Mesothelioma Lawyers in Maryland

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs known as the mesothelium. This tissue is found around the lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart. Mesothelioma most often starts in the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall) but can also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).

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Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of tiny fibers. Before the health hazards of asbestos were fully understood, it was widely used in many industrial and construction settings for its heat and fire resistant properties. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the body where they can cause genetic damage and inflammation, eventually leading to mesothelioma in some individuals.

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Mesothelioma is considered a rare cancer, but rates have increased in recent years due to widespread asbestos use in the 20th century. Mesothelioma accounts for about 3,000 deaths per year in the United States. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women, since men were more likely to work in environments with heavy asbestos exposure like shipyards, power plants, and construction sites. There is also typically a long latency period between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis, with most cases occurring 20-50 years after the initial exposure.

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If you have worked with or around asbestos and have concerns about mesothelioma, contact the dedicated mesothelioma lawyers at Braver Law today. Our mesothelioma lawyers in Maryland handle these cases and understand the complex legal and medical issues involved.

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As noted above, mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. In very rare cases, mesothelioma can result from radiation therapy or exposure to other mineral fibers such as erionite. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is working with or around asbestos. Individuals in these high-risk occupations are most likely to develop mesothelioma:

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• Construction workers - asbestos was used in many construction materials until the 1970s. Workers involved in insulation, roofing, drywall, flooring, and demolition were especially at risk.
• Shipyard workers - asbestos was heavily used in shipbuilding because of its fire-resistant properties. Workers who assembled, repaired, or dismantled ships were exposed to asbestos on a regular basis.
• Power plant workers - asbestos was used as insulation around boilers and pipes. Maintenance workers and electricians had high exposure levels.
• Manufacturing workers - many factory workers came into contact with asbestos through machinery, protective equipment, and other materials. Common high-risk industries included auto parts, chemical plants, and refineries.
• Miners - asbestos miners and those working around asbestos mines had daily exposure to raw asbestos and are extremely susceptible to mesothelioma.

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In addition to occupation, several other risk factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing mesothelioma after asbestos exposure:

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• Direct exposure to raw asbestos fibers - workers around raw asbestos or assisting in removing insulation are more likely to inhale fibers directly into the lungs.
• Early exposure - those exposed to asbestos early in life are more prone to mesothelioma development.
• Duration of exposure - the longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the more likely they are to develop mesothelioma.

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It is important to note that family members of workers exposed to asbestos also have an increased risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases. This is because workers can indirectly expose their families by bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothes, shoes, and hair.

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If you believe you got mesothelioma through secondhand asbestos exposure, contact our office. The mesothelioma lawyers at Braver Law will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

In its early stages, mesothelioma may not cause many noticeable symptoms. As the cancer progresses, certain symptoms can emerge depending on where the mesothelioma develops:

Pleural Mesothelioma (lungs):

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Pain or tightness in the chest
• Unexplained weight loss

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (abdomen):

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling full after only eating a little
• Bowel obstruction

Pericardial Mesothelioma (heart):

• Chest pain
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Fluid buildup around the heart

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Since these general symptoms can be caused by many other common conditions, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed at first. Many patients go through months of tests for other diseases before getting an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis.

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There are several tests doctors use to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis:

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• Imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and X-rays to visualize tumors and determine how far they have spread.
• Biopsies to take samples of abnormal tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist.
• Blood tests to measure levels of certain substances that may indicate mesothelioma.
• Pulmonary function tests to determine how well the lungs are working.

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Only a specialist called a pathologist can make a definitive mesothelioma diagnosis. It is critical to confirm a diagnosis before considering treatment options.

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The mesothelioma attorneys in Maryland at Braver Law understand how overwhelming a diagnosis can be. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on your health. Call our office today to set up a free case evaluation.

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Once diagnosed, most mesothelioma patients consider aggressive treatment plans to fight the disease. Combining multiple treatment types is the most effective approach to improve prognosis. Common mesothelioma treatments include:

Surgery

For eligible patients, surgery can remove cancerous tumors from the body. There are three main types:

• Pleurectomy - removes the lining around the lungs but leaves the lungs themselves intact. This helps prevent fluid buildup and improves breathing.
• Pneumonectomy - removes an entire diseased lung as well as nearby tissue. This is a more aggressive surgery with a difficult recovery.
• Cytoreduction - removes as much visible cancer as possible from the abdomen. May be combined with heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen.

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While surgery cannot cure mesothelioma, it can help control the cancer's spread. Our mesothelioma lawyers can help you recover costs if asbestos exposure caused your illness. Call today for a free case review.

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Radiation Therapy

High energy beams are used to shrink and destroy cancer cells. Radiation can come from outside the body or from materials placed inside near tumors. Often used before or after surgery to enhance effectiveness. Helps control pain and other symptoms.

Chemotherapy

Uses powerful cancer-fighting drugs to kill mesothelioma cells. Can be given intravenously, orally, or directly into the abdomen or chest. Often used as the primary treatment when surgery is not an option. Newer drugs continue to improve patient outcomes.

Immunotherapy

Uses the body's own immune system to attack cancer cells. Can boost the effectiveness of other treatments when used in combination. One promising immunotherapy for mesothelioma is the drug Keytruda, which has shown improved survival rates in clinical trials.

Our dedicated mesothelioma attorneys will fight tirelessly so you receive full compensation for your injuries. Don't wait - contact Braver Law today for a free consultation.

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Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. If you have mesothelioma, filing a lawsuit can help you and your family seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs. An experienced lawyer is critical for building a strong case. Here’s what to expect when filing a mesothelioma lawsuit:

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• Investigation - Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate how, when, and where you were exposed to asbestos. This often involves interviewing you and coworkers, obtaining employment records, and hiring experts to recreate work site conditions.
• Naming Defendants - Companies responsible for asbestos exposure will be named as defendants. This may include asbestos product manufacturers, your employer, contractors, and premises owners of exposure sites.
• Filing a Complaint - The lawsuit begins by filing a legal complaint detailing how the defendants’ negligence led to your asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis. Defendants must be served formal notice.
• Discovery - Lawyers exchange evidence like documents, interrogatories, and depositions. Both sides investigate facts to support their case.
• Settlement or Trial - Most mesothelioma lawsuits settle out of court before trial. If not, your case will proceed to a trial by jury who will decide if the defendants are liable for damages.
• Compensation - If successful, you will be awarded mesothelioma compensation often from multiple defendants. This is based on the losses and hardships you suffered.

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The process takes time - often a year or more. But going to trial can sometimes result in larger awards. Let our expert mesothelioma lawyers in Maryland simplify the process for you. Contact Braver Law today.

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If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you can pursue legal claims for compensation. Mesothelioma settlements account for many millions in asbestos litigation each year. The experienced attorneys at Braver Law will fight to get you every penny you deserve. Contact us today to explore your options.

Mesothelioma patients may recover compensation for many different losses and expenses, such as:

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• Medical costs - Expenses from diagnosis, treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, and medication. Future costs are also included.
• Lost wages - Mesothelioma often prevents patients from working. Past and future lost income can be recovered.
• Pain and suffering - Compensation for the physical and emotional pain mesothelioma causes you and loved ones.
• Loss of consortium - Spouses can receive compensation for damage to marital relations.
• Funeral costs - Mesothelioma families can receive compensation to cover funeral and burial costs.
• Wrongful death damages - Compensation for loved ones if mesothelioma was a factor in the patient’s death.
• Punitive damages - Money awarded to punish defendants for egregious conduct.

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The exact value of your case depends on many unique factors. Our mesothelioma lawyers will fight tirelessly to maximize your compensation.

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In addition to lawsuits, there are other ways mesothelioma patients can get financial assistance:

• Asbestos trust funds - Companies that went bankrupt over asbestos litigation set up trusts to pay victims.
• Disability benefits - You may qualify for Social Security or long-term disability insurance.
• VA benefits - Veterans exposed to asbestos may receive disability and healthcare benefits.
• Clinical trials - Experimental drug trials often cover health care costs for participants.

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Let the dedicated mesothelioma lawyers at Braver Law help you identify sources of assistance during this difficult time. Call our office today for a free consultation.

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The key to getting compensation for mesothelioma is proving your asbestos exposure directly led to your diagnosis. An experienced lawyer will work diligently to establish causation by:

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• Detailing your exposure history - Construction workers, shipyard employees, and other industrial laborers were constantly around asbestos until safety regulations improved.
• Getting statements from coworkers - Witnesses can provide invaluable testimony regarding unsafe working conditions.
• Working with medical experts - Doctors can analyze medical records and determine if asbestos exposure caused cell mutations.
• Highlighting negligence - Failure to warn about asbestos hazards or take safety precautions can prove culpability.
• Establishing product liability - If you handled raw asbestos or used products containing it, the manufacturers can be held responsible.

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Proving causation is challenging but critical in mesothelioma cases. The mesothelioma lawyers in Maryland at Braver Law hold companies accountable. Put our team on your side today.

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If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is critical to act quickly and file a claim before the statute of limitations expires. This deadline varies by state but is typically 1-3 years after diagnosis. Our attorneys will immediately determine the statute and quickly prepare your case. Contact Braver Law today - time is limited.

Why the Statute of Limitations Matters

The statute of limitations sets legal deadlines on how long people have to file various civil claims. For mesothelioma, this window is very short because it begins running at diagnosis. 

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Here’s why it is so important:

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• Missing the deadline forever bars your claim - Courts will not accept cases filed even one day late. The merits or fairness of the case do not matter.
• Lawsuits take time - Investigation, preparing arguments, getting evidence, negotiations, and trial can take a year or more.
• You deserve compensation - Mesothelioma patients should not lose their right to compensation because they did not act immediately. But delays can prevent you from getting what you deserve.
• Peace of mind - By acting quickly, patients can resolve their cases and focus on health, family, and recovery.

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Do not risk losing your opportunity for compensation. Call Braver Law now so our mesothelioma lawyers in Maryland can start on your case right away.

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Because mesothelioma cases are extremely complex, it is critical to have an experienced attorney protecting your rights. When choosing a mesothelioma lawyer, look for these key traits:

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• Specialization - Look for a lawyer that focuses specifically on mesothelioma and asbestos litigation. This shows extensive experience with these cases.
• Resources - Mesothelioma cases require major time and financial investments for investigation, medical experts, trial preparations and more. Choose a well-resourced firm.
• Past results - Ask about a lawyer's case results. Have they secured major verdicts and settlements for clients in the past?
• Respect - The best mesothelioma lawyers have close relationships with healthcare providers and are respected by opponents. This helps resolve cases.
• Attorney relationships - Mesothelioma often involves multiple defendants. Lawyers must collaborate efficiently across firms.
• Compassion - This is an incredibly difficult time. Choose a mesothelioma lawyer in Maryland who will listen and treat you like family.

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The mesothelioma attorneys at Braver Law check every box. If you want aggressive lawyers fighting for your best interests, contact us today.

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Let us ease your financial stress so you can focus on your health. The expert mesothelioma lawyers at Braver Law are here for you 24/7. Call today for a free consultation.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you likely have many questions. The experienced attorneys at Braver Law are here to provide answers and support. Below are some of the most common questions we receive about mesothelioma claims: