Mesothelioma
Unique among cancers, mesothelioma's major risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Indeed, the disease -- where malignant cells develop in the protective lining covering organs such as the lungs and heart -- is almost always caused by asbestos. Victims need not have worked with the substance either; simply inhaling asbestos particles -- for example, by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos -- can be enough to trigger mesothelioma.
The dangers of asbestos exposure have been known for almost a century. Yet for decades after becoming aware of these risks, many manufacturers and employers neglected to implement safety measures that would have offered protection and decimated the incidence of mesothelioma. Instead, people were exposed and became sick. Lives were lost; families devastated.While many mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed -- and billions of dollars in damages paid -- most victims have not brought suit. Indeed, a 2002 study by the RAND Institute for Civil Justice estimated that by the end of 2000, at most only one-half of all potential claimants had come forward. One reason for this is the long period of time -- often 20 to 50 years -- that can pass between exposure to asbestos and signs of mesothelioma. Diagnosis is often difficult because symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of other conditions. In general, however, warning signs include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing, wheezing, or hoarseness
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
- Abdominal swelling
- Bowel obstruction
- Anemia or fatigue
- Trouble swallowing or swelling of the neck or face
For victims of mesothelioma, and their families, the legal system provides an avenue for redress -- and accountability. But recovery can be difficult without the assistance of a law firm experienced in these complicated cases, and tenacious in its work style. Mesothelioma cases test both a firm's legal and scientific expertise. And, unfortunately, few firms are up to the task.
At Mary Alexander & Associates, our capabilities start with the quarter century of experience we have litigating complicated negligence cases, and defending the rights of clients injured by the actions -- and inactions -- of others. We also bring a unique scientific background -- our founding partner was a Stanford-trained scientist before she was a lawyer -- to every case we take on. That lets us better understand -- and litigate -- the hardest, most technical cases, like mesothelioma. It's not just our commitment that sets us apart from other firms. It's our ability to carry through on it.
