Fort Worth Mesothelioma Lawyers

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure that forms in the lining of the lungs and other organs. It can take several decades to develop inside the body and after receiving a diagnosis, victims often have about one year to live.

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with this deadly form of cancer, you may be eligible to take legal action for the financial, physical and emotional losses you have had to endure.

Contact the Fort Worth mesothelioma lawyers at Anderson & Cummings today for a free review of your claim. We are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation amount on your behalf. Our firm has recovered more than $100 million in compensation for our clients. Partner John Cummings is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is also Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

An initial consultation is completely free with no obligation to retain our legal services. You pay nothing up front and there are no fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

Trusted. Local. Lawyers. Call: (877) 920-9009.

How Do I Know I Have a Fort Worth Mesothelioma Case?

Thousands of workers who were exposed to asbestos in consumer products, buildings, electrical wiring and more could be eligible to file a case for compensation. However, since every case is unique, it is best to consult with an experienced lawyer to review your situation and discuss possible legal options.

These cases can be especially complex since mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose until decades after asbestos exposure, and many symptoms may resemble other medical conditions. You may have a valid case if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease by a doctor.

You and your lawyer will also need to prove a history of exposure and the time and place you were exposed to this mineral. Our legal team knows how to investigate these cases, gather medical records, work history information, and any other evidence to help establish the asbestos-containing products you were exposed to and whether this exposure was occupational or secondary in nature.

How Much Could My Case Be Worth?

The value of a mesothelioma case will depend on certain different factors, such as the kinds of medical treatment you have received and other out-of-pocket costs you incur.

Generally, you may be eligible to pursue compensation to help cover:

Non-economic damages may also be available to help cover:

• Physical and mental pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship and consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If you have questions about mesothelioma compensation, do not hesitate to reach out to a licensed Fort Worth mesothelioma lawyer from our firm. We know how to assess the value of these cases.

Anderson & Cummings. Free Case Evaluations. Ph: (877) 920-9009.

Liable Parties for Asbestos Exposure

Liable parties could include any individual, corporation or legal entity whose negligence caused the victim to be exposed to asbestos, resulting in a life-threatening medical condition.

Former employers are commonly held liable for knowingly subjecting employees to asbestos exposure without warning of the dangerous risks with this mineral. This includes not providing the necessary personal protective equipment (i.e. eyewear, respirators, rubber boots, disposable gloves and coveralls).

Other potentially liable parties, include, but are not limited to:

• Manufacturers who used asbestos when creating products for mass distribution
• Mining companies who mined this mineral for its resistance to heat and fire
• Shipbuilding companies who used asbestos in vessels, construction, equipment and products for its durability and fireproofing
• U.S. Armed Forces for having service members handling asbestos products and living in asbestos-insulated quarters
• Property owners have a duty to test for asbestos, remove known asbestos, or notify tenants or workers of exposure
• State and local government entities with asbestos-containing materials in their buildings

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action in Texas?

Generally, a mesothelioma claim must be filed within two years from the date of your diagnosis. This is in accordance with the statute of limitations in Texas for a personal injury. Failure to file within the two-year window will likely result in a court dismissal and an inability to pursue compensation.

To avoid missing the deadline, it is important to begin gathering evidence and filing a claim sooner rather than rather. The best way to do so is by hiring a lawyer with experience handling these cases. Our Fort Worth mesothelioma attorneys are standing by to take your call anytime, day or night.

Have Questions? We Have Answers.

Are There Different Types of Mesothelioma?

There are four main types of mesothelioma, based on where the tumors can develop in the body. At Anderson Cummings, we are prepared to take on cases involving various forms of this disease.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs. It is the most common form of cancer caused by asbestos, accounting for about 70 percent of all known cases. The prognosis for victims living with peritoneal mesothelioma is three years at stage one or up to one year at stage four with treatment.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen and accounts for 10 to 20 percent of all known cases. The prognosis for more than half of victims living with peritoneal mesothelioma is at least five years after surgery in combination with heated chemotherapy.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart. It is an extremely rare form of cancer, accounting for about 200 of all known mesothelioma cases. The prognosis for victims living with pericardial mesothelioma is usually from six weeks to 15 months at the latest with treatment.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma develops in the lining of the testes. It is the rarest form of mesothelioma, accounting for less than 100 reported cases. The prognosis for victims living with testicular mesothelioma is two years after diagnosis with surgery and chemotherapy.

Mesothelioma often remains undiagnosed until it has reached the later stages of the disease. Once a diagnosis is made, doctors may find the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, making it much harder to treat. In these cases, a doctor may suggest certain treatments for pain management.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

It can take between 20 and 50 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest.

Some of these symptoms may include:

A biopsy is the only way to determine a mesothelioma diagnosis. Imaging tests and blood work may also detect early signs of the disease, but because symptoms can resemble other, less serious diseases, it can be very challenging to detect. That is why it is important to see a doctor if you suspect or have a known history of exposure to asbestos. After a diagnosis, your medical records could help support your claim.

Can Mesothelioma Be Cured?

Unfortunately, mesothelioma cannot be cured. However, if the disease is caught early, the prognosis may be better. There are several treatment options that could extend a victim’s life expectancy.

Researchers continue to develop and improve new diagnostic methods and treatments that may one day lead to a cure. For example, cytoreductive surgery in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can effectively prolong the lives of victims with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Differences Between Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

Many people often assume that mesothelioma is the same thing as lung cancer. Although both forms of cancer share similar symptoms that affect the lungs, they are distinctly different.

Lung cancer forms in the lung tissue whereas mesothelioma can form in the lining of the lungs. With lung cancer, the tumors are well-defined masses that are easier to target for treatment. With mesothelioma, the tumors are thinly spread over healthy tissue, making them more difficult to target.

Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are more effective when tumors can be isolated.

Occupations in Texas That May Have a High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos has been used in many products across a multitude of industries in the U.S. This mineral was incorporated into everything from construction and commercial products (i.e. bricks, cement and concrete, drywall, flooring, insulation, paints) to household products (i.e. electrical appliances, plastics, gloves and rubber).

Even though asbestos exposure has since been regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, there are still occupations that put workers at a high risk of exposure, such as:

Like other states, Texas has had issues with asbestos exposure. Known for its oil refineries, chemical plants and petrochemical industries, many gaskets, packing materials and other building products still contain asbestos.

Companies that may have exposed workers to asbestos in the Fort Worth area include:

Need Legal Help? Contact Anderson Cummings at (877) 920-9009.

Trust Funds for Mesothelioma Victims

If a company that manufactured products with asbestos caused you or other former workers to be diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through one of several trust funds.

These funds were created after some companies filed for bankruptcy due to the large number of mesothelioma lawsuits filed against them. Companies such as General Motors, Owens Corning and Kaiser Aluminum Corp were ordered to set up funds to compensate victims of asbestos exposure.

The trust funds are generally managed by trustees who are responsible for determining how much compensation to allocate for those who file a claim against one of these trusts. You will need to prove that your illness was caused by asbestos exposure.

This could include meeting specific medical requirements, providing information on the stage of your disease, as well as detailing the extent of your exposure to asbestos. A Fort Worth mesothelioma attorney is prepared to fight for your rights and help file a trust fund claim on your behalf.

Contact Our Fort Worth Mesothelioma Lawyers

At Anderson & Cummings, we have helped many clients and their families deal with the side effects of exposure to asbestos. Although no amount of compensation can change what happened, it may help ease the financial burdens associated with this disease.

We have obtained millions in compensation for our clients and are ready to pursue maximum compensation for you should you have a valid case and decide to move forward. Our Fort Worth mesothelioma lawyers are standing by to take your call.

Our initial consultations are complimentary and confidential. You are under no obligation to take legal action. We also charge no upfront fees. We do not receive payment unless we help you obtain compensation.

Call (877) 920-9009 or Complete our Free Case Review form.