Atlanta Mesothelioma Attorneys

Mesothelioma Caused by Exposure to Asbestos

A very severe and often deadly type of cancer, mesothelioma typically affects a person's abdomen, lungs, and heart. In most cases, it is found to have been caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a mineral fiber that has been used in building construction materials and other products. The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have worked at jobsites where they have inhaled the asbestos, or they have been exposed to asbestos fiber and dust in various other ways. Even after the dangers of asbestos were made public, many employees still suffer due to those responsible for the working environment failing to take adequate steps to protect workers from asbestos exposure. In these instances, it is critical that victims who have developed mesothelioma do what they can to ensure responsible parties are held liable.

Every year, it is estimated that there are close to 10,000 asbestos-related fatalities in the United States, which is a rate of approximately 30 deaths per day, reports the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Action Fund. Further, men in particular are affected by asbestos, with the disease killing about one out of every 125 men over the age of 50 in the U.S. It is believed that asbestos is still a danger for around 1.3 million workers in the construction industry in the U.S., as well as for workers that are involved in building and equipment maintenance.

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Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Depending on the location of mesothelioma, the symptoms of the disease can vary. The most common form is mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs (pleura). The following symptoms are related to this type of mesothelioma:

• Chest discomfort/pain
• Chronic coughing
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

Peritoneal mesothelioma, a version of the cancer that grows in the lining of the abdomen, is generally classified by the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Swelling in the abdominal area
• Weight loss

Mesothelioma that affects the heart lining (the pericardium) causes the following symptoms:

• Chest discomfort/pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart palpitations
• Night sweats
• Normal heartbeat disruptions

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Diagnosing and Treating Mesothelioma

Unfortunately, in most cases the symptoms of mesothelioma only appear many years or even decades after asbestos exposure. Diagnosing mesothelioma typically begins with a patient undergoing one or more non-invasive imaging scans, such as chest X-rays, MRIs and CT scans. After these scans are conducted and a doctor believes mesothelioma is the cause of a patient's symptoms, a scope will be utilized to perform a more thorough investigation of the lung or abdominal area. If abnormal tissue is discovered, a portion will be removed and then examined by a pathologist for an official diagnosis to be made.

If a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is crucial that the cancer is treated quickly and aggressively in order to increase the patient's chances of survival. A combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation is often used by doctors to treat mesothelioma. However, despite aggressive treatment, patients with the cancer often have a poor prognosis.

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Georgia Mesothelioma Lawyers Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you likely have many questions and are struggling financially with the costs related to the disease. Consulting with an Atlanta mesothelioma attorney can help you understand what legal options are available to you as well as how you can obtain compensation for your damages and losses.

The Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Grant Law Office can help you determine whether you have a valid claim against a negligent employer, and if appropriate, build a strong case on your behalf. We pride ourselves on only taking on meritorious cases, which gives us the opportunity to provide our clients with the high level of legal representation they need. To learn how we can help you during this difficult time, call (404) 995-3955.

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Additional Information

• Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment
• Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
• What is Malignant Mesothelioma?
• Malignant Mesothelioma Info from the American Cancer Society
• Malignant Mesothelioma—Patient Version