Mesothelioma Attorney in Lansing, Michigan
Have you or a family member been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure in Michigan? You may be eligible to take legal action for the financial, physical and emotional losses you have had to endure. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often detected when the illness is at an advanced stage and is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. As the life expectancy for many mesothelioma victims is less than a year after a diagnosis, it can be important for victims and their families to contact a licensed attorney to learn about the legal options that may be available.
At Jay Trucks & Associates, our Lansing mesothelioma lawyers have decades of experience standing up for families devastated by a loved one’s diagnosis. We have recovered millions in compensation for our clients and are ready to protect your rights.
The consultations are completely free with no risk or obligation to hire our firm. Our services are provided on contingency, so you do not pay anything up front unless and until we help you obtain a recovery.
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(989) 601-2554
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I was very pleased with the services of Jay Trucks & Associates. They were friendly, professional, and efficient. I would recommend them to family and friends…
— J. Martin
Jay Trucks & Associates, PC
Am I Eligible to File a Case?
You may have a valid case if you have been diagnosed by a doctor with an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops after a period of exposure to asbestos. That is why it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Lansing mesothelioma lawyer from our firm to review your situation and discuss your potential legal options.
These cases can be complex, especially since mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose until several decades after the initial asbestos exposure, and many of its symptoms resemble other medical conditions. Proving a history of asbestos exposure over time and the time and place you were exposed to this mineral is also complicated.
Our legal team knows how to thoroughly investigate these cases, gathering medical records, work history and any other relevant evidence to establish the types of asbestos-containing products you were exposed to and whether it is related to occupational or secondary exposure.
Jay Trucks & Associates, PC
How Much is My Mesothelioma Case Worth?
The value of your potential case and your legal options for recovering damages are dependent on certain factors unique to your circumstances.
If a company that manufactured products with asbestos has caused you and other former workers to develop mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through one of several asbestos trust funds.
These funds were developed after some companies declared bankruptcy due to the large number of mesothelioma lawsuits filed against them. Asbestos manufacturers were ordered to set up funds to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. Our lawyers can help you file a trust fund claim on your behalf.
Another option is filing a personal injury claim if you and your family need compensation to help pay for medical bills, loss of income and other related expenses after a mesothelioma diagnosis. If a loved one has died from mesothelioma, his or her estate may be able to file a wrongful death claim to cover burial and funeral costs.
Every mesothelioma case is different and so is the compensation. If you have a case, we are ready to pursue maximum compensation to help you pay for medical treatments (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy) as well as palliative care to assist with pain management and provide comfort during the disease’s last stages.
Zero Upfront Fees; Free Initial Consultation
(989) 601-2554
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Liable Parties for Asbestos Exposure
Former employers are most often held liable when they knowingly subject employees to asbestos exposure without warning of the dangers of this mineral. This includes failing to provide the necessary personal protective equipment, such as respirators, eyewear, rubber boots and disposable coveralls and gloves.
Other potential liable parties could include:
- Manufacturers who used asbestos as a raw material when creating products for mass distribution
- Shipbuilding companies who used asbestos throughout vessels, construction, equipment and products for durability and fireproofing
- Mining companies that relied heavily on mining this mineral for its heat resistance and durability
- U.S. Armed Forces for purchasing and having service members handle asbestos-containing products
- Building owners who have a duty to disclose the risk of asbestos to occupants, visitors and tenants
- State and local government entities with asbestos-containing materials in their buildings
Jay Trucks & Associates, PC
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?
Most mesothelioma claims in Michigan must generally be filed within three years from the date of your diagnosis. This is filing deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Failure to file within the three-year window will likely result in the court dismissing your claim and you being unable to pursue compensation.
Although, based on your situation, you may be required to file before or after this deadline. A qualified Lansing mesothelioma injury attorney is ready to determine the options that may be available for your claim.
Our lawyers are standing by to take your call.
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Jay Trucks & Associates, PC
Are There Different Types Of Mesothelioma?
There are four different types of mesothelioma, each defined based on where the cancer develops in the body. At Jay Trucks & Associates, we are prepared to handle cases involving various forms of this disease.
Pleural Mesothelioma
This type of mesothelioma develops in lining of the lungs. It is also the most common, accounting for about 70 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms include chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and unexplained weight loss. Life expectancy for victims who undergo treatment is at least three years with a stage 1 diagnosis and about one year with a stage 4 diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen and accounts for about 15 to 20 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms include swelling and pain in the abdomen, lumps and weight loss. About half of victims who undergo a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can live for at least five years after the initial diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
This type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart. It is also very rare, accounting for about 200 reported cases. Symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, chronic coughing and shortness of breath. Life expectancy for victims who undergo treatment is between six weeks to 15 months.
Testicular Mesothelioma
This type of mesothelioma is develops in the lining of the testes. It is the most rare of the disease, accounting for less than 100 reported cases. Symptoms include scrotal swelling and painless testicular lumps. Victims who undergo surgery and chemotherapy can live for two or more years after the initial diagnosis.
The majority of the time, mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until it has advanced. If the disease is too far along, doctors are unable to operate. In these cases, a doctor may suggest treatments to manage the pain.
Jay Trucks & Associates, PC
Can Mesothelioma Be Cured?
There is currently no cure for mesothelioma. However, if the disease is discovered in its early stages, there are several treatment options available to extend victims’ life expectancy. Over the years, researchers have developed and continue to improve new diagnostic methods and treatments to potentially lead to a cure.
For instance, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in combination with intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been known to improve quality of life for victims diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in its early stages.
Differences Between Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
When a victim is diagnosed with mesothelioma in one of the lungs, he or she may assume it is another form of lung cancer. Although lung cancer and mesothelioma share similar symptoms that affect the lungs, they are distinctly different.
Lung cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cancer cells in the lungs, while mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the tissue surrounding the lungs. Mesothelioma also forms in the lining of the lung, also known as the mesothelium, whereas lung cancer forms in the tissue of the lung.
Another difference is that lung cancer typically grows into a large mass. Mesothelioma on the other hand could cause smaller tumors that are harder to distinguish from healthy cells.
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Common Symptoms Of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, when the disease has unfortunately grown or spread. Some of the most common mesothelioma symptoms include:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Dry cough or wheezing
- Fatigue
- Fever or night sweats
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory issues
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
A biopsy will confirm whether you have mesothelioma. Routine blood work or an X-ray may detect early signs of the disease. However, because symptoms resemble other less serious diseases, it can be very difficult to detect. This is why it is important that you see a doctor if you suspect or have any known history of asbestos exposure. Once diagnosed, your medical records could help strengthen your claim for compensation.
Jay Trucks & Associates, PC
Occupations That Exposed Workers To Asbestos
Asbestos has been used in many different products throughout many industries in the U.S. This mineral was incorporated into construction and commercial products, such as:
- Bricks
- Cement and concreate
- Drywall
- Flooring
- Insulation
- Paints
- Pipes
- Roofing
This mineral has also been used in household products, such as electrical appliances, gloves, plastics and rubber. Asbestos exposure was not regulated until the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
Although regulations have been passed to promote safer working conditions, there are still occupations that put workers at a higher risk of exposure to asbestos than others. These include, but are not limited to:
- Boiler mechanics
- Construction workers
- Car mechanics
- Factory workers
- Firefighters
- Industrial workers
- Insulators
- Iron workers
- Miners
- Oil refiners
- Plumbers
- Power plant workers
- Roofers
- Shipyard employees
- Steel mill workers
- Welders
Michigan, like other states, has had problems with asbestos exposure. Known for its large auto manufacturing industry including Chevrolet and General Motors Corporation, many car parts (brakes, clutches and gaskets) still contain asbestos.
Other companies that may have exposed workers to asbestos in the Lansing area include:
- American Bank and Trust
- Ap Green Refractories Company
- Arbuckle Ryan Company For Olds Motor Company
- Atlas Drop Forge Company
- Auto Owners Insurance Building
- Board of Water and Electric Light Commissioners
- Brick & Supplies Corp
- Celotex Plant
- City of Lansing Board of Power and Light
- Davison Chemical Company
- Dow Chemical Company
- East Lansing Sewage Treatment Plant
- Fisher Body Plant
- Ideal Finishing Company
- Industrial Welding Corporation
- Lansing Board of Water & Light
- Lansing Division White Motor
- Lansing Heat & Ventilation
- Lansing Heating & Treating Company
- Moores Park Power Station
- Oldsmobile Forge Plant
- Otto E. Eckert Power Station
- Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corporation
- State Capital Complex
- State Credit Union
- Tranter Manufacturing Company
- Water & Light Building
- White Motor Company
Call a Lansing Mesothelioma Attorney To Get Started
Mesothelioma is a devastating diagnosis. The companies responsible for causing this type of cancer should be held accountable for their actions.
At Jay Trucks & Associates, we know that no amount of compensation can change what happened, but it may help ease some financial burdens associated with the disease. Our firm has recovered more than $500 million in compensation for our clients and we are prepared to pursue maximum compensation for you should you have a valid case and decide to move forward.
Our consultations are confidential and free of charge. There is no risk or obligation to take legal action. There are also no upfront fees for our legal services. We do not receive payment unless you obtain compensation.
(989) 601-2554
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