Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer. Caused by exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma has afflicted more than 2 million people since the early 1900s. The Asbestos-Mesothelioma mass tort is one of, if not the most important and lucrative mass torts in history. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. In the West, it has been used throughout the twentieth century in virtually all buildings to some degree. In the late twentieth century, researchers found out that asbestos-based materials break down into microscopically tin particles that when breathed in too frequently, lead to mesothelioma, a type of cancer affecting the tissue linings of the lungs. Eight out of ten people who develop mesothelioma developed it because of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is an insidious disease, often taking decades to manifest itself. By the time most patients are diagnosed, cancer has already spread and is very difficult to treat. The average life expectancy for someone diagnosed with mesothelioma is just 12-21 months. Even with aggressive treatment, the survival rate for mesothelioma patients is only about 20%. This makes mesothelioma one of the deadliest cancers known to man.
There is no known cure for mesothelioma, and treatment options are limited. Surgery can be an option for some patients, but it is often not possible to remove all of the cancerous tissue. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can help to extend a patient's life, but these treatments are often unsuccessful in completely eradicating the disease.
Mesothelioma litigation has been ongoing for many years. The Mesothelioma mass tort has led to thousands of settlements, and the amounts paid out have been staggering.
Clarence Borel's lawsuit against the manufacturers of asbestos insulation was a landmark case in the fight for justice for mesothelioma patients. Borel, an insulator with 33 years of exposure to asbestos, developed mesothelioma and asbestosis. His lawsuit was the first to successfully hold the manufacturers of asbestos insulation liable for the health effects of their product. The Borel case set a precedent that would pave the way for countless other lawsuits filed by mesothelioma patients and their families. While the companies responsible for exposing workers to asbestos have been forced to pay billions of dollars in damages, nothing can undo the heartbreaking toll that this disease has taken on its victims and their families.
To date, the asbestos settlement fund has paid out billions in settlements. This money has gone to cover the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of mesothelioma patients. The average range for an asbestos victim's settlement payment is between $1 million and $1.4 million.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. First, you'll need to prove that your exposure to asbestos was the cause of your cancer. This can be difficult to do, as mesothelioma can take years or even decades to develop after exposure. Second, you'll need to decide whether to file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit. If you're still alive, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the company or companies that exposed you to asbestos. If you've died from mesothelioma, your family can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Finally, you'll need to find a mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in handling these types of cases.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, don't hesitate to contact us at Piacentile, Stefanowski & Associates LLP.