During your career as a court reporter, transcriptionist or scopist, you will be asked to report on many complex medical-related cases such as mesothelioma lawsuits. I have been both personally involved with this insidious disease with my own father and also in reporting many depositions of plaintiffs, defendants, physicians and expert witnesses.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can be either a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the lining of the chest (lungs and heart) or the abdomen. There are three forms of this disease: pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common. The etiology (or cause) of this disease is exposure to asbestos particles in the air, a fibrous mineral known to be carcinogenic. Even family members of victims can be exposed to this disease and are at some risk. Upon exposure, there can be a 30- to 40-year period before malignant tumors are present and diagnosed, and many people remain asymptomatic. Treatment options can be surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of all three.
Who is Affected by Mesothelioma?
For over six decades people working in the construction industry, factories, automotive plants, railroads and shipyards have been affected; more mean usually than women. The usual age of diagnosis is between 50 and 70 years of age.
Seeking Reparation for the Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Employers and manufactureres of asbestos-containing substances, especially if they were aware of the risks, can be and are usually held liable in a court of law for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering as a result of this disease. Awards for damages can be substantial, in some cases with awards up to $22,000,000. If you suspect or have a confirmed diagnosis of mesothelioma, it is important that you obtain competent legal counsel to fight for your rights in a court of law.
Mesothelioma Attorneys
Once you obtain legal counsel, you may be represented as an individual or in a class action lawsuit. Most lawyers will represent you on a contingency basis, therefore you will not have upfront out-of-pocket expenses. Contingency fees can range upwards of 40 percent of the monetary damage awards.
There are many attorneys available who can handle your case, however it is very important that you select the right one for your situation. Usually a free consultation is offered, and you need to be prepared with questions of your own. Ask the attorney the extent of his expertise in mesothelioma lawsuits, the number of cases he/she has handled, if he plans to handle your case himself or herself or co-counsel with another firm, the results of his past cases, and his or her fee. There will also be paperwork involved for you to assemble, so plan to start gathering all your past work history and medical documents as far back as you possibly can.