Supporting a Loved One with Mesothelioma: Caregiver Tips

Mesothelioma is a terminal form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, and anyone diagnosed with this condition faces a very difficult treatment regimen. Mesothelioma caregiver support is crucial for anyone diagnosed with this form of cancer. They will be unlikely to be able to work and will also need assistance with many daily tasks. It’s important for any caregiver to take full advantage of all resources available to them.

Important Caregiver Tips for Mesothelioma

If a family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be preparing to act as their caregiver, helping to manage their medical appointments, assist with daily tasks, and provide the ongoing care they will need during a challenging treatment process. This is a physically and emotionally demanding role, and it’s vital to know what to expect.

There are roughly 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States each year, and about 2,500 people die from mesothelioma in the country each year. This disease can only be managed; it cannot be cured. A family receiving the news that a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma is incredibly challenging, and deciding caregiver responsibilities for the patient will be a difficult decision.

One of the most important things that a caregiver must remember when caring for a friend or loved one with mesothelioma is to take care of themselves as well. It’s common for caregivers to become so focused on their responsibilities and overwhelmed with the emotional weight of their situation that they begin to neglect their own health and well-being. Caregivers should be able to take breaks, and they must also consider their own nutrition, sleep, and emotional needs.

Finding a support group is a great idea for any mesothelioma caregiver. Support groups enable you to connect with others facing similar situations. They may not only be able to provide practical advice and general tips for managing your everyday caregiving responsibilities, but also emotional support and compassionate friendship during a very difficult time.

Some caregivers are compelled to handle their responsibilities on their own, but when they have other friends and family who can provide support, it is important for them to do so whenever they can. This not only helps the caregiver maintain their personal well-being but also creates a support network for the patient. If you have been chosen as a primary caregiver, do not be afraid to lean on friends and family for help when you need it.

Legal counsel can also be an invaluable asset for a family that has received a mesothelioma diagnosis. If an employer, manufacturer, or any other party is liable for your loved one’s disease, it is vital to know how you can hold them responsible. Success with a mesothelioma case could yield compensation for medical expenses, lost financial support, and the victim’s pain and suffering. This compensation could make managing the aftermath of the diagnosis a bit easier.

Wallace & Graham can provide comprehensive legal support for your mesothelioma case. We understand the emotional strain of the situation and can answer your most pressing legal questions. We can also provide guidance, connecting you with valuable mesothelioma caregiver support resources. If you have questions about your legal options, reach out to our team right away to learn more about the legal services we can provide.

FAQs

Q: Can Mesothelioma Be Cured?

A: No, mesothelioma is an incurable and terminal form of cancer. Once the disease has manifested noticeable symptoms, it has already reached an advanced stage, and at this point, the optimal outcome for the patient will be managing their symptoms and maintaining their quality of life. More than 65% of people who undergo chemotherapy for mesothelioma live for three or more years.

Q: How Does Mesothelioma Affect a Person’s Daily Life?

A: Mesothelioma will affect a person’s daily life in various ways, and the scope of the effects of the disease will vary from case to case. The disease itself can cause various challenging symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and more. Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments also come with difficult side effects. Many people living with mesothelioma are unable to work and will require daily assistance from caregivers.

Q: How Much Asbestos Exposure Will Cause Mesothelioma?

A: Any level of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. There is no safe level of exposure, as it is possible for someone to develop mesothelioma after just one exposure. However, a single exposure does not guarantee that the person will definitely develop mesothelioma. Some people are genetically predisposed to mesothelioma and other cancers. Generally, the frequency and intensity of exposure dictate whether someone will develop mesothelioma and how quickly.

Q: How Much Compensation Can You Get for Mesothelioma?

A: The amount of compensation you could get for mesothelioma will depend on multiple factors. You may have grounds to claim workers’ compensation benefits if you developed the condition from work; you could also qualify to file a claim for a mesothelioma injury trust. If a specific employer, manufacturer, or other party is liable for your condition, you can also file a toxic exposure suit against them. Your attorney can estimate the total value of your case.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer will vary from attorney to attorney. At Wallace & Graham, we take these cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront fees for our representation and no fee at all if we are unable to secure compensation for our client for any reason. When we win a case, we charge a percentage of the total amount recovered, meaning there is no risk of our client paying more in legal fees than they win in compensation.

Living with mesothelioma is incredibly difficult, and caregivers and family members of those diagnosed with this condition need all the help they can get when it comes to managing mesothelioma. If your loved one has been diagnosed with this form of cancer, the team at Wallace & Graham can help you understand your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn more about the services we provide.