Mesothelioma Lawyers in Virginia

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once used widely in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries for its heat and fire-resistant properties. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the mesothelium and cause genetic damage over time, eventually leading to malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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Symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal swelling, and fatigue. However, these symptoms are nonspecific and mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed initially. After a thorough physical exam, imaging tests, and biopsy, an experienced oncologist can make a mesothelioma diagnosis.

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Mesothelioma treatment typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Newer treatments like immunotherapy are also sometimes used. With aggressive treatment, survival may be extended 1-2 years on average. Because mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure, patients have the right to pursue legal action and seek compensation from asbestos trusts or personal injury lawsuits.

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If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, contact the Virginia mesothelioma lawyers at Braver Law today for a free case review. 

Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of malignant mesothelioma. Between 70-80% of mesothelioma patients have a history of asbestos exposure at some point in their lives.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was heavily used in many industries throughout the 20th century. Asbestos fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and corrosion. This made asbestos an ideal material for insulation, flooring, roofing, and fireproofing in buildings, ships, automobile brake linings, and hundreds of other applications.

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However, asbestos fibers can easily become airborne when disturbed. When inhaled or ingested, these thin microscopic fibers lodge in body tissues, causing cellular damage and genetic mutations that can eventually lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

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Occupational asbestos exposure was common among military veterans, construction workers, shipyard workers, electricians, auto mechanics, and many other tradespeople. Workplace exposures occurred in factories using asbestos, during building demolitions or renovations, and aboard Navy ships and shipyards.

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Secondhand or environmental asbestos exposure also occurred in some communities located near asbestos mines, mills, and other facilities. Exposure at home could occur from contact with asbestos insulation, ceiling tiles, or asbestos-containing vermiculite attic insulation.

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If you developed mesothelioma after asbestos exposure on the job, at home, or in the military, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit or claim with asbestos trust funds. Let the Virginia mesothelioma lawyers at Braver Law help you understand your legal options. 

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In its early stages, mesothelioma may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As tumors grow and spread in the mesothelium, several common signs and symptoms can emerge:

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• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal swelling and pain
• Feeling tired/fatigued

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Because these symptoms can be caused by many other common conditions, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed at first. Many patients are told they have pneumonia before further testing reveals mesothelioma.

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To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors use imaging tests like CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs to visualize the location and extent of tumors. They may also do a biopsy to take a sample of abnormal tissue and examine its cells under a microscope. This allows specialized doctors called pathologists to confirm a diagnosis.

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Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, it's important to get a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist. These specialists can provide the most up-to-date information on treatment options. Mesothelioma centers often have multidisciplinary teams of surgeons, oncologists, and other experts who work together on customized treatment plans.

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Don't go through mesothelioma alone – get an experienced mesothelioma lawyer on your side!

Treatment for mesothelioma focuses on trying to slow the growth and spread of tumors. Common treatments include:

Surgery

Operations to remove mesothelioma tumors are complex and should only be performed by experienced surgeons. The two main types are:

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• Pleurectomy – removing part of the lining of the lungs.
• Extrapleural pneumonectomy – removing the lining and entire diseased lung.

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With early-stage disease, these aggressive surgeries may help extend life expectancy.

Chemotherapy

Uses anti-cancer drugs to try to kill remaining cancer cells before or after surgery. This may help extend survival by a few months on average.

Radiation Therapy

Uses high-energy beams aimed at tumors to damage their DNA and stop further growth. Often used before or after surgery when tumors cannot be completely removed.

Clinical Trials

Experimental new treatments being tested in research studies. Immunotherapy drugs that boost the body's immune system to fight cancer show particular promise for mesothelioma.

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Even with treatment, the average life expectancy is 12-21 months after diagnosis. Prognosis depends on the stage, cell type, and location of tumors. Participating in clinical trials may give patients access to promising new therapies. 

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Speaking with a mesothelioma lawyer can also help patients understand their options and legal rights. 

Because mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure, patients have legal options to pursue compensation. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help in the following ways:

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• Investigate how and when asbestos exposure occurred
• Gather medical records and evidence to prove diagnosis
• Identify viable sources of compensation like asbestos trusts, settlements, and personal injury lawsuits
• Negotiate with insurers and defendants to recover maximum compensation
• Help cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering

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It is important to hire a lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma cases. These complex cases involve unique laws and procedures. An expert Virginia mesothelioma lawyer knows how to navigate the legal system quickly, while patients focus on their treatment and recovery.

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At Braver Law, our dedicated mesothelioma lawyers help recover compensation for you. 

There are a few ways mesothelioma patients may receive compensation:

Asbestos Trust Funds

Many companies that used asbestos have established special trusts to pay victims. Experienced lawyers know how to file claims and obtain settlements from these trusts.

Lawsuits

Patients can file personal injury lawsuits against companies responsible for negligence. This legal action can recover money for your injuries, pain and suffering.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans exposed to asbestos during service may receive VA disability benefits and free healthcare.

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Experienced lawyers can help recover compensation from trusts, settlements and verdicts. With an expert mesothelioma lawyer in Virginia on your side, you can focus on your health while trying to maximize compensation for you and your family.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Virginia, it is important to understand your legal rights and options.

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Virginia has statutes of limitations that limit the amount of time you have to take legal action after being diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. It is crucial to speak with a qualified mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis.

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Experienced Virginia mesothelioma lawyers can help in the following ways:

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• Investigate where and when asbestos exposure occurred. Many worksites in Virginia contained asbestos until regulations were strengthened in the 1970s-80s.
• Identify all potential sources of compensation. This includes asbestos trust funds from companies like Johns Manville, Owens Corning, and hundreds of others. Lawsuits may also be possible against negligent companies.
• Gather evidence needed to build a strong case, such as medical records, employment history, and details of asbestos exposure.
• Handle negotiations and complex legal filings so patients can focus on their health.

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Don't go it alone. The dedicated mesothelioma attorneys at Braver Law have helped many Virginia patients understand how to navigate this complex process.

Asbestos trusts provide a faster way for mesothelioma patients to receive compensation, without needing to go to trial.

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Over 60 companies have established asbestos bankruptcy trusts, with a total of approximately $30 billion in funds. When a company goes bankrupt due to asbestos liabilities, they set up a trust to continue compensating victims.

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Experienced mesothelioma lawyers know how to file claims with many trusts simultaneously and efficiently obtain settlements. The average payout per trust claim is $140,000. With claims against multiple trusts, experienced lawyers maximize compensation.

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Trust claim settlements often take 3-6 months whereas lawsuits can take years. This enables patients to receive funds more quickly. The settlements can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs stemming from a mesothelioma diagnosis.

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At Braver Law, we help recover compensation for clients through trust fund claims. Let us put our expertise to work for you.

The average mesothelioma settlement is between $1 million and $1.4 million. Settlement amounts depend on:

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• How strong your case is and the evidence available
• Skill and reputation of your lawyer
• Number of companies found liable
• Location and history of asbestos exposure
• Medical prognosis

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Experienced lawyers invest substantial time in building strong cases by:

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• Interviewing the patient to create an exposure history
• Retrieving medical records and pathology reports
• Researching when and where exposures occurred
• Consulting medical experts to prove causation

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This evidence enables mesothelioma lawyers to negotiate firmly and maximize settlement amounts. Settlements often avoid lengthy trials and delays, getting you compensation faster.

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Let the dedicated team of mesothelioma lawyers in New Jersey at Braver Law help fight for the best possible outcome for you.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, it is critical to act quickly and speak to a qualified lawyer.

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Mesothelioma legal cases involve strict deadlines known as statutes of limitations. These limit the amount of time you have to take legal action after diagnosis.

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In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is 2 years from the date of diagnosis. For asbestos exposure, you have 2 years from the date you discovered your illness was linked to asbestos.

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Additionally, each asbestos trust fund has its own deadlines for filing a claim. This is why it is so important to have an experienced Virginia mesothelioma lawyer on your side from the very beginning.

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At Braver Law, our dedicated team handles deadlines and complex filing requirements seamlessly so you can focus on your health. We work efficiently to prepare strong cases before time runs out.

Mesothelioma treatment costs can quickly add up to well over $100,000 or more. Between surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and medications, medical bills mount rapidly.

A dedicated mesothelioma lawyer can help recover compensation through trust funds, settlements and verdicts. These funds can help cover medical costs and other expenses stemming from this aggressive cancer.

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In addition, many other resources exist to aid patients and families:

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• Health insurance – Use private insurance and/or Medicare/Medicaid benefits.
• Medical foundations – Nonprofits like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation provide some financial assistance.
• Clinical trials – Experimental treatment through research studies is often free.
• Veterans benefits – VA coverage and disability benefits may be available for veterans.
• Social Security disability – SSDI benefits are possible if mesothelioma prevents you from working.

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Navigating financial help for treatment can be complex. Let the mesothelioma lawyers at Braver Law help guide you.