Jackson, Mississippi Mesothelioma Lawyer

An experienced Jackson mesothelioma lawyer can help you take legal action and seek compensation if you were harmed by asbestos. Many workplaces in Jackson used asbestos, especially in manufacturing and construction. They put workers at risk of exposure and resulting asbestos illnesses.

If you or a loved one have been affected by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Jackson, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

Compensation for mesothelioma typically covers a range of costs and losses that affect patients and their families. Understanding these areas is crucial for those seeking justice and financial relief. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Medical Expenses

The treatments required for mesothelioma often lead to substantial medical bills. Compensation can help cover the costs of:

• Chemotherapy sessions and medications
• Surgical procedures
• Radiation therapy
• Participation in clinical trials
• Ongoing hospital stays and doctor visits

2. Lost Income

Illness often means time away from work, resulting in lost wages. Compensation addresses:

• Earnings lost during treatment and recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if the individual is unable to return to their previous employment

3. Pain and Suffering

Beyond financial strain, mesothelioma profoundly impacts an individual’s quality of life. Compensation often includes:

• Acknowledgment of physical pain endured during treatment
• Reimbursement for emotional distress and trauma caused by the illness

4. Additional Considerations

While the primary focus is on medical and financial impacts, some compensation may cover:

• Travel expenses related to treatment
• Home care or specialized assistance needs

In sum, mesothelioma compensation aims to alleviate the burdens faced, both tangible and intangible, allowing patients and their families to focus on healing and quality of life.

What Compensation Can Be Sought for Mesothelioma-Related Damages?

If you’re dealing with mesothelioma, understanding the compensation available can provide crucial support during such a challenging time. The damages typically sought in mesothelioma cases encompass several critical areas.

Medical Expenses

The cost of treating mesothelioma can be astronomical. Compensation can cover a wide array of medical expenses, such as:

• Chemotherapy and Radiation: Essential treatments aimed at combating cancer cells.
• Surgical Procedures: Operations necessary to remove or reduce tumors.
• Clinical Trials and Medications: Access to cutting-edge solutions and prescribed drugs.
• Hospital Bills: Costs incurred from stays and routine check-ups.

Lost Income

A mesothelioma diagnosis often results in missed work opportunities, significantly affecting your financial stability. Compensation might address:

• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income you are unable to earn due to illness.
• Potential Future Earnings: Consideration for income that might be lost in the future due to an inability to work.

Pain and Suffering

This aspect of compensation covers the non-economic damages inflicted by mesothelioma:

• Physical Pain and Trauma: Recognition of the discomfort and hardship endured.
• Diminished Quality of Life: Acknowledgment of how the illness impacts daily life and life expectancy, which is often limited to about 12 months post-diagnosis.

Seeking legal support can help ensure you receive the compensation needed to navigate this challenging time as smoothly as possible.

Jackson Asbestos Facts

• Between 1999 and 2017, nearly 2,400 people in Mississippi died from asbestos-related diseases.
• Older buildings in Jackson were often constructed with asbestos and still pose risks to workers and residents today.
• A major refining company in Jackson also contributed to asbestos exposure in the city.

About Asbestos and Mesothelioma in Jackson, Mississippi

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer with one known cause: asbestos exposure. Many industries common in Jackson in the 20th century used asbestos and exposed workers.

Asbestos materials shed fibers when handled. In the workplace, this results in fibers in the air and dust that workers can inhale or ingest unintentionally. Inside the body, asbestos fibers irritate tissues and cause damage. Cell damage can lead to cancer and other illnesses.

Asbestos exposure causes lung cancer, asbestosis, and two main types of mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma involves tissue around the lungs and causes symptoms like coughing, chest pains, and shortness of breath. Over time, asbestos fibers inhaled or swallowed can lodge in the lining of the lungs, damaging cells and causing inflammation. This can lead to the formation of tumors and the development of mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma. This less common form develops in the abdomen and causes abdominal pain, swelling, and gastrointestinal issues. Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the abdominal lining, leading to similar cellular damage and tumor formation.

Additional Symptoms and Importance of Early Diagnosis

Understanding the full range of mesothelioma symptoms is crucial. Some common symptoms across different types of mesothelioma include:

• Chest pain
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle weakness
• Fever

Seeking medical treatment as early as possible is essential, as early detection can significantly impact treatment outcomes. Always consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have a history of asbestos exposure.

How Does Mesothelioma Impact a Person’s Quality of Life?

Mesothelioma is a serious illness that can profoundly alter a person’s quality of life. This rare and aggressive cancer often originates in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, leading to a range of symptoms that significantly affect daily living.

Physical Challenges

• Persistent Pain: Patients frequently experience severe and chronic pain, which can make even simple tasks difficult.
• Breathing Difficulties: Issues such as shortness of breath or a persistent cough are common, as the disease primarily affects the lungs.
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness can occur, often exacerbated by treatments like chemotherapy.

Emotional and Mental Impact

• Emotional Strain: Coping with a life-limiting illness often leads to stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Cognitive Effects: There may also be a decline in cognitive functions as patients manage pain and fatigue.

Social and Economic Factors

• Loss of Independence: As symptoms progress, many patients require assistance with daily activities, which can be frustrating.
• Financial Burden: Medical expenses and lost income can add to the strain, impacting both the patient and their family.

Everyday activities become daunting, and the constant battle with the disease overshadows aspects of life that once brought joy. By understanding the full scope of how mesothelioma affects individuals, we can better appreciate the importance of support and effective management for those impacted by this challenging condition.

Why Early Medical Treatment is Crucial for Mesothelioma

Early intervention in mesothelioma cases is vital for several reasons. Firstly, mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, and the sooner it’s detected, the more treatment options are available. Early stages of the disease offer a better chance of managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.

Common Symptoms to Watch For:

• Persistent Chest Pain: This can indicate the presence of a tumor pressing against the chest lining.
• Chronic Dry Cough: Often mistaken for other respiratory conditions, but when persistent, it requires medical attention.
• Constant Fatigue: A symptom that can significantly impact daily living and may signal that the body is fighting something serious.
• Wheezing or Shortness of Breath: These symptoms may result from fluid build-up around the lungs.
• Muscle Weakness: A sign that the disease could be affecting muscle function or overall health.
• Recurrent Fevers: These may signal the body’s ongoing fight against cancer cells.

By addressing these symptoms early, treatment can often be more effective, potentially slowing disease progression and extending survival rates. Early treatment might include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, which are typically more successful when the cancer is detected at an earlier stage. Moreover, catching mesothelioma early can lead to more personalized treatment plans, aiming to increase the prognosis and improve recovery times.

In short, timely medical intervention doesn’t just provide a chance for better outcomes; it empowers patients with knowledge and options during a challenging time.

How Long Does It Take for Mesothelioma to Develop After Asbestos Exposure?

Mesothelioma, a type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, doesn’t develop overnight. Instead, it typically emerges over a long period, ranging from 10 to 70 years after the initial exposure to asbestos particles. This extensive latency period is why many cases remain undetected until the cancer has advanced significantly.

Understanding the Latency Period

• 10 to 70 Years: The substantial gap between exposure and diagnosis complicates identification. Many individuals may not connect their symptoms to exposure that happened decades ago.

Importance of Legal Assistance

Due to this lengthy development time, finding the source of asbestos exposure can be challenging. Collaborating with legal professionals who specialize in asbestos-related cases can be invaluable. They are equipped to trace back exposure history and help identify the party responsible, significantly aiding in the quest for justice and compensation.

The delayed onset of mesothelioma underlines the importance of regular health check-ups, especially for those with known asbestos exposure, to catch any signs as early as possible.

When Do I Need a Jackson, Mississippi, Mesothelioma Lawyer?

If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, you were probably exposed to asbestos at work years ago. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer right away. You have a right to seek compensation for negligent asbestos exposure, and a lawyer can help.

Top Mississippi mesothelioma lawyers are often based in Jackson. They are available to give you a free consultation for advice and to answer your questions. If they believe you have a case, they can help you take one or more actions to recover monetary damages:

• File a personal injury lawsuit
• Make a claim with an asbestos trust fund
• File a wrongful death lawsuit
• File for veteran benefits through the VA

Choose a Jackson lawyer with experience handling and winning asbestos cases. They should be affiliated with a large law firm with the resources to bring a complicated asbestos lawsuit to a successful conclusion.

Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Jackson?

Jackson has long been home to many industries that used asbestos. If you worked in manufacturing, construction, automotive repair, or many other industries, you could have been exposed to asbestos on the job. These are just a few examples.

Ergon Refining

A significant employer in Jackson, Ergon Refining, also known as Ergon Inc., refines, processes, transports, and markets oil and gas. In 1945, the business started as a propane distributing company. It quickly expanded into a booming business with over 2,000 employees.

As with many other companies during the 1900s and until the late 1970s, Ergon Refining relied heavily on asbestos for its fire and heat-resistant properties.

Unfortunately, asbestos at Ergon put workers at risk of exposure and illness. In addition to being used in plants and buildings, asbestos was used in clothing, hard hats, safety gear, benchtops, and more.

Workers in Jackson Still at Risk of Exposure

Asbestos affects workers in a multitude of occupations:

• Construction workers
• Power plant workers
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Insulators
• Steelworkers
• Mill workers
• Electricians
• Laborers
• Mechanics
• Railroad workers

In many cases, workers today are still at risk, not because asbestos is still in use but because it lingers in older buildings. In the last few years, this was illustrated with demolishing old structures in the Fondren neighborhood.

The buildings were being cleared for new construction. The project hit a snag when it was determined that the buildings may have come down without proper asbestos abatement.

Job Sites in Jackson Associated with Asbestos Use

The following buildings and job sites were once associated with asbestos use. These job sites were either constructed using asbestos-containing materials or asbestos was used in products and machinery:

Schools

• Blackburn Middle School
• Brinkley Middle School
• Callaway High School
• Green Elementary School
• Alexander Hall (Jackson State University)

Power and Light Companies

• Rex Brown Power Plant
• Jackson Electric Railway Light and Power Company
• Mississippi Power Company

Hospitals

• Jefferson County Hospital
• G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center
• Mississippi Baptist Medical Center

Additional Job Sites

• Armstrong Cork Company
• Buckeye Cellulose Corporation
• Century Manufacturing Company
• Enoch Lumber and Manufacturing Company
• Entergy Mississippi Inc.
• Filtrol Corporation
• Harper and Company Inc.
• Homer C. Porter & Sons, Inc.
• Jackson Steam Laundry
• Jackson County Water & Sewage Authority
• Mid South Insulation
• Mississippi Products and Supply Company
• R. Hood and Co.
• Jitney-Jungle Incorporated
• Filtrol Corporation
• Carroll Gartin Justice Building

Cancer Treatment in Jackson

Medical treatment for malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases requires specialists with experience in these rare diseases.

There is one comprehensive care center in Jackson. For additional healthcare options, contact the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-Cancer.

• University of Mississippi Medical Center Cancer Registry: 2500 North State Street, Jackson, Mississippi, 39216, 601-815-5482.

Financial Implications of Mesothelioma Treatment

Dealing with mesothelioma involves significant financial burdens alongside the emotional and physical challenges. Understanding these financial implications can help you better navigate the path forward.

Medical Costs

The costs associated with treating mesothelioma are substantial. Patients typically require a combination of treatments which may include:

• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy: These can be ongoing and costly over time.
• Surgical procedures: Surgery may be necessary to remove tumors, adding another layer of expense.
• Medication and clinical trials: Participation in trials or access to new medication can significantly impact your budget.
• Hospital stays: Extended hospital care can rack up expenses quickly.

Loss of Income

A mesothelioma diagnosis often means a significant reduction in work capacity. Many patients find themselves unable to work, resulting in:

• Lost wages: Without income, household financial stability is at risk.
• Future earnings: Long-term earning potential can be compromised, affecting financial plans.

Pain and Suffering

Beyond the economic costs, mesothelioma patients face non-economic challenges:

• Decreased quality of life: Chronic pain and reduced life expectancy (often around 12 months post-diagnosis) take a toll.
• Emotional distress: This can also lead to additional healthcare expenditures, such as therapy or counseling.

Seeking Financial Remedies

Understanding these implications is crucial. Exploring legal options like filing lawsuits may offer a pathway for monetary compensation. This can cover medical costs, lost income, and grant some relief for the endured hardships.

Great people. Helped my family through our meso diagnosis.

– Donald H.

Getting Legal Help in Jackson

Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for information on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. For questions and assistance, feel free to contact us at 800-793-4540.