Mesothelioma

Choosing a Mesothelioma Law Firm

Speaking with a mesothelioma law firm is an important step toward justice. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation from a company that manufactured and/or sold asbestos-containing products.

To find out if you have a case—and how much money you could receive—it is essential that you discuss your situation with the right mesothelioma law firm.

Call Sokolove Law at (800) 647-3434 to learn more about the legal process.

About Our Mesothelioma Law Firm

Sokolove Law was founded by Jim Sokolove in 1979. His passion and commitment have helped bring justice and compensation to thousands.

Our goal is to maximize the compensation that a mesothelioma victim may be entitled to.

Sokolove Law is unique because our law firm is not restricted to filing lawsuits in certain states. As a national law firm, we will file wherever a mesothelioma or asbestos-related claim can be best litigated. Our network of mesothelioma attorneys helps provide victims with equal access to our nation’s court system—regardless of location, income, or race.

Top Reasons to Choose Sokolove Law:

• We have fought for mesothelioma victims for over 40 years.
• We are a national law firm with a licensed attorney in nearly every state.
• We have helped over 6,000 victims recover more than $4.3 Billion.
• We come to you at a location of your choosing—often the next day.

We are ready to help you, too. Contact us to speak with a case manager today.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare—but deadly—form of cancer. It develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and lodge themselves in the mesothelium, a protective lining of various organs. The fibers remain inside a person’s body, and after decades of irritation, cancer can develop in the affected area.

Mesothelioma can occur in the lining surrounding the:

• Lungs
• Abdomen
• Heart
• Testicles

The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mined mineral known for being fire-resistant. It was used throughout the 20th century in numerous trades and industries—including the United States military. Many asbestos manufacturers and companies knew their products were deadly but hid the truth to make a profit.

This is especially true during World War II when it was used extensively on Navy vessels. This widespread use of asbestos continued into the Korean and Vietnam wars. Its use did not stop until its deadly effects surfaced as thousands of United States military veterans were diagnosed with mesothelioma.

If you worked in a trade that used asbestos-containing products or served in the military, you could be at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in different areas of the body depending on where the asbestos fibers are lodged.

Pleural Mesothelioma

• Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs, causing pain, fluid buildup, and labored breathing. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of all cases.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

• Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen, causing fluid buildup, abdominal swelling, and stomach pain. This is the second most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for 20% of all cases.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

• Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart resulting in chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. This type of mesothelioma is often mistaken for other heart diseases but is also very rare.

Testicular Mesothelioma

• Testicular mesothelioma starts the lining around the testicles, causing swelling and fluid buildup. It is the rarest type of the disease.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis & Prognosis

Mesothelioma is diagnosed through a series of tests, including X-rays and CT scans, that look for tumors. A biopsy (tissue or fluid sample) of the affected area is usually necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

After a doctor makes a mesothelioma diagnosis, including the location, cell type, and stage, they will provide a prognosis. This is the expected outlook for the disease and helps patients and their families prepare for the future.

Because mesothelioma has a long latency period (how much time it takes to develop) and is usually diagnosed in later stages, the prognosis is often poor.

Fortunately, treatments may help improve a mesothelioma patient’s initial prognosis.

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma

The most common treatment options for mesothelioma are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These treatments allow doctors to remove cancerous tumors and kill leftover cancer cells. Mesothelioma specialists often combine these different therapies to create a multimodal treatment strategy.

Treatment costs add up quickly for patients who may lack financial resources or are caught off-guard by their diagnosis. For example, several rounds of chemotherapy alone can cost upwards of $80,000, and life-extending surgeries can cost anywhere from $100,000-$600,000.

Most patients will be responsible for paying at least a portion of the treatment costs even with insurance. This is why speaking with a mesothelioma lawyer is crucial.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Trust Funds

As the government became more and more aware of the dangers of asbestos, they took steps to help those affected by the negligence of asbestos companies and manufacturers.

In the 1990s, asbestos trust funds were set up to help victims and their families. Today, it is estimated these trusts amount to over $30 Billion. Additionally, new companies are now accepting claims, which will likely result in an increase in the trust money available. A mesothelioma lawyer may be able to help you access these funds.

However, it is important to choose a lawyer with the experience and resources to handle mesothelioma cases. Because mesothelioma cases are often filed in multiple states, a local law firm may not have the ability to manage your case to the fullest extent.

For more information, learn more about choosing a mesothelioma lawyer.

Top Questions to Ask a Mesothelioma Lawyer or Law Firm

If you are considering pursuing a legal claim, it is vital that you interview a potential law firm and check their past experience in mesothelioma claims, cases, and settlements. It is also important to have questions prepared for the mesothelioma law firm you are interviewing. We’ve included some important questions to ask, as well as our answers.

How many years of experience does your mesothelioma law firm have?

• We have over 40 years of experience handling mesothelioma cases.

How many mesothelioma cases or claims has your law firm handled?

• We have handled over 6,000 mesothelioma cases.

What are the typical outcomes of your mesothelioma cases?

• The average mesothelioma case settlement is $1 Million, and we have recovered over $4.3 Billion for our clients.

Will my case be handled on an individual basis or “bundled” with several other similar cases?

• We handle every case individually unless it is in your best financial interest.

Will I be able to speak with members of your law firm as needed? Will my calls be returned promptly and my questions answered clearly?

• We have a team of hardworking case managers who will walk with you through the entire process, and our lawyers do the exact same thing. Our case managers are available 24/7—even during the holidays. When you work with our law firm, you are part of our family.

Does your mesothelioma law firm handle cases in every state?

• We have a nationwide network of attorneys and lawyers who will share their research and expertise to build a solid case on your behalf.

How much do I have to pay you to represent me and when will I have to pay?

• We work on what’s called a “contingency basis,” which means that you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We are only paid if we succeed in recovering compensation for you and your loved ones.

Remember, it is in your best interest to be comfortable with the mesothelioma law firm and attorneys that handle your case.

We’re Ready to Help You

We understand how physically, emotionally, and financially devastating it is when you or someone you love has been a victim of injustice. You are not alone. The staff of experienced mesothelioma attorneys at Sokolove Law is here to help you and answer any questions you may have about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Do not wait—request a free case review today.