Mesothelioma

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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us today for a free consultation. Time limits apply to filing claims. Call us today at (917) 526-2673.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. This deadly disease is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing for decades. Unlike other cancers, mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning it can take 10, 20, 30 or more years after exposure for symptoms to appear.

The disease is particularly cruel because by the time most people are diagnosed, the cancer has already spread. Most patients live only 12 to 21 months after diagnosis, though some survive longer with aggressive treatment. The main types include pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lungs), peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the abdomen), and pericardial mesothelioma (affecting the heart).

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was praised for its heat resistance and durability. However, when asbestos fibers are disturbed, they become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. These microscopic fibers lodge in the body’s tissues and cause inflammation and scarring over time, eventually leading to cancer.

Scientific Evidence: As early as the 1930s, medical studies began linking asbestos exposure to serious health problems. A landmark 1964 study by Dr. Irving Selikoff followed 17,800 asbestos workers and found dramatically higher rates of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis compared to the general population.

The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) have both classified asbestos as a known carcinogen. The World Health Organization estimates that 125 million people worldwide are exposed to asbestos in their workplace.

High-Risk Occupations

Certain jobs put workers at higher risk of asbestos exposure. These occupations include:

Construction Workers — Asbestos was used in insulation, roofing materials, floor tiles, and cement products. Workers who demolished or renovated older buildings were especially at risk.
Shipyard Workers — The Navy used asbestos extensively in ships for insulation and fireproofing. Thousands of veterans and civilian shipyard workers were exposed.
Power Plant Workers — Asbestos was used in boilers, turbines, and electrical components in power plants across the country.
Industrial Workers — Steel mills, refineries, and chemical plants used asbestos in high-temperature applications.
Miners — Workers who mined asbestos or worked in mines where asbestos was naturally present faced heavy exposure.
Auto Mechanics — Brake pads, clutches, and gaskets in vehicles contained asbestos, putting mechanics at risk during repairs.
Family members of these workers were also at risk through “secondhand exposure” when workers brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing.

Corporate Cover-Up: Decades of Deception

Perhaps the most outrageous aspect of the asbestos crisis is that many companies knew about the dangers for decades but continued to expose workers anyway. Internal company documents revealed during litigation show that major asbestos manufacturers were aware of health risks as early as the 1920s and 1930s.

Johns-Manville Corporation — Once the largest asbestos company in the world, internal documents showed executives knew asbestos caused cancer but chose to hide this information from workers and the public.
W.R. Grace & Co. — This company operated a vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana, that contained asbestos. Despite knowing the dangers, they continued operations and exposed the entire town to deadly fibers.
Owens Corning — This insulation manufacturer knew about asbestos dangers but failed to warn workers or consumers about the health risks.

These companies spent millions on research proving asbestos was dangerous, then buried the results. They influenced medical studies, funded biased research, and even bribed government officials to avoid regulation. This deliberate cover-up cost thousands of lives and represents one of the worst corporate scandals in American history.

Major Defendants in Asbestos Litigation

Over the decades, numerous companies have been held responsible for asbestos exposure. Some of the major defendants include:

Manufacturers — Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, Celotex, GAF Corporation, and Kaiser Gypsum manufactured asbestos-containing products.
Suppliers — Companies like Union Carbide, Honeywell, and 3M supplied asbestos to other manufacturers.
Employers — Shipyards, steel companies, power plants, and construction companies that exposed workers to asbestos.
Premises Owners — Property owners who failed to protect people from asbestos exposure on their premises.

Many of these companies have been forced to pay billions in settlements and verdicts to victims and their families.

Major Jury Verdicts

Courts across the country have awarded substantial verdicts to mesothelioma victims. Here are some notable examples:

These verdicts send a clear message that companies must be held accountable for exposing people to asbestos. However, many defendants have filed for bankruptcy to avoid paying victims.

Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts

As lawsuits mounted, many asbestos companies filed for bankruptcy protection. As part of the bankruptcy process, these companies were required to establish trust funds to compensate current and future victims. Today, there are over 60 asbestos bankruptcy trusts with more than $30 billion available for victims.

Major Trusts Include:

Johns-Manville Trust –Established in 1988, this trust has paid over $4 billion to victims and has approximately $2.5 billion remaining.
Owens Corning Trust –Created in 2006, this trust has about $5 billion available for claims.
W.R. Grace Trust –Established in 2014, this trust has approximately $3 billion for victim compensation.
GAF Corporation Trust — This trust has paid hundreds of millions to victims and continues to accept claims.

Each trust has its own rules and payment schedules, but most pay claims within 6 to 18 months after filing. The amount of compensation depends on factors like the type of disease, level of exposure, and the specific trust’s payment percentage.

How Soon Can You Get Money?

The timeline for receiving compensation depends on several factors:

Trust Claims –Most bankruptcy trusts process claims within 6 to 18 months. Some trusts pay immediately upon approval, while others may have payment delays due to high claim volumes.
Lawsuit Settlements –If we file a lawsuit against solvent companies, settlements can occur within 1 to 3 years, though some cases resolve faster.
Jury Verdicts –If a case goes to trial, it typically takes 2 to 4 years, but the potential awards are often much higher.

We work aggressively to expedite claims and pursue all available sources of compensation simultaneously. Many clients receive their first payments within the first year of hiring us.

Why Choose Andover Law?

Mesothelioma cases are complex and require specialized knowledge and experience. Here’s why Andover Law is uniquely qualified to represent you:

Decades of Experience — Our attorneys have been handling asbestos cases for over 30 years and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients.
Proven Track Record –We have secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for mesothelioma victims and their families.
Extensive Resources –We have the financial resources to take on large corporations and see cases through to completion.
Medical Experts –We work with leading mesothelioma specialists who can provide expert testimony about your diagnosis and treatment.
Investigative Team –Our investigators can trace your asbestos exposure history and identify all responsible parties.
No Upfront Costs –We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.
Compassionate Approach –We understand the emotional and financial stress of a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide personalized attention to each client.
National Reach –We represent clients across the country and can file cases in the most favorable jurisdictions.

Time Limits Apply

Every state has deadlines for filing mesothelioma lawsuits, called statutes of limitations. These deadlines are typically 1 to 3 years from the date of diagnosis. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

Important: Don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact us, the more time we have to build a strong case and identify all sources of compensation.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you get the money you deserve.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t let the companies that caused your illness profit from your suffering.

Get Your Free Case Review

Call us today at (917) 526-2673.

Available 24/7 – No obligation consultation