Mesothelioma Legal Blog

For purposes of this article, the deceased mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as R.L.S. or Mr. S and the widow as Mrs. S. In a recent court decision, the Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled in favor of a widow pursuing a wrong death claim after losing her husband to mesothelioma. R.L.S. was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma after suffering asbestos exposure while working with Penelec for over 20 years. Before his death, Mr. S and his wife filed a lawsuit against Penelec. After Mr. S died, his wife amended the complaint to include a wrongful death claim.

The workers’ compensation system was developed with the purpose of compensating laborers who were injured in the workplace. For victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, workers’ compensation claims may be a method for recovery. However, there are limitations and issues to account for when considering whether to file a workers’ compensation for asbestos claims. Most states adopted laws in the 1920s putting in place workers’ compensation programs. Today, every state has a system, as well as a federal system for federal employees.

A recently published study by Japanese researchers appears to show that a novel type of cancer immunotherapy helped shrink tumors in lab mice, which could bode as a promising treatment for mesothelioma cancer and other serious types of cancers. The study examined the use of near-infrared photoimmunotherapy, a type of technology that uses a chemical to make some cells more sensitive to light and then targets the cancer cells with focused light beams. Through the course of their study, the Japanese team exploited certain proteins which mesothelioma tumors overexpress.

It is commonly known that asbestos is a dangerous substance that has been the cause of diseases and cancers such as mesothelioma. Due to its fire-retardant properties, the mineral was considered very useful to many industries, such as fireproofing or insulating for construction. Even after regulations were put in place to severely restrict and in some instances, discontinue its use in the 1970s, people continued to get sick. It can take years for the long-term effects of asbestos exposure to be realized.

Mesothelioma is an uncommon and aggressive cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. If you have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may be wondering what to do next. While seeking immediate medical care should be your priority, understanding your legal rights is crucial. This is not just about seeking justice but also about securing your financial future and that of your loved ones. Let us dive into the rights you have after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

A lot happens after an individual is diagnosed with mesothelioma. For example, a mesothelioma patient will want to know how the illness will affect their lifestyle and relationships with family and friends. Additionally, shortly after diagnosis, mesothelioma patients start wondering how mesothelioma will affect them financially. The reality is that a mesothelioma diagnosis is bound to affect an individual’s life in many negative ways. After a mesothelioma diagnosis, people have to make tough medical, personal, and financial decisions.