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, you may be entitled to compensation from a company that made and/or sold asbestos-containing products.

To find out if you have a case — and how much money you could receive — you should contact a mesothelioma law firm today.

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 vision and drive 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 a unique law firm. We are not restricted to filing lawsuits in certain states. We can file wherever a mesothelioma or asbestos-related claim can be best litigated. Our network of mesothelioma attorneys provides victims with legal access, 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. We have 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, we can be there 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. Once inside, the fibers get stuck in the protective linings of major organs. The fibers remain inside a person’s body.

After decades of irritation, mesothelioma can occur in the lining surrounding the:

• Lungs
• Abdomen
• Heart
• Testicles

The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral known for being fire resistant. It was used throughout the 20th century in many trades and industries. Many companies that made and/or sold asbestos products knew the dangers but hid the truth to make a profit.

Asbestos was frequently used in the military. Starting in the 1930s, asbestos was widely used in ships, buildings, vehicles, and equipment. This widespread use of asbestos continued into World War II and did not stop until the 1980s. Today,  thousands of United States military veterans have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Today, you could be at risk of mesothelioma if you worked at a job where asbestos products were often used.

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 lungs. It causes pain, fluid buildup, and labored breathing. It is the most common type of mesothelioma. It accounts for about 75% of all cases.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

• Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen. Common symptoms include fluid buildup, abdominal swelling, and stomach pain. This is the second most common type of mesothelioma. It accounts for roughly 20% of all cases.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

• Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma causes chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.  It is often mistaken for other heart conditions because it is so 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. First, doctors will perform a physical exam and study your symptoms. Doctors will then use X-rays and CT scans look for tumors. Finally, a biopsy is needed to make an official diagnosis. A biopsy is a fluid or tissue sample of the affected area.

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

Mesothelioma has a long latency period (how much time it takes to develop). Because of this, it is often diagnosed in later stages. The prognosis is often poor for late-stage patients.

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. These treatments allow doctors to remove tumors and kill cancer cells. Mesothelioma specialists may combine these treatments for best results.

Treatment costs can add up quickly for patients. For example, several rounds of chemotherapy can cost upward of $80,000. 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. Unprepared patients may have to pay for all the costs out of their own pockets. This is why speaking with a mesothelioma lawyer is crucial.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Trust Funds

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

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. This will likely make more 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. Mesothelioma cases are often filed in multiple states. As a result, 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, you should make sure the firm you sign with has been successful before. Check their experience in mesothelioma claims, cases, and settlements. Make sure to have questions prepared for the 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. 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. Our lawyers will 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. They will share their research and knowledge 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 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 Are 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.