Our Mesothelioma Law Firm
Helps Families Recover After a Cancer Diagnosis
Every year, 3,000 more hardworking Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive and deadly type of cancer. Oftentimes, these men have just retired from their careers. They’re looking forward to a long retirement with their family that they worked so hard to achieve.
They develop a cough that progressively gets worse, as well as a stabbing pain in their chest that just won’t go away---no matter how much Tylenol they take.
By the time they’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s too late. Even if they fight it and undergo surgery and chemotherapy, the chances that they’ll be alive in five years are slim. They just try to spend as much time as they can with their family.
If you’re in a similar situation, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Like other mesothelioma victims before you, you were put in this situation through no fault of your own.
Asbestos Is Linked to Mesothelioma
Your employer and other companies exposed you to asbestos, a naturally occurring fiber that was used heavily in several industries between 1930 and 1980. We know today that asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma.
Decades ago, many of these companies knew the dangers of asbestos—but they continue using it because they valued profits over the lives of their workers.
Over 100 years ago, the United States government first recognized an abnormally high rate of death among asbestos workers. Other serious negative health effects of asbestos were noted as early as 1933 when a German scientist discovered a related lung tumor.
And yet, the American industry continued to use the mineral in products, ranging from construction material to household goods. Even today, while it is strictly regulated, the use of asbestos is not banned.
For years, careless manufacturers, employers, and landlords ignored the dangers. In some cases, they even actively covered up the risks. Their failure to protect the public in order to boost their own bottom line led to the suffering and eventual deaths of those with mesothelioma.
To learn more about the history of asbestos use in the United States, download attorney Joseph Shannon’s book, Meso Killers: A Saga of Corporate Greed, Lies, and the Painful Deaths of American Workers.
Our Mesothelioma Attorneys Understand What You're Going Through
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time. While we can’t undo your cancer diagnosis, we can hold the negligent companies responsible who put you in this position.
In Illinois, there are time limitations for filing a lawsuit after a mesothelioma diagnosis. That’s why we recommend that you contact an experienced law firm like Shannon Law Group as soon as possible.
Hiring a lawyer to represent you in a lawsuit doesn’t cost you or your family a dime. We charge a contingency fee, which means that we don’t get paid unless you get paid.
Call us today at 312-578-9501 to learn more about how we can help, and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
Learn About the History of Asbestos in the U.S. (and How You were Exposed)
About 3,000 hardworking Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Why? Because they were exposed to asbestos at their workplace decades ago. If you're one of these hardworking Americans, you deserve answers. In this book, you will learn about the history of asbestos in the U.S. and how big corporations put profits before their workers, resulting in the painful deaths of millions.
WHAT IS ASBESTOS?
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous materials. Each asbestos fiber is composed of long and thin fibrils that can be released in the air if irritated.
Asbestos is a fantastic insulator and has natural fireproof properties. For centuries, people across the world used this “miracle mineral” for many purposes. However, in the twentieth century, asbestos was banned in several countries because of its well-known health hazards.
When you inhale asbestos fibers, you’re at risk for developing conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Oftentimes, people don’t develop these adverse side effects until decades after they were exposed to asbestos.
WHAT IS MESOTHELIOMA?
Malignant mesothelioma is a serious and aggressive form of cancer. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When you’re exposed to asbestos, you may inhale or swallow the tiny particles of the toxic mineral. Those particles settle in the soft tissue inside the body, where they are difficult to either expel or break down.
Mesothelioma has a latency period of 15-40 years. From the moment you’re exposed to asbestos, it will take at least 15 years for you to experience symptoms of mesothelioma. The average length of the time between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma is 40 years. Most people with mesothelioma were exposed on the job when it was legal to use copious amounts of asbestos in various products, from radios to fireplaces.
There are three types of mesothelioma. Each type manifests depending on where the asbestos fibers reside in your body:
- Pleural Mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma develops in the lungs and is typically caused by asbestos fibers that were inhaled decades before. Pleural mesothelioma takes root in the pleura, the thin layer of tissue lining the chest cavity and covering the lungs.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma develops in the abdomen in the peritoneum, or the thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen and covering most of the internal organs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is typically caused by swallowing asbestos fibers decades before.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma. This rare type of mesothelioma develops in the double-layered membrane surrounding the heart called the pericardium. It can be caused by asbestos inhalation or ingestion.
The prognosis for those diagnosed with mesothelioma is unfortunately very poor. Mesothelioma has a 30 percent survival rate after 5 years. People are often diagnosed at the late stages of this disease as well. Treatment options like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are often invasive and painful. In most cases, they only buy the patient a little more time to spend with their family.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA?
Your symptoms will vary depending on what type of mesothelioma you have. Below, we’ve listed symptoms associated with each type of mesothelioma. In general, most people will experience the following symptoms when they have mesothelioma:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Sudden weight loss
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Blood clots
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Pain on the side of your chest or lower back
- Swelling in your face and arms
- Hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
- Constipation
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Heart murmur
- Shortness of breath
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your doctor.
CAN I SUE FOR MESOTHELIOMA?
Yes, you can certainly sue for mesothelioma. If you have this type of cancer, that means you were exposed to asbestos 15-40 years ago. Those companies that exposed you to asbestos must be held accountable for their negligence.
We recommend contacting an experienced lawyer who handles mesothelioma claims as soon as possible. That way, you don’t run out of time to file a lawsuit against these companies. To speak with our attorneys at Shannon Law Group, call us 24/7 at (312) 578-9501.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE AFTER A MESOTHELIOMA DIAGNOSIS?
When you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should put your health first. Go to your doctors’ appointments and seek the treatment you need to manage this disease. Take care of yourself before immediately reaching out to a lawyer.
Once you’ve started treatment, we highly recommend contacting an experienced mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible. There are specific time limitations for filing mesothelioma lawsuits in Illinois and across the United States. The clock starts ticking once you are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Filing a lawsuit on time preserves you and your family’s rights to compensation.
Hiring a lawyer comes at no cost to you. Most mesothelioma attorneys like Shannon Law Group don’t charge a fee upfront. Instead, they charge a contingency fee at the end of the case. In other words, they don’t get paid until you get paid.
When you hire a lawyer, they will investigate to find out which companies should be held responsible for exposing you to asbestos year ago. Oftentimes, there are dozens of companies that are liable for your mesothelioma diagnosis.
To speak with a mesothelioma lawyer at Shannon Law Group, call us today at (312) 578-9501. Our lawyers are available to speak with you 24/7, and they will personally meet with you and your family to explore the best route moving forward.
WHERE WAS I EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS?
As mentioned before, the only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. According to OSHA, there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure for any type of asbestos fiber.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally resists heat, flame, electricity, and corrosion. During the Industrial Revolution through the 1970s, it was the popular choice for a number of industries.
Asbestos in the Workplace
In this time period when asbestos was used ubiquitously, millions of hardworking Americans (mostly men) were exposed to the deadly mineral every day on the job. Their families were also exposed when they would come home with asbestos on their clothes.
Here is a list of industries and occupations that were exposed to asbestos:
- Mining. For decades, American workers mined asbestos ore out of hills and mountains. Asbestos-mining towns first witnessed the health hazards and dangers that asbestos posed. Workers were also exposed to asbestos while mining talc. Asbestos is naturally found close to talc.
- Construction. Several construction materials contained asbestos until the 1980s. The construction industry alone accounted for 70-80% of asbestos use in the United States. As a result, construction workers were often exposed to asbestos on the job. Home renovators and demolition crews are most at risk. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, about 25 percent of people who die from asbestos-related diseases worked in the construction industry.
- Military. Veterans who served between 1930 and 1980 have the highest risk for developing mesothelioma. During that time period, many veterans were exposed to asbestos while working in all branches of the U.S. military. For instance, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards often had a high level of exposure.
- Auto mechanic. Car parts such as brake pads, hoodliners, and clutches contain asbestos to this day. Many auto mechanics are exposed to asbestos when installing these parts. One of the first mesothelioma clients we represented was an auto mechanic who was exposed to asbestos when he installed brake pads in his shop
- Firefighter. When fire damages asbestos products in buildings, the fibers release into the air. This makes firefighters susceptible to asbestos exposure. Many firefighters were also exposed to asbestos at the World Trade Center after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
- Industrial Worker. For decades, workers in several trades were exposed to asbestos on the job, including mechanics, foremen, trade laborers, chemical workers, and machinery operators.
- Power Plant Worker. Many power plants used asbestos products like fireproofing spray and pipe insulation, which exposed workers to the toxic mineral.
The above list only a tiny sample of the many careers and occupations that involved dangerous amounts of asbestos over the years.
Asbestos in Household Products
Additionally, even for those who did not work in a high-risk environment, exposure is still possible through secondary exposure or the use of different products. For years, asbestos was found in high concentrations in many common goods, including:
- Insulation
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Drywall
- Adhesives and cement
- Paint
- Protective clothing (mitts, aprons, masks, etc.)
- Roofing materials
- Curtains
- Hairdryers
Even if you aren’t sure where or when you were exposed to asbestos, an experienced attorney can help you investigate your rights after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Call our attorneys today at Shannon Law Group, P.C., at 312-578-9501 to learn more about how we can help. Our consultations come at no cost to you.
WHAT CAN A MESOTHELIOMA ATTORNEY DO FOR ME?
From our Chicagoland office, our experienced legal team can help victims understand their rights, gather evidence to discover and prove their exposure risks, negotiate with responsible parties, and even try your case in court, if necessary.
Essentially, our job as your attorney is to take the stresses of the lawsuit off your shoulders, so that you can focus on your recovery and spending time with your family. You won’t have to deal with insurance companies or defense lawyers calling you; we’ll take care of that.
Our mesothelioma attorneys also make sure that we find all of the defendants that exposed you to asbestos. We will also preserve your rights by filing your case on time.
In general, here are steps you and your attorney will go through in a mesothelioma lawsuit:
- Investigation. After you hire Shannon Law Group, the attorney handling your case will immediately begin investigating your case. The goal of this phase is to find out all of the potential defendants that may have exposed you to asbestos, as well as build your case against these companies.We obtain copies of your medical records, medical bills, employment history, military service history, statements from witnesses, and more.
- Asbestos Trust Recovery. Once we have identified all potential defendants, our lawyers will find out whether you can receive compensation through asbestos trust funds. These funds have been set up by companies that have admitted liability and filed bankruptcy. These companies established trust funds to compensate victims of mesothelioma.
- Other Recovery Options. In some cases, a company that exposed you to asbestos may not have admitted liability or established a trust fund. In this case, your lawyer will file a lawsuit against these companies to recover compensation on your behalf.
- Filing a Lawsuit. Next, your attorney will file your mesothelioma lawsuit in the venue most appropriate for your case.
- Discovery. Next, all parties involved enter the “Discovery” phase. Your attorneys will receive discovery documents from the defendant(s), asking them to produce documents and answer questions related to your case. Your attorney may ask for your help answering these questions and gathering documents.
- Depositions. Once all parties have produced discovery responses, everyone will begin taking depositions. Your lawyer will prepare you ahead of time for your deposition. Your attorney will also depose the defendants.
- Settlement/Trial. As more information is shared with the defendants, they may wake up and offer you a settlement for your case. If settlement negotiations fall through, your case may proceed to trial in front of a jury. At Shannon Law Group, our lawyers are always prepared to try your case in front of a jury.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A MESOTHELIOMA CLAIM?
In Illinois, you have 2 years from the date of a mesothelioma diagnosis to file a claim. That’s why we recommend you contact an experienced law firm like Shannon Law Group as soon as possible.
Filing a lawsuit preserves your rights and allows you to obtain the compensation that you justly deserve. You developed mesothelioma through no fault of your own, and you deserve to be compensated.
HOW MUCH IS MY MESOTHELIOMA CASE WORTH?
This much is true: Your mesothelioma case is worth significantly more with a lawyer than without a lawyer. Why?
An attorney with experience handling mesothelioma cases will know what to do to obtain the most compensation for you. They won’t stop until they find all of the defendant companies who can be held responsible for exposing you to asbestos.
For example, if your lawyer only finds 5 defendants, you’ll only receive compensation from those five companies’ asbestos trust funds. However, an experienced attorney may actually find 20 defendants, which significantly increases the value of your case.
Your lawyer will also put together a team of experts and doctors who can testify as to how asbestos exposure caused your mesothelioma diagnosis.
If you would like to find out what our expert lawyers can do for you, call us 24/7 at (312) 578-9501. We’re available to speak with you at any time, and we’ll answer all of your questions regarding mesothelioma cases. If you’re unable to travel, we’ll come to you.
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO MESOTHELIOMA CANCER PATIENTS?
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several treatment options available for mesothelioma patients. Here are some procedures your doctor may recommend:
- Surgery. By the time most are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s too late to remove all cancer cells via surgery. However, surgery can relieve and reduce many signs and symptoms of mesothelioma throughout the body. You may undergo surgery to decrease fluid buildup or remove tissue around the lungs.
- Chemotherapy. This treatment involves using chemicals to kill cancer cells. If successful, the chemicals will shrink or slow the growth of mesothelioma that can’t be removed via surgery.
- Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams from X-rays or protons. The beams target specific areas in your body where mesothelioma cancer cells are growing.
- Immunotherapy. This type of treatment stimulates your immune system to fight cancer cells. Typically, your immune system doesn’t attack because cancer cells create proteins that block immune system cells. Immunotherapy bypasses this process, allowing your immune system to fight back.
As our previous clients can attest, our legal team at Shannon Law Group, P.C., understands the impact a legal case can have on your family, and we pride ourselves on getting the job done for our clients.
Unfortunately, Illinois is ranked 7th in the nation for diagnosis of mesothelioma, but these cases are often found in favor of the victim, and we want to help ensure that outcome for you and your loved ones. Let us protect and defend your legal rights, so you can take care of what really matters. Fill out our online contact form today or call us at (312) 578-9501. you’ll get a prompt response from a member of our team who can answer your questions and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
