Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma is a result of asbestos exposure from industries that once thrived in Philadelphia, New Jersey and the Delaware Valley. Workers, residents, and their families unknowingly faced this danger for decades.

Philadelphia has strong ties to the industrial sector. Shipbuilding, manufacturing, and construction all played a role in building the city and its economy.

Unfortunately, these industries heavily relied on asbestos. Workers in factories, power plants, steel mills, construction sites, and auto repair shops were exposed to asbestos fibers. They lacked the proper safety measures to keep them safe.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we can provide information and resources on mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancers. We are here to help families understand their options and guide them through the legal process.

Find out why having a skilled Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyer can make a difference in your situation.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

Fortunately, the rate of new diagnoses of mesothelioma is going down, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention only reporting 2,803 new cases in 2021. One common factor ties them all together: asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancers are caused by asbestos fibers which are inhaled or ingested. Often, mesothelioma develops in the chest, but can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneal), leading to the development of this disease.

Mesothelioma symptoms often take decades to appear. In some cases, that can be 15 to 60 years after exposure. These symptoms vary depending on the type of mesothelioma but often include:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Fluid buildup in the lungs
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unintended weight loss
• Irregular heartbeat

In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is also linked to lung cancer, even if you smoked. Unlike mesothelioma, lung cancer develops inside the lung tissue. Some of the symptoms are the same, including:

• Chronic cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Unexplained weight loss

Both of these diseases were preventable if not for the corporate conduct of companies which made or used asbestos products and equipment which contained asbestos. We can help guide you through the legal process if you have been diagnosed.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Prognosis and Treatment Options

Mesothelioma has a challenging prognosis due to its aggressive nature and late diagnosis. However, effective treatment options may include:

• Surgery: One potential procedure is called a radical pleurectomy. This treatment is used to remove tumors from the affected tissue and organs.
• Chemotherapy: To slow tumor growth, chemotherapy is often used. Many times, other treatments are used to maximize the results.
• Radiation Therapy: This can help shrink tumors with continuous treatment. Often, radiation is used before or after surgery.
• Immunotherapy: One of the newest treatments is immunotherapy. This method can strengthen the body’s immune system as it fights cancer. Keytruda and Opdivo are some checkpoint inhibitors that have shown the most promise in patients.

Early detection and aggressive and effective treatment can improve survival rates. Some patients live years beyond their initial diagnosis with the right care.

The development of these diseases was preventable. Companies knew of the health hazards of asbestos. Employers had a responsibility to protect their workers from these hazards as well. These companies and employers can be held liable for the damages suffered due to their conduct. You and your family have a right to take legal action.

Asbestos in Philadelphia and Tri-State Valley

Over the years, many work sites and trades in and around Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware have been identified as sources of asbestos exposure, including:

• Shipyards: Workers in shipbuilding and repair were often exposed to asbestos-containing products and equipment containing asbestos. Some of these shipyards include Philly Naval Shipyard, Sun Ship Building & Dry Dock, and New York Ship Building.
• Refineries and power plants: Facilities, such as oil refineries and power generation stations, such as the Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO), Pennsylvania Power & Light, and Three Mile Island, etc. Examples of oil refineries in the Philadelphia area are Atlantic Richfield, Gulf Oil and Sun Oil/Sunoco.
• Manufacturing plants: Asbestos was used in factories producing asbestos containing products, chemical companies, steel mills, paper mills, as well as commercial and industrial workplaces containing asbestos products.
• Schools and public buildings: Older buildings, including schools, universities, and hospitals, have contained asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, wallboard, and roofing products.
• Construction sites: Workers involved in building or demolishing structures were exposed to asbestos-containing materials like drywall, cement, and insulation.
• Skilled trades: People who worked as heating and ventilation & air conditioning mechanics, auto mechanics, as well as other trades including lab workers, dentists, and jewelers.

Families of people who worked with and around asbestos were unknowingly exposed. Secondhand exposure occurred when people who worked with asbestos brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, cars, and on their shoes. Through this, spouses and children became exposed and are at risk for the disease.

Below, you can view data visualization maps compiled by the CDC for Pennsylvania and New Jersey, showcasing the counties in each state that have experienced the most new Mesothelioma cases between the years 2017 and 2021:

Union Workers and Asbestos Exposure

Many of Philadelphia’s union workers handled asbestos-containing materials say in and day out, but were never warned that it was dangerous. Examples of unions highly exposed to asbestos:

• Steamfitters/Pipefitters: These individuals worked with and around equipment such as valves, pumps, and equipment in various pipelines or lines, such as steam, chemical and high pressure.
• Plumbers: These individuals were far more exposed to asbestos than it appears. The plumbing trades ranged from steam fitting work to HVAC instillation and repair, as well as residential, commercial and industrial plumbing.
• Millwright/Machinists: Boiler makers, electricians, insulators, and sheet metal workers.

Union workers were unaware of the hazards they faced. They handled these materials and breathed in the fibers with no safety protection. Even though many companies knew about the dangers, they continued to put workers at risk.

 If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma or lung cancer after working in these trades, you may be eligible for compensation through legal action or asbestos trust funds.

Who Can File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure.

Injured Workers

Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and lung cancer can file personal injury lawsuits against the companies that exposed them to asbestos. These victims worked in high-risk occupations and later developed mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Family Members of Deceased Victims

If a loved one has died from mesothelioma or lung cancer, surviving family members still can take legal options. They may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent company. With that, they can seek monetary damages against companies for their exposure, including compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income.

Secondhand Exposure Victims

Family members who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos from a loved one’s work clothes may also have legal options. They can recover damages resulting from the illness.

What About Asbestos Trust Funds?

There have been companies responsible for asbestos exposure that have gone bankrupt. Those companies have been required to set up asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. Those same companies were required to set up asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. You will need to talk to an attorney to learn more about your options about accessing the trust funds in addition to your lawsuit.

Why You Need a Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyer

Fighting mesothelioma or caring for a patient is a painful experience for everyone. You just might not want to have another fight on your hands. That is where a mesothelioma lawyer in Philadelphia can assist with your claims. We can help you connect with a qualified attorney.

You need someone to represent you and take an in-depth look at your work history, medical records, and asbestos exposure sources. This is all needed to build a strong case. Unfortunately, over the years, many people may not know where or how they were exposed. However, a skilled lawyer will have the resources to track down responsible parties.

These claims are about compensating you for your losses as the result of a company’s or person’s negligence. Your lawyer will make sure you can maximize compensation, whether through a trust fund or a personal injury lawsuit. You can use that money for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
• Travel costs for treatment

Our lawyers will evaluate your case and file a lawsuit against companies as well as pursuing trust fund compensation. They will handle all paperwork, negotiations, and court proceedings. Whether it is accessing asbestos trust funds or fighting for compensation with a personal injury lawsuit, we can provide guidance during this time.

Along with the monetary factor, you can get some justice as well. Many companies knew about asbestos dangers but failed to warn or protect workers. You can hold these corporations accountable for their negligent actions.

Even when companies knew about the dangers of asbestos, they did nothing to protect their workers. You have the chance to hold them liable for these egregious actions.

Take the next steps by reaching out to Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan to schedule a consultation today.