Lung Cancer Lawyers in Washington, D.C.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs. In most cases, mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was heavily used in construction, insulation, roofing, and other industries until being banned in the late 1970s due to discovered health risks. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the lining of internal organs like the lungs, abdomen, or heart, causing genetic cell mutations that lead to mesothelioma.

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Mesothelioma has a long latency period, often developing 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. This slow progression makes mesothelioma difficult to diagnose. There are around 3,000 new mesothelioma cases in the U.S. each year. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 12-21 months. The prognosis is better when mesothelioma is caught early. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials, and palliative care to reduce pain and discomfort.

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While mesothelioma is rare overall, its direct link to asbestos exposure puts certain populations at higher risk. This includes veterans, construction workers, and people who worked or lived near facilities that utilized asbestos, such as power plants, shipyards, and manufacturing facilities. Mesothelioma has affected thousands of hardworking individuals who were simply going about their jobs, unaware of the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Due to its prevalence in construction materials, asbestos was used extensively throughout buildings in the Washington, D.C. area over the decades. As the nation's capital, D.C. has many old government buildings that contain asbestos. This includes the U.S. Capitol building, the White House, the Pentagon, and the Supreme Court, which all had asbestos incorporated during construction and renovations. Federal office buildings, military bases, schools, churches, libraries, apartments, and homes were also likely constructed with asbestos-containing materials.

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Major occupational sources of asbestos exposure included:

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These types of worksites put D.C. residents at heightened risk of asbestos exposure throughout the 1900s and even still today from older materials.

Due to historical asbestos use around military, industrial, commercial, and residential sites in Washington, D.C., local mesothelioma diagnoses are above average compared to the rest of the nation. Medical data from the National Cancer Institute shows that mesothelioma incidence rates among D.C. residents are often higher than the overall U.S. rate:

The latest statistics from the National Institute of Health show that approximately 60 Washington, D.C. residents are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

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The D.C. metropolitan area ranks among the top 20 major cities for new mesothelioma cases annually. Nearby states of Maryland and Virginia also see higher diagnosis rates, likely related to asbestos exposures from military shipyards and power plants in these areas over the decades.

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Going forward, experts expect between 2,000 and 3,000 new mesothelioma cases to be diagnosed per year nationwide through the next decade. This projection is based on the long latency period of mesothelioma and the fact that asbestos use continued well into the 1970s despite knowledge of its dangers. People exposed decades ago are still at risk today as the cancer takes many years to develop.

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For anyone exposed to asbestos and experiencing mesothelioma symptoms like chest pain, coughing, fatigue, or shortness of breath, it is important to seek medical attention and get a confirmed diagnosis as soon as possible. Though a mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating news, there are treatment options and resources available to improve prognosis and quality of life.

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After receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, one of the first steps is to explore your legal options and consider filing a lawsuit. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure from companies that were aware of the risks and failed to protect their workers. You may be entitled to compensation for expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

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It is critical to act quickly, as mesothelioma claims are subject to a statute of limitations. This means there is a limited window to take legal action, even if your asbestos exposure was decades ago. Our mesothelioma lawyers can help ensure your claim is filed on time.

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The basic process involves:

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Mesothelioma cases often name large trusts or companies still in operation that had extensive past use of asbestos. Compensation can cover medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and other damages. While money cannot erase your diagnosis, it can ease the financial burden on your family.

When searching for a qualified mesothelioma law firm in the Washington, D.C. area, it's important to look for a team with extensive experience fighting for victims like yourself. Braver Law has a long track record of success with mesothelioma claims.

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Some key reasons to choose our firm:

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While money can never make up for the suffering caused by corporate negligence, it can ease financial burdens so you and your loved ones can focus on what matters most during this difficult time. Our local mesothelioma lawyers in Washington, D.C. are here to help fight on your behalf.

Don't go through this alone. Take action now by contacting our qualified mesothelioma attorneys for a free case evaluation. Provide us with some basic details so we can get started investigating your claim right away. Simply call, email, or use our online form and one of our compassionate lawyers will respond promptly about your legal options.

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Together, we will build the strongest possible claim against the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on your health and spending time with your family. The deadline to file your case may be limited, so contact us today to take advantage of your legal rights.

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