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that consists of long, thin fibers. It has been used for various purposes due to its desirable properties such as heat resistance, durability, and insulating capabilities.
One of the main uses of asbestos has been in construction materials, including insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement products. It was also commonly used in automotive parts, textiles, and fireproofing materials. Its fire-resistant properties made it particularly appealing for many applications.
However, exposure to asbestos can pose severe health risks. The danger lies in the microscopic fibers released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. When these fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the lungs or other parts of the body.
Over time, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can cause various health conditions, including:
Asbestosis
This is a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring and inflammation of lung tissues. It can lead to breathing difficulties, coughing, and permanent lung damage.
Lung Cancer
Exposure to asbestos is a known cause of lung cancer. Smokers exposed to asbestos face an even higher risk.
Mesothelioma
This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
The latency period between being exposed to asbestos and the development of related diseases is often long, typically ranging from 10 to 50 years. This makes it challenging to identify and diagnose asbestos-related illnesses early on.
Due to the recognized health hazards, many countries have imposed strict regulations on the use of asbestos. In some cases, its use has been banned altogether. Proper handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials are essential to prevent fiber release and subsequent exposure.
It’s crucial for individuals who work in industries or environments where asbestos is present to follow safety protocols, such as wearing protective clothing and using appropriate respiratory equipment. Regular monitoring and testing of asbestos levels in buildings and facilities are necessary to ensure the safety of occupants and workers.
Mesothelioma is a catastrophic injury, and you are due financial compensation. If you live in the Cleveland, Ohio area, call me for a free consultation, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Symptoms Of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Here are some common symptoms associated with mesothelioma:
Persistent cough
A chronic cough that does not go away or worsens over time may be a symptom of mesothelioma. The tumor growth in the lining of the lungs or abdomen can irritate the respiratory system, leading to a persistent cough.
Shortness of breath
As mesothelioma progresses, it can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulty. This symptom may be accompanied by chest pain, and a feeling of tightness or heaviness in the chest.
Chest pain
Mesothelioma-related chest pain can be sharp, persistent, or dull in nature. It is often caused by the tumor pressing against the chest wall or affecting the nerves in the area.
Fatigue
People with mesothelioma may experience extreme tiredness and lack of energy. Fatigue can result from the body’s immune response to the disease, as well as the physical and emotional strain associated with battling cancer.
Unexplained weight loss
Rapid and unexplained weight loss can occur as mesothelioma progresses. Cancer-related weight loss is often due to a combination of factors, including loss of appetite, metabolic changes, and the body’s energy expenditure to fight the disease.
Abdominal pain and swelling
For individuals with peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the abdomen), abdominal pain, and swelling may occur. This can be caused by tumor growth and the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Bowel changes
Mesothelioma can affect the digestive system, leading to changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation. These changes can be caused by the tumor pressing against the intestines or other gastrointestinal disturbances.
If someone experiences these symptoms, particularly if they have a history of asbestos exposure, it is important to call your doctor. Then, if you are in or around Cleveland, Ohio, you need to call me!
Treatments For Mesothelioma
There are several treatment options available for mesothelioma, and the choice of treatment depends on factors such as the stage of the disease, location of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. Here are some common treatments for mesothelioma along with their side effects:
Surgery
Surgical options for mesothelioma include pleurectomy/decortication (removal of the pleural lining) and extrapleural pneumonectomy (removal of the affected lung and surrounding tissues). Side effects may include pain, infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, respiratory complications, and potential long-term effects such as decreased lung function or chest wall deformities.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs, either administered orally or intravenously, are used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Side effects can vary depending on the drugs used but may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, decreased blood cell counts, increased risk of infection, and potential damage to healthy cells.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy involves using high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Side effects can include fatigue, skin changes in the treated area (such as redness, itching, or dryness), loss of appetite, nausea, and potential damage to nearby healthy tissues or organs.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy drugs help stimulate the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Side effects may include fatigue, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches), skin rash, diarrhea, and potential immune-related adverse events affecting various organs.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy drugs target specific genetic or molecular abnormalities present in cancer cells, disrupting their growth. Side effects can vary depending on the specific drugs used but may include skin rashes, diarrhea, liver abnormalities, high blood pressure, and potential effects on other healthy cells or organs.
Multimodal therapy
This approach combines two or more treatment modalities, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, to optimize outcomes. Side effects can be cumulative and may vary depending on the specific combination of treatments utilized.
These treatments not only affect how you feel and have many side effects, but they are very expensive. Your long-term health may depend on these therapies. For over 40 years I have represented victims and their families, and you deserve to recover damages!
Mesothelioma Facts:
- Approximately 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed annually in the USA.
- Mesothelioma is 3X more common in men than in women.
- Mesothelioma is 10X greater in men aged 60 – 70 than in men aged 30-40.
- 8 million US workers have been exposed to asbestos over the last 50 years.
- Up to 300,000 new cases of mesothelioma are expected to occur over the next decade.
- Exposure to asbestos is the single known cause of malignant mesothelioma.
- People exposed to asbestos 30, 40, 50, and even 60 years ago are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma. This means that although exposure to asbestos may have taken place years prior, the disease can lay dormant and then present itself 10 to 50 years later.
Call Me Today and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Jobs With Most Asbestos Exposure
Several occupations have historically been associated with a higher risk of exposure due to the nature of the work and the prevalent use of asbestos-containing materials. Here are some jobs commonly linked to exposure:
Construction workers
Construction workers, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and insulation installers, may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials during the renovation, repair, or demolition of buildings constructed before asbestos regulations were implemented. They may encounter asbestos in insulation, pipes, flooring, roofing materials, and various construction products.
Shipyard workers
Shipyard workers, including shipbuilders, repairers, and maintenance personnel, were exposed to asbestos in shipbuilding materials such as insulation, gaskets, pipes, boiler rooms, and engine components. The confined spaces and poor ventilation within ships increased the risk of asbestos fiber inhalation.
Industrial workers
Workers in industries such as manufacturing, power generation, chemical plants, and refineries may encounter asbestos in equipment, machinery, boilers, pipes, and insulation used to protect against heat and fire. Maintenance and repair tasks in these settings could lead to exposure.
Automotive mechanics
Mechanics who worked with older vehicles and brake or clutch repairs were at risk of being exposed. Many older pads, clutches, and gaskets contained asbestos, and when these components were damaged or replaced, asbestos fibers could be released into the air.
Insulators
Insulators installed and maintained insulation materials in various industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Asbestos was commonly used in insulation due to its fire-resistant properties, so insulators faced direct contact with asbestos-containing materials during installation and removal.
Demolition workers
Demolition workers involved in tearing down or renovating older structures faced a significant risk of being exposed. Breaking down asbestos-containing materials without proper precautions or protective gear could release asbestos fibers into the air, putting workers at risk.
Ohio Jobs Where You May Have Been Exposed To Asbestos
You or a family member may have been exposed to asbestos on the job at one of the following hazardous facilities:
- General Motors plants in Norwood, Warren or Mansfield
- American Sheet & Tin Plate Company in Alliance
- Columbus Steel Company
- General Electric in Canton
- Goodyear Aircraft in Canton
- Ford Motor Company in Cincinnati
- American Steel Foundry in Alliance
- Dayton Power & Light
- Akron Gas Company
- B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company in Avon Lake
- Diamond Rubber Company in South Akron
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Akron
At the Law offices of Tim Misny in Cleveland, Ohio, I work night and day to fight for our community. For over 40 years, I have fought with greedy firms who place profit above the health of consumers.