Missouri Mesothelioma Lawyer
Mesothelioma is a rare but dangerous cancer caused primarily by asbestos exposure. Employees working in locations such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, insulation companies, and mining sites, are most vulnerable to mesothelioma cancer where asbestos use is common. Under Missouri law, employees can sue companies for negligently or intentionally exposing them to hazardous material.
Asbestos-related mesothelioma can lead to severe health complications, impacting a person’s quality of life significantly. To compensate victims, Missouri offers workers’ compensation, but the process can be complex. A skilled Missouri mesothelioma lawyer can help navigate the system and pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to long exposure to asbestos at the workplace, contact Missouri asbestos attorneys to seek justice and rightful compensation.
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Contact our Missouri mesothelioma lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Missouri mesothelioma lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Statistics on Mesothelioma Cases in Missouri
In the United States, around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually.
From 1999 to 2017, over 45,000 people died from mesothelioma, including more than 15,000 veterans, who represent one-third of all mesothelioma patients.
St. Louis County recorded the highest number of mesothelioma deaths in Missouri, with 1,040 deaths reported over the period and an average of 54 deaths per year.
The state’s mesothelioma mortality rate is slightly lower than the national average, with around 7.5 deaths per million people annually.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) documented 269 new mesothelioma cases and 228 related deaths in Missouri from 2016 to 2020.
According to the Environmental Working Group, for each mesothelioma death, 3.2 to 4 people die from asbestos-related lung cancer.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 1.3 million workers in construction and general industry face asbestos exposure on the job each year.
The two naturally-occurring asbestos sites are located in Missouri state’s Ozark Mountain region.
What Are Asbestos and Mesothelioma?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in the U.S. for insulation and fireproofing in buildings. However, its use has declined due to the severe health risks it poses, particularly mesothelioma, a type of cancer. Even brief asbestos exposure (1-3 months) can be harmful, and symptoms may take 15 to over 50 years to appear.
Secondhand exposure can occur if someone in your household works with asbestos, such as through washing their work clothes. Today, older buildings may still contain asbestos, posing ongoing risks for construction and demolition workers.
Consulting an experienced Missouri asbestos or mesothelioma attorney can help you understand your rights and potential legal claims.
Signs You Might Get Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer developed by asbestos fibers whose symptoms take 15 to 50 years to appear. This long latency period makes early detection challenging, which is why it is crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have been exposed to asbestos and begin to experience symptoms.
Mesothelioma symptoms can include the following:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Bloody mucus
- Fluid buildup around the lungs
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood clots
- Fever or night sweats
If you get diagnosed with an illness or injury related to asbestos exposure, talk to an experienced mesothelioma attorney in Missouri.
What Are the Types of Mesothelioma Common in Missouri?
Mesothelioma cancer developed by prolonged asbestos exposure in occupational settings comes in different types. Each type shows different symptoms, affecting various body parts of the victim. Symptoms of mesothelioma may take several years to appear, which makes it challenging to trace back to the original exposure.
There are several types of mesothelioma cases Missouri asbestos attorney handles:
Pleural Mesothelioma: This type affects the lining of the lungs and accounts for 80-90% of cases. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, painful coughing, and coughing up blood.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This form affects the abdominal lining and presents with unexplained weight loss, abdominal swelling, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Pericardial Mesothelioma: The rarest form, affecting the heart lining, causes chest pain and breathing difficulties.
If you suspect you have mesothelioma, it’s essential to contact Missouri mesothelioma attorneys to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for your losses.
How Does Non-Occupational Asbestos Exposure Occur in Missouri?
Non-occupational asbestos exposure happens outside the workplace and can occur in various ways. Family members may face secondary exposure if a worker brings asbestos fibers home on clothing, which can spread through the air and embed in furniture and carpets.
DIY projects involving older homes with asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation, drywall, or tiles, can also pose a risk. Similarly, older consumer products like appliances and car parts may contain asbestos.
Repeated exposure over time can lead to future health issues. If you suspect exposure or have developed an illness, Missouri mesothelioma lawyers can help you navigate a mesothelioma case. Consulting with a skilled Missouri asbestos attorney is crucial for pursuing a mesothelioma claim or lawsuit and seeking proper compensation for financial needs.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Missouri
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Missouri law allows you to file a lawsuit against the responsible. The mesothelioma lawsuit process begins with a case review to assess your situation and explore your legal options.
Proving a connection between asbestos exposure and your illness is crucial to recovering compensation. Our Missouri mesothelioma attorneys are experienced in identifying potential exposure sources based on your work and living history.
There are several options for seeking compensation in a mesothelioma claim:
- Asbestos Trust Funds: Companies facing asbestos-related lawsuits often establish trust funds for victims. A mesothelioma lawyer can assess your eligibility for these funds.
- Mesothelioma Lawsuits: Filing a personal injury lawsuit against an employer or entity responsible for asbestos exposure can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits: If a loved one has passed away from mesothelioma, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against those responsible for asbestos exposure. This can help you seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
- VA Benefits: Veterans exposed to asbestos during service can seek monthly compensation and health care. Dependents may also qualify for certain VA benefits.
Missouri Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma claim is five years from the date of diagnosis. This timeframe applies to personal injury claims related to asbestos exposure. In cases of wrongful death due to mesothelioma, families have three years from the date of the loved one’s passing to file a wrongful death claim.
It is important to hire a personal injury lawyer experienced in asbestos-related claims as soon as possible after diagnosis or loss. Acting quickly is essential because missing these deadlines can prevent you from seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact a Missouri mesothelioma lawyer as soon as you get diagnosed with the disease.
How Can Our Missouri Mesothelioma Lawyers Help Resolve Your Case?
Our Missouri mesothelioma lawyers understand the emotional and financial toll mesothelioma takes on families and are dedicated to helping you seek justice. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with the deadly cancer, working with a skilled Missouri mesothelioma attorney is crucial.
A qualified personal injury attorney can help you:
- Identify exposure sources by determining the work sites or locations where you were exposed to asbestos.
- Gather medical and military records to strengthen your case.
- Maximize compensation by building an asbestos claim that optimizes your chances of success.
- File your claim within Missouri’s statute of limitations to preserve your rights.
- Negotiate fair compensation for you in potential settlements.
- Represent you in court if your mesothelioma case goes to trial.
- Provide compassionate legal advice and support throughout the process.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Missouri Mesothelioma Attorneys
Victims of mesothelioma in Missouri can seek compensation through workers’ compensation claims, which can help cover medical expenses and lost wages. A knowledgeable Missouri asbestos attorney can be instrumental in securing fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. If you suspect mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, seek legal and medical advice promptly.
Mesothelioma lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, are committed to helping victims of negligent asbestos exposure get their much-deserved compensation for medical treatment. If you have lost a loved one due to mesothelioma cancer, we will recover damages by filing a wrongful death claim effectively.
Contact our law firm at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis mesothelioma lawyer. All confidential or sensitive information you share about your mesothelioma lawsuit remains private through an attorney-client relationship.