Mesothelioma Information Washington DC Blog | Parker, Dumler and Kiely LLP

As many as 90% of all mesothelioma victims have a history of job-related asbestos exposure. The remaining 10-30% (depending upon which statistics you read) are people who have been exposed in one of a very few other ways. One risk of exposure for wives and household members came from close contact with the worker, such as giving a hug when they came home, or shaking out clothing while doing laundry, sending fibers airborne. The attorneys at Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLC list several common job sites known for asbestos exposure.

Rarely is mesothelioma found in patients without a history of asbestos exposure, but there are two other suspected causes. One is having received a polio vaccine contaminated with the SV40 virus, and another is the result of having received thorium dioxide (Thorotrast) once used as contrast material for x-rays. Thorium dioxide appears to make people more susceptible to developing mesothelioma rather than being a direct cause.

Others with an increased risk for developing mesothelioma are those who work in current industries that still use asbestos. These include construction, demolition, shipbuilding, cement factories, railroad workers, and many more trades people. People exposed to the dust from renovation, reconstruction, demolition and construction sites, or who work for manufacturers who have not implemented proper safeguards and protective equipment are at higher risk.

Another risk to consumers is from using vermiculite for gardening. This risk of exposure can be reduced or eliminated by dampening the vermiculite before using it to keep the dust from becoming airborne. Vermiculite is not a danger itself, but it comes from mines that are contaminated with asbestos and may contain fibers. The EPA recommends using and storing vermiculite outdoors and in well-ventilated areas.

The risk increases as exposure increases, either in quantity or time. Although some people with only brief exposure have developed mesothelioma, this is very rare.

Whether or not you have a history of working with asbestos, if you have a diagnosis of mesothelioma, you may be entitled to damages. For a free evaluation of your claim by mesothelioma attorneys experienced in obtaining settlements for their clients, please contact Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP, serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Diagnosing mesothelioma begins with a series of tests to confirm that mesothelioma is the correct diagnosis. This process is followed by more tests designed to "stage" the disease-to establish the extent of the disease. The location of the cells (pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or testicular) will also be a part of the diagnosis.

The mesothelioma diagnostic process begins with a series of tests that can include some of all of an x-ray, a CT scan, and MRI, and a PET scan. A biopsy will reveal whether the cells are cancerous or non-cancerous. If the cells are cancerous, the cell analysis will reveal the type of mesothelioma cells present.

Staging helps determine the extent of the disease. Your doctor will choose from three methods of staging one that is most appropriate for you. These are called the TNM Staging System, The Butchart Staging System and the Brigham Staging System.

Armed with this information, your physician can proceed to develop a mesothelioma treatment plan for you. He will consider four factors:

• Prognostic factors
• Cellular classification
• Staging
• Treatment options by cancer stage

If you have received a diagnosis of mesothelioma you will also have legal factors to consider, and a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages. For a free consultation with a lawyer who has experience and success filing claims for asbestos-related diseases, please contact Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP, serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

If you aren't burdened enough with your mesothelioma treatment, caring for someone who has mesothelioma, or coping after a death due to this disease, you will at some point need to consider choosing a mesothelioma attorney. While this is not too difficult, it does take time, and you need to act quickly to file a claim before the statutes of limitations runs out. The experienced mesothelioma lawyers at Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLC understand what you need to know to make this decision and are prepared to help you through this difficult decision.

Yet, you don't want to act so quickly that you are not satisfied with the lawyer you choose. Be prepared to gather the same information from every attorney or firm whom you consult so that you can compare their answers one-to-one. Because you have a limited amount of time to file a claim, you should begin this process right away so that you can make your decision with the least amount of pressure to choose.

You'll want to know about your attorney's history of representing clients with your type of case. Answers to questions about the number of cases and settlements they've won is important to know. You'll want to see his contract, learn about fees or contingency agreements, statutes of limitations, who, specifically will handle your case and how available that attorney will be, that he isn't overloaded with cases and having someone else represent you, the jurisdiction, and whether your case will be represented individually or as part of a class action.

Prepare your questions carefully ahead of time to be sure you don't forget to ask something important.

For more information or to arrange a free initial consultation, please contact Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP, serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Everyone involved with a patient who has an asbestos-related illness will be affected by their loved one's disease. But, because everyone is unique, no two people will respond exactly the same. The sooner you find resources for information, help and support the easier it will be for everyone to get the support they need. Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLC lists several asbestos information resources on their website.

Some of the more common experiences begin with shock and disbelief upon learning of the disease. Other responses are based on not knowing how to relate to the patient or what to do to help.

One person is facing the end of their life with an uncertain timeline, and the rest are facing the loss of a loved one. All must deal with a complete change in their lives, beginning immediately, and lasting forever. Sadly, some will distance themselves from the patient and family. This is surely an unfortunate and disappointing loss of companionship, but it may be best not to have reluctant people involved in your lives at this time.

Most people know little about asbestos-caused diseases. While some will immediately do some research, few will know many facts. They might be willing to help, but not knowing exactly the best ways to help, can create more problems than they solve. It's wise to get these people together, share information, and involve them in an organized plan so that each can make a useful contribution. In this way, each can feel that they are doing something constructive, less helpless, and that they have some control over some part of the outcome.

Coping with cancer is difficult and often unpredictable. There will be a tremendous amount of stress that will affect everyone, and those caring for the patient will need as much support as the patient will. Emotions can range from denial, to anger, grief, fear, uncertainty, confusion, depression, hopelessness, hope...basically the full spectrum of what people can feel when their lives are turned upside down. Some well-meaning people might discount your emotions, or pressure you to respond as they expect you to. Don't let their view affect you, as your feelings are yours and will not follow any defined routine.

If your life has been destroyed by one of these diseases, you will need legal help in addition to other forms of support. For a free evaluation of your case, please contact Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP, serving clients in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.