Baton Rouge Mesothelioma Lawyer

Baton Rouge, LA Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Attorney

Mesothelioma, or malignant mesothelioma, is a rare, incurable form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society and the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus, asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. If you believe your mesothelioma diagnosis was a result of asbestos exposure, contact a Baton Rouge mesothelioma lawyer.

Here in Louisiana, we have oil refineries, offshore drilling platforms, shipyards, and other industries known for posing serious health risks to their workers, including asbestos-related diseases. These industries drive our economy, but the workers are its backbone, and all too often, negligent manufacturers put these individuals at risk.

Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products have known about the health risks associated with their products since the 1930s when doctors first began to warn factory owners, mine owners, and asbestos manufacturers of its danger to workers. Despite the warnings, companies continued to design, manufacture, and sell asbestos-containing products without providing workers with adequate protective gear. As a result, workers continued inhaling the asbestos fibers. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that the public first became aware of the dangers of asbestos and asbestos-related products. But by then, it was too late for many shipbuilders, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, ironworkers, machinists, boilermakers, miners, oil drillers, steelworkers, laborers, and pipefitters.

Because mesothelioma has such a long latency period, workers who were exposed to asbestos 10, 20, and even 50 years ago are just now beginning to experience the symptoms of malignant mesothelioma.

Who Is At Fault?

In addition to the manufacturers of asbestos products, we now know that distributors, suppliers, contractors, and premier owners (particularly big oil companies) were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure. Even with this knowledge, these negligent companies did nothing to protect their own employees, nor the contractors who worked at their facilities.

If you are facing a life-changing diagnosis, you may be able to hold these institutions accountable. Our Louisiana mesothelioma lawyers are passionately committed to helping our clients stand up for their rights and get the compensation they deserve. We can hold manufacturers and employers accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA?

Malignant mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, which is the special tissue that lines your lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs. The cancer typically starts in the lungs, but it can also start in the abdomen or any internal organs.

The disease develops after exposure to asbestos particles and takes a long time to develop.

Symptoms usually include:

• Trouble breathing
• Pain under the rib cage
• Pain, swelling, or lumps in the abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately – especially if you know you have been exposed to asbestos. Once you have a diagnosis, consider taking legal action.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

An attorney with knowledge of past mesothelioma cases and personal injury law can determine the viability of your case in a court of law. They can help you determine how much time you have to file your claim, how long it might take to resolve, and how much it might be worth.

Some individuals receive a mesothelioma diagnosis without knowing what product they were exposed to. An attorney can help determine what that product might be by looking into your employment and personal history to see where the asbestos exposure might have come from. They can also hire individuals experienced in the manufacturing industry to provide guidance and testimony surrounding your unique situation.

FAQs

Q: What Is an Asbestos Lawyer?

A: An asbestos lawyer can help you file a claim for damages you have endured as a result of exposure to asbestos. Exposure can include individuals spending time in residential areas with asbestos as well as being exposed to talcum powder or baby powder. Lawyers can help their clients gather evidence, file a claim, and represent them in trial. An asbestos lawyer can be helpful in determining how long your case may take and how much it might be worth.

Q: Am I Eligible to File a Claim for Mesothelioma?

A: In order to prove that you have mesothelioma due to asbestos, you usually need evidence. Evidence can come in the form of medical records showing your mesothelioma diagnosis and even witness testimony from medical professionals affirming the link to the disease and asbestos exposure. You also need evidence showing you worked at or lived at a place with asbestos for a prolonged period of time, as well as things like medical bills to show the harm it caused you.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims?

A: In most cases, mesothelioma claims are considered personal injury, wrongful death, or product liability claims. All of these claims have a statute of limitations in Louisiana. The statute of limitations applies to a mesothelioma diagnosis, not the initial exposure to asbestos. Due to the nature of asbestos and its effects on the human body, mesothelioma can take decades to appear after initial exposure, which is why the time limit is applied to the diagnosis.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Mesothelioma Case?

A: How long a mesothelioma case can take varies. The timeline of each case depends on a variety of factors. If you file a claim in an area with many similar claims, it might take longer for yours to be processed, especially if the department is not dedicated to them. The amount and quality of evidence also impact how quickly a decision can be made on your claim, including if there are any appeals.

Hold Negligent Companies Accountable

Don’t let a large company scare you from receiving the damages you deserve. Even if the company responsible has gone bankrupt, there might still be money available through funds dedicated to asbestos victims. Schedule a consultation with Day Law Group today to learn if you have a valid mesothelioma personal injury claim, how much it might be worth, and how to begin the filing process.