Mesothelioma is a terminal form of cancer that develops from asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is natural to have many difficult legal questions in this situation and to wonder whether you have any grounds for legal action. An experienced Durham, NC, mesothelioma lawyer can be an invaluable asset in this situation, helping you determine your most viable legal options.
The team at Wallace & Graham, P.A., has years of professional experience representing mesothelioma claims in the state, and we can apply this experience to your impending case. Our firm takes time to thoroughly investigate every client’s claim to help them determine the extent of their legal options when they have been diagnosed with this terminal condition. We can help you identify the cause of mesothelioma and pursue compensation for you.
For years in the United States, asbestos was widely used as a construction material due to its fireproofing and insulating capabilities, while everyone was completely unaware of the dangers this substance presents. When someone is exposed to asbestos, they can develop mesothelioma over time, but the disease can take many years to manifest noticeable symptoms. This is one of the most challenging aspects of building any mesothelioma claim.
An experienced Durham, NC, mesothelioma lawyer can be your most valuable asset when it comes to gathering the evidence you will need to prove how you contracted mesothelioma. This generally requires securing building records, employment records, and various other forms of documentation that could span years or decades. Once you determine the time and location of your exposure, you will then need to determine who is liable for your damages.
It’s possible to have grounds for a claim against an asbestos product manufacturer, a current or former employer, or a building owner. Many companies that previously manufactured asbestos products have since gone out of business, but many of them have created mesothelioma trusts that continue to disburse funds to those negatively affected by the products they sell. It is also possible for an employer to face severe penalties if they fail to follow asbestos regulations.
Your mesothelioma lawyer in Durham, NC, can help you determine fault for your condition. Once fault is established, they can help you determine the extent of the damages you are legally entitled to claim from the at-fault party or parties. You may be able to recover compensation for all medical expenses related to your condition, lost income if the disease forces you to stop working, and compensation for your pain and suffering.
Wallace & Graham, P.A., can work closely with you through every stage of your case, from determining fault for your exposure to ascertaining the extent of the damages you are legally able to seek from the party responsible for your exposure. Our goal in every mesothelioma claim we represent is to help our client maximize their recovery as much as state law allows, and the sooner you connect with our team, the more time we can have to build your case.
A: Mesothelioma develops from asbestos exposure. Asbestos is made of very thin, light, and sharp fibers that can remain suspended in the air for a long time, and if they are breathed into the lungs, these fibers are embedded in the lung tissue. Over time, this causes mesothelioma to develop in the pleura around the lungs, which can then spread around the heart and into the abdominal cavity. The symptoms of asbestos exposure can take decades to appear.
A: The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the type of mesothelioma a person has, and these symptoms are commonly misdiagnosed as other conditions until mesothelioma reaches a critical level. Pleural mesothelioma can cause painful cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain, while peritoneal mesothelioma can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and swelling. Over time, these symptoms can worsen and spread to other areas of the body.
A: The latency period for mesothelioma can range from 10 to 50 years, with an average latency period of about 25 years. One of the most challenging aspects of a mesothelioma case is the fact that the disease takes so long to develop; a victim is likely to have great difficulty in determining the exact source of their asbestos exposure. An experienced Durham, NC, mesothelioma lawyer can be essential for helping you determine the cause of this condition.
A: You should hire a Durham, NC, mesothelioma lawyer because this type of claim is inherently difficult to build without seasoned legal experience on your side. Your attorney can assist you in determining the cause of your condition, which is likely to require extensive research and document recovery to pinpoint the time and location where you were exposed to asbestos. They will also help you maximize the compensation you obtain if you succeed with the case.
A: The cost to hire your Durham, NC, mesothelioma lawyer will depend on the attorney’s billing policy. At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we operate on a contingency fee basis for mesothelioma claims. This means that you will only pay a fee if we win your case, and your fee will be a percentage of the total compensation we win for you. There is no fee at all if we are unable to obtain compensation for your damages.
Wallace & Graham, P.A., has the experience, professional resources, and skills required to handle the most challenging mesothelioma claims for our clients in the Durham area. You have a limited time in which to build your case after your diagnosis, so it’s vital to secure legal counsel as soon as you can. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Durham, NC, mesothelioma lawyer.