If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos, do not hesitate to contact Tamaki Law. You might be entitled to compensation from the negligent party responsible for the exposure.
Tamaki Law understands the complications you’ve experienced since your diagnosis. Mesothelioma is an illness that affects the lining of the lungs and can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms. Unfortunately, the long-term consequences of asbestos exposure are severe and could become fatal. To make the process less stressful, we offer a free case evaluation and free legal consultation, so you can discuss your options with no obligation or upfront cost.
Whether you were around or handled asbestos at your job or lived in an area with airborne particles, your mesothelioma diagnosis could be from exposure to asbestos. You have a right to hold the at-fault party liable for placing you in harm’s way and causing the suffering you endured. In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma claim is typically three years from the date of diagnosis, so it is important to act promptly.
The mesothelioma mass tort lawyers of Tamaki Law are ready to fight for you. Our results include documented settlements and verdicts within Washington. We will provide dependable representation and legal services from start to finish of the process. Tamaki Law operates on a contingency fee basis, so you generally pay no attorney’s fees unless we obtain compensation for your case. You can count on our legal team to advocate for you and remain by your side throughout your case. We encourage you to consult with multiple mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers to gauge their familiarity with local exposure sites, state laws, and court procedures. Washington has seen a significant number of mesothelioma cases, making it important to choose an attorney with substantial experience in Washington’s asbestos laws and statutes of limitations. Call today for your free consultation.
Introduction to Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals once widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Asbestos containing materials were common in insulation, flooring, and other building products, putting workers and residents at risk. Because mesothelioma can take decades to develop after initial exposure to asbestos, many individuals are diagnosed with mesothelioma years after working with or around these hazardous materials. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to consult mesothelioma lawyers who understand the legal process and can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Dangers of Asbestos
Many years ago, asbestos exposure used to be a dangerous problem few people fully understood. Most people were aware of its existence but didn’t realize it could cause serious health issues.
Nowadays, safety measures are in place to protect anyone encountering the toxic substance, such as employees in factories and on construction sites. However, new protocols can’t protect individuals who were exposed to asbestos decades ago and now face adverse side effects.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), asbestos is carcinogenic to humans. This classification is due to the substance’s ability to cause mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, and other asbestos related illnesses after exposure.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral resistant to heat and highly durable. It has been used to manufacture common asbestos products, such as flooring materials, ceiling tiles, brake pads, and insulation. Asbestos products were widely used in job sites across Washington State, including construction sites, oil refineries, and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. If anything disturbs the product containing asbestos, tiny fibers can release into the air.
Washington has a high rate of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases due to extensive industrial use of asbestos in various sectors. Approximately 981 shipments of asbestos-containing vermiculite were sent to Washington from a mine in Libby, Montana, between 1948 and 1993, with most shipments going to Seattle and Spokane. Construction workers and workers at the Hanford Nuclear Site faced especially high risks, with Hanford workers reported to be many times more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to the general public.
Anyone who comes in contact with these airborne fibers could inhale them. Long-term exposure can lead to a range of medical conditions. As the fibers travel through the body, inflammation and tissue damage can occur. Scar tissue forms, and eventually, cancerous tumors can develop.
Most Common Groups Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
High-risk individuals who come in contact with asbestos frequently and over long periods are more likely to develop mesothelioma than other groups. Constant exposure can come from breathing in airborne fibers and handling the toxic substance at work.
The groups most at risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Painters
- Firefighters
- Oil rig workers
- Electricians
- Railroad workers
- Auto repair employees
- Factory workers
- Construction and demolition workers
- Navy personnel
- Lumber and paper mill workers
- Boiler technicians
- Shipyard workers
Many asbestos victims and victims affected by exposure worked at job sites across Washington State, including oil refineries and construction sites, where asbestos was heavily used.
Although these high-risk individuals are more likely to develop mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, other people can also come in contact with asbestos. Anyone living near an area containing asbestos could breathe in particles from the air or consume contaminated water or food.
Types and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma begins to form in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue surrounding most of a person’s internal organs. It is an aggressive type of cancer and can be deadly without early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer, as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestos exposure is suspected, it is important to seek both medical and legal guidance, as legal representation can help pursue compensation for those affected.
The symptoms experienced depend on the type of mesothelioma to develop. The two main types of mesothelioma are below.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of mesothelioma, often develops in individuals exposed to asbestos at job sites and forms in the tissue around the lungs. The most common symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Lumps of tissue underneath the skin in the chest area
- Painful coughing
- Chest pain
If it spreads to a person’s chest, pleural mesothelioma can cause complications, such as:
- Trouble swallowing
- Pain resulting from pressure on the nerves and spinal cord
- Difficulty breathing and chest pain
- A build-up of fluid in the chest causing compression of the lungs
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen. When someone inhales or ingests asbestos fibers, they can become embedded in the abdominal lining, leading to inflammation and tumor formation.
The most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
- Nausea
- Swollen abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for mesothelioma. It develops aggressively and isn’t diagnosed in most people until it reaches an advanced stage. However, if you catch it early, you could undergo surgery to remove the tumors and chemotherapy. Successful treatment could manage symptoms and prolong a person’s life.
Compensation Available for Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos claims can be filed as personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits, allowing mesothelioma victims and their families to seek compensation for asbestos-related injuries. Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers help clients understand their legal rights and the process of asbestos litigation. Many mesothelioma claims are resolved through settlements, which can allow families to receive compensation without a trial.
Mass tort lawsuits and wrongful death cases are common among individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families. During a mass tort lawsuit, a group of plaintiffs with similar symptoms from asbestos exposure can pursue legal action against the same defendant. Consolidating each person’s case offers a more streamlined process. Everyone works on the unique parts of their lawsuits individually but with the goal of seeking compensation from the same defendant.
The courts don’t award plaintiffs the same amount of money in mass tort lawsuits. Each person receives an award based on the circumstances of their case. The compensation you receive could cover the losses you suffered, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Disability or disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
Asbestos lawyers can also help file claims with asbestos trust funds, which provide compensation for some mesothelioma victims without the need for a trial. If your loved one died from mesothelioma due to the negligent party responsible for exposing them to asbestos, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit. The compensation recovered by surviving family members could cover losses such as:
- Loss of the deceased’s companionship, love, affection, and care
- Lost financial support the deceased could have provided if they were still alive
- Funeral and burial costs
- Final medical bills
- The value of lost household services provided by the deceased
Understanding the Legal Process
Bringing a mesothelioma case involves specific procedures and deadlines. After a mesothelioma diagnosis, the first step is often to consult with an asbestos attorney who can evaluate your case. Your legal team will investigate your history of asbestos exposure, gather evidence, and identify the parties that may be responsible for your illness. Once your claim is prepared, your mesothelioma attorneys can file a lawsuit on your behalf and guide you through each stage of the legal system. This may include negotiating settlements or, if necessary, representing you in court. Throughout the process, your attorneys will help you understand your legal options and work to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to your mesothelioma diagnosis.
Role of Mesothelioma Attorneys
Mesothelioma attorneys handle asbestos litigation and understand the legal system that applies to these cases. They focus on representing clients who have been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos related diseases. A law firm with experience in mesothelioma cases can influence how effectively your claim is presented. These attorneys use their local knowledge and background in asbestos law to build cases, identify sources of asbestos exposure, and pursue compensation for their clients. When choosing a mesothelioma lawyer, look for a team that offers a free consultation, demonstrates familiarity with asbestos laws, and has handled cases similar to yours. Their guidance and advocacy can be important in asbestos litigation.
Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
A free consultation and case evaluation are important first steps for anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma. During this meeting, your attorney will review your medical history, discuss your asbestos exposure, and explain the legal process for mesothelioma cases. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, explore your legal options, and learn how the attorney can help you pursue compensation. This initial consultation is provided at no cost and with no obligation, allowing you to make informed decisions about your next steps. By working with a mesothelioma attorney, you can protect your rights and receive guidance tailored to your situation.
Contact Us
Mesothelioma is a life-altering diagnosis that can create significant challenges for individuals and their families. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, seeking help from mesothelioma lawyers can be an important step. The right law firm will guide you through the legal process, help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, and provide support during this difficult time. Choose a legal team with experience in mesothelioma cases, knowledge of the legal system, and a commitment to pursuing the most favorable results the law allows for their clients. Do not hesitate to reach out for a free consultation and case evaluation to discuss your situation and take steps toward seeking financial compensation.
Tamaki Law has fought for the rights of Washington clients since 1994. We approach each case with a clean slate and tailor our services to meet the unique needs of every client. You can count on our team to aggressively pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
If you were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, call Tamaki Law at (800) 801-9564 right now for your free consultation with one of our mesothelioma mass tort lawyers.