How Elderly Asbestos Victims Benefit From A Mesothelioma Attorney

Updated on April 13, 2020

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For people who have been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period, contracting serious diseases like cancer and other respiratory and skin conditions is a common occurrence. But just because we know that this is almost an expected outcome, doesn’t mean we don’t have to do something about it. To make injured victims whole again and prevent future situations from occurring, two things must be done urgently. First, companies must dispose of asbestos properly. And secondly, victims and advocates should hire the services of Mesothelioma lawyers from firms like Bergman Legal to fight for fair settlements from violators. 

What is mesothelioma? 

Mesothelioma is a kind of malignant tumor caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. These fibers form in the heart, abdomen, and the lining of the lungs. Its symptoms include chest pains and shortness of breath. Most patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have a life expectancy of only 12 months after their diagnosis. Treatments in the form of radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery can improve the prognosis but don’t guarantee full recovery. 

Currently, more than 3,000 mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the United States yearly, 75% of these cases are pleural mesothelioma. Elderly people are more susceptible to this disease, with 69 years old being the average age of most mesothelioma patients. Patients with two or more of these symptoms may be suffering from the disease: 

  • Muscle weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Pleural effusion or fluid around the lungs
  • Night sweats and fever
  • Abdominal and chest pain
  • Respiratory complications
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry cough

What can your mesothelioma lawyer do for you? 

Your lawyer can do so many things to help you build your case. First and foremost, if you’re the victim, your lawyer can help you determine your legal causes of action. He will inquire and probe deeper to fully understand and grasp your case. From there, he will determine how to file an appropriate claim.

After he establishes that you have a legal cause of action, he will prepare your complaint affidavit and have the same filed in court. He will also make sure that all the civil procedures are followed to avoid losing the case because of mere technicalities. Part of this is making sure that summons are served to the opposing party to afford them a chance to confront their accuser. It is also your lawyer’s responsibility to publish the summons in the event that the accused can no longer be found at their last known address. The publication of such summons in a newspaper of general circulation will serve as a constructive notice to the absentee or in-hiding defendant. 

Once the summons is served, the lawyer will make sure that you send a reply to the other party’s response. If the prosecutor decides that you have a probable cause to file the case in court, your lawyer will take care of all steps. During the proceedings, your lawyer will be your legal representative, arguing on your behalf before the judge and jury. He will also question the witnesses of the other party to prove and strengthen your case. Your lawyer will also be the one to fight for the rightful damages that should be awarded to you.

Your Mesothelioma lawyer may not provide you with the medical cure for your illness, but they will be your allies in making sure that those who caused your disease will pay for all the harm they’ve caused. And that is the kind of justice you and other mesothelioma victims deserve. 

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