HOUSTON MESOTHELIOMA ATTORNEY
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If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, you’re likely faced with a lot of emotions and stress. While there are treatments currently available for those who suffer with mesothelioma, there is no cure. This can cause serious emotional distress and financial hardship on mesothelioma victims and their families. Victims should seek out a qualified mesothelioma lawyer for their case.
At Reich & Binstock, our Houston mesothelioma lawyers fight for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones’ right to receive just compensation for the burdens this disease has undoubtedly placed on their lives.
Houston Mesothelioma Claims
Mesothelioma is a very aggressive and often fatal type of cancer. It occurs within the thin layer of tissue that surrounds several internal organs, called the mesothelium. This membrane protects the lungs, abdominal organs, heart, and testes.
Because the mesothelium is such an important membrane, malignant mesothelioma often brings catastrophic results.
Mesothelioma is categorized into different types based on the region of the mesothelium affected. More often than not, mesothelioma affects the membrane surrounding the lungs, also known as the pleura.
This is what is called pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma. In rarer cases, the cancer affects the tissue surrounding the abdomen, heart, and testicles. This is known as peritoneal mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Causes
There are a few factors that have been identified in increasing the risk for mesothelioma.
Most cases of mesothelioma are assumed to be a result of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos can be found in a variety of applications, including insulation, shingles, flooring, and much more. When asbestos is broken up, it may create dust which, when inhaled or swallowed, settles in the lungs or stomach. This irritation is what may essentially develop into malignant mesothelioma.
Thus, those who have been exposed to asbestos fibers at work or home have an increased risk of developing this cancer. Having a family medical history of mesothelioma may also increase your risk.
Another identifying factor that may contribute to the development of mesothelioma is radiation therapy. Those who have had radiation therapy to the chest for previous cancer treatments have an increased risk of this disease.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer is located.
There is pleural mesothelioma and then there is peritoneal mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and can result in any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or difficult breathing
- Painful coughing
- Abnormal lumps of tissue beneath the skin of your chest
- Weight loss
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma mostly occurs within the abdominal tissue. It’s symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea
- Weight Loss
Houston Mesothelioma Lawyer FAQ
My Family Member Died From Mesothelioma. Can I File a Mesothelioma Claim in Texas?
Each state has different laws in place that dictate who is able to file a wrongful death claim for their family member. In many states, the surviving spouse of the decedent is the only one who is eligible to file a mesothelioma claim on the victim’s behalf. In Texas, however, a mesothelioma wrongful death claim can be filed by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased party. In some cases, if the adoption was legally and fully completed, an adopted child may also file a wrongful death claim.
Any one of these family members can file the claim on their own. They may also choose to file it together as a group or family. If you seek to file a mesothelioma claim on behalf of your deceased family member, ask the Houston wrongful death attorneys at Reich & Binstock if you have a valid stance in your claim.
I Was Exposed in the Military, But I Can't Sue the Government, Can I?
Before being phased out in the 1970s, the U.S. military used large quantities of asbestos for many different applications. This put several military veterans at a high risk of asbestos exposure and therefore, the development of mesothelioma. Those who were exposed to asbestos in the military are able to sue, just not the government.
Instead, our Houston mesothelioma lawyers will go after the companies who created and sold the products containing asbestos to the military. It was these companies’ duties to disclose the risk factors of the products in which they were distributing.
By choosing to hide the information regarding the harmful effects of their products, they may very well be held liable for the risk they put on military members.
Should I Hire a Lawyer Who Specializes in Mesothelioma Cases?
It is always important in any case that you hire a lawyer who specializes in that area. There are countless areas of law and having a lawyer who dedicates their time to the specific area of law in which you have a case is vital to the success of your claim. If you have a mesothelioma case you wish to pursue, you need to hire a Houston mesothelioma attorney to represent you.
Mesothelioma lawyers are familiar with the complex and often challenging legal process that is a mesothelioma case. Their job is to hold the negligent party (or parties) liable for your wrongful exposure to asbestos. Your attorney must know what it takes to prove that this asbestos-related cancer could have been prevented as well as access the tools needed to prove negligence. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma cases is your best chance at obtaining the compensation you deserve.
How Do You Find a Top Mesothelioma Lawyer?
To find a reliable mesothelioma lawyer, you first need to make sure that they do, in fact, specialize in this particular area. Search for someone who is familiar and experienced with asbestos litigation, including mesothelioma lawsuits, settlements, and trust funds.
If you find a Houston mesothelioma lawyer, make sure you read what past clients have to say about them. You want to get a good sense of what your potential attorney will be like and if they have the skills and experience you’re looking for. Reading online reviews and testimonials is an important part of finding a top Houston mesothelioma lawyer.
Once you find someone you feel comfortable going forward with, reach out to them. There is no obligation to hire them should you choose to reach out. Many law firms offer free initial consultations, which allow you to speak with an attorney about your case with no extra charge. During the consultation, you can ask questions regarding your case and use this time to determine whether they are the right fit for you.
At Reich & Binstock, we offer free legal consultation regarding your mesothelioma case. In fact, there is never a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf! To speak with our Houston attorneys about scheduling your consultation, call 800-622-7271 toll free today.
Mesothelioma Trust Funds
We mentioned before that part of a mesothelioma lawyer’s job is to litigate trust funds. So what is a mesothelioma trust fund anyway? A mesothelioma or asbestos trust fund is a fund created to secure future compensation for mesothelioma victims and their families. These funds differ from typical lawsuit compensation in that they are used when the responsible asbestos manufacture files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
These trust funds are established through the bankruptcy courts and allow victims to file a claim with the trust rather than sue the company. It is a means to help compensate people for wrongful exposure that resulted in mesothelioma and all other types of asbestos-related diseases when the company responsible cannot afford to.
To see if you are eligible to file a mesothelioma trust fund claim, contact our Houston-based attorneys at Reich & Binstock.
Experienced Mesothelioma Attorneys in Houston, TX
If you or a loved one were exposed to the toxic element that is asbestos, you may be entitled to a mesothelioma settlement. To see if you have a valid claim, contact our Houston mesothelioma lawyers at Reich & Binstock today. We offer a free consultation for mesothelioma victims.
You can give us a call at 713-623-8724 or 800-622-7271 toll free or fill out our online contact form.
There is never a fee unless we recover on your behalf.
Additionally, clients are not obligated to pay expenses if a recovery is not made.