Dallas Mesothelioma Lawyer

Do you know someone with mesothelioma? Speak with our Dallas lawyers today for free and learn your legal options.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a compound that is used in many products such as roofing material, tires, flooring, textiles, insulation and roof shingles. Despite its usefulness in insulation, this compound has the potential to cause serious health issues once ingested or inhaled. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) went so far as to ban products containing asbestos back in 1989.

How asbestos can turn deadly.

Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that can get dislodged by wear and tear, or due to elements such as the wind and sun. These fibers then travel airborne, landing on a person’s garments or skin. They are also inhaled or can be ingested. Additionally, individuals who are exposed to asbestos may put their families at risk because they may carry these fibers back home from work on a daily basis. These fibers are sharp and jagged; and have the potential to move to certain areas of the body such as the lungs and stomach, causing adverse reactions (such as asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer) over a period of time.

The body cannot break these microscopic fibers down once they get inside an individual. With time, a person may develop a dry crackling sound when inhaling, or a persistent cough. This could be symptomatic of asbestosis, a condition that can become fatal or disabling as it progresses. Asbestosis may not cause cancer; however, it is usually chronic and may require long term care. Because asbestosis may take time to manifest symptoms, most people have no idea that it may have developed as a result of working with, or near, products containing asbestos.

Mesothelioma

Another more serious condition caused by asbestos exposure is mesothelioma. This is a rare form of cancer that affects various areas such as the lining of the abdomen, chest, or (more frequently) the lungs. In rare occasions, it may also affect the heart.

Mesothelioma usually affects people who come into close contact with asbestos. This may include employees of asbestos mills, factories and mines as well as those who work in industries that manufacture asbestos insulation. Navy shipyards and manufacturers of insulated materials are a common source of this exposure.

There are three different categories of mesothelioma cancer:

• Pleural mesothelioma (affects the lungs).
• Peritoneal mesothelioma (affects the stomach).
• Pericardial mesothelioma (affects the heart).

Some of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

1. Chest pain
2. Persistent coughing
3. Fatigue
4. Fever
5. Weight loss
6. Fluid buildup

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:

1. Unexplained abdominal pain
2. Weight loss
3. Fatigue

Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for less than 1 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Here are a few symptoms you need to keep an eye out for:

1. Irregular heartbeat.
2. Pericardial bleeding.
3. Difficulty breathing.
4. Fluid buildup.

It may be possible for doctors to misdiagnose pericardial mesothelioma as myocarditis and pericarditis. Because of this, it’s important to mention to your doctor that you may have been exposed to asbestos.

You and your family may be eligible for compensation.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma as a result, you may very well be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma claim.  Once you contact us, we’ll determine whether you’re a good candidate for a mesothelioma lawsuit. We’ll prepare and file paperwork and send a demand letter to the defendant.  We will then start the discovery phase and try to gather as much evidence as possible to ensure that you have an airtight case against the defendant.

Mesothelioma lawsuits will be filed on a contingency fee basis with our law firm. This means that we won’t charge you a single cent unless we actually recover compensation for you. Because mesothelioma lawsuits will likely involve a complicated statute of limitations application, it’s important for you to contact us immediately so we can evaluate your case. Please call us today at (214) 651-6100 for your free consultation.