Mesothelioma lawsuits have traditionally been high-stakes, but the outcome of a recent trial in California might be uncharted territory, as far as payout size is concerned.

According to an article found on the Surviving Mesothelioma site, jurors in a recent case involving a woman who allegedly contracted mesothelioma by washing her husband’s asbestos-tainted clothing ruled in her favor, awarding her $208.8 million in total damages.  Of that total, $8.8 million was compensatory, while $200 million was punitive.

The article states that Bobby Evans, a worker for the L.A. Department of Water and Power from 1974 to 1998, had to, among other things, had to cut asbestos cement pipes as part of his job’s duties.  These pipes, manufactured by CertainTeed Corporation, released asbestos fibers into the air when cut.  These fibers then settled into his clothing, which were then apparently released into the air when his wife, Rhoda, washed them.

Unfortunately, there is nothing new about this claim.  Many industries, but primarily the shipbuilding and construction ones, historically used asbestos as an insulator and a fire retardant.  It did both jobs well, and was a remarkably light material to boot, so it was highly prized.  Unfortunately, it also causes devastating lung diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other debilitating cancers.  It decimated workers in those very industries that used it most.

What’s more, the lightweight fibers did have a tendency to get stuck in clothing and hair, which could then be disturbed in workers’ households and inhaled by his family.  Hence the very real possibility that this is indeed what happened to Rhoda Evans.

Though $208.8 million seems like a staggering payday, there’s a good chance that the final amount will be lowered in an appeal.  What’s more, mesothelioma is an absolutely ravaging disease, one that, as of now, has no apparent cure.  Despite constant improvements in mesothelioma treatment, the life expectancy of a victim is often measured in months, not years.

According to a promising article posted by the fine folks over at AboutMesothelioma.net, an experimental drug used for treating cancer, known as NGR-hTNF, had positive results when used as a means of treating mesothelioma.

According to the study, 57 patients who had already received chemotherapy treatment and had experienced a relapse of the disease were given the drug.  NGR-hTNF combines an amino acid sequence known as a peptide with a protein that helps bolster the immune system’s response to tumor growth.  The drug seemed to be somewhat effective at temporarily stopping the advance of the cancer, which affects the pleural lining of the lung, in 26 of the patients.  The length of the effectiveness appeared to be five months, and the median length of survival for patients was 12 months.

This might seem like bleak and not-particularly-good news, but mesothelioma is such a ravaging and devastating disease that any bit of news like this is emphatically good news.  With a cancer like mesothelioma, where the prognosis is almost always death and where the lifespan of those diagnosed is often measured in months, not years, every step forward is a great leap in the right direction.

Mesothelioma Treatment

If you are diagnosed with this devastating disease, it might be a good idea to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer with a proven track record of success.  When picking such a lawyer or law firm, be sure to do your homework.  Taking their win/loss ratio into account is usually a good tactic.  Though previous case histories don’t guarantee a particular outcome, since each case is different, you might be able to look at it as an indicator of the competence of the lawyer in question.

Though a mesothelioma diagnosis is a terrible affliction, there are constantly advances in treatments, many of which can improve the quality of life of victims.  Who knows—one day, if we’re lucky, this disease might be easily curable.  We have hope.

Sad news out of Kalamazoo, Michigan: Mlive.com reports that four-term Kalamazoo County commissioner, 69-year-old Grady Biby, recently passed away from mesothelioma. Last July, Mr. Biby announced to his fellow commissioners that he’d be leaving to battle the mesothelioma, but he was never able to return to work.

According to the article, Biby attributed his mesothelioma to the years he was aboard Navy submarines — the submarines probably exposed him to asbestos, which is the overwhelming cause of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer also called “asbestos cancer.” It attacks the lining of various body organs, and though there are treatments for it, there is no cure. Mesothelioma symptoms can take years or even decades to appear in a person, which is why it’s common for people to not realize their job in the construction industry or ship building industry — two of several industries that worked with asbestos — is the reason for their illness.

Families of people who worked in industries affected by asbestos could also be at risk. Workers who unknowingly tracked home asbestos fibers on their clothing and shoes had no idea they’d be putting their loved ones in danger.

Medical bills can pile up for a mesothelioma victim, and the pain and suffering are tremendous. If someone suffered or is suffering from mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure or another person’s or company’s neglect, it’s important to seek the help of a qualified mesothelioma lawyer.

A good mesothelioma lawyer will be experienced in handling similar cases and settlements. And while a common belief is that a lawyer is too expensive to hire, it’s important to remember that mesothelioma lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning any money they receive must come from the mesothelioma settlement, or the verdict obtained in the case.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call 1-888-370-0121 to speak with a resource person.

Mesothelioma legal information is something anyone with mesothelioma should seek, as they may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering. A rare form of cancer, mesothelioma is sometimes called “asbestos cancer” because it is typically caused by asbestos exposure. In fact, more than 90% of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to asbestos exposure.

There is treatment available for mesothelioma, but unfortunately there is no cure. Victims may experience common symptoms of the cancer, like a lingering cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms can take between 10 and 50 years after asbestos exposure to show up. This may be why many people with mesothelioma don’t realize the connection between it and a job they may have had decades ago that exposed them to asbestos.

Those in search of mesothelioma legal information may be interested to learn more about mesothelioma settlements. These settlements typically account for pain, suffering, lost wages and long-term medical treatment costs of the victim. If a wrongful death occurred because of mesothelioma, then the settlement must account for the pain and suffering as well as the funeral expenses incurred by the victim’s survivors. Mesothelioma settlements range from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars.

Finding a Mesothelioma Lawyer

The best way to find out as must as possible in regards to mesothelioma legal information is by contacting a lawyer who has experience handling similar cases. Hiring a qualified, knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will ensure that you have someone on your side who will fight for the compensation you deserve. Many families worry that a lawyer will cost too much, but the reality is that most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so any money received by the lawyer would come from the settlement or verdict obtained in the case. If you have questions about mesothelioma, call 1-888-370-0121 to speak with a resource professional.

Finding a mesothelioma lawyer does not have to be difficult. There are many out there, but you want to make sure that the one you hire is experienced, knowledgeable and has a proven history of successfully handling mesothelioma lawsuits and settlements. One concern of many mesothelioma victims and their families is that a mesothelioma lawyer is too expensive to hire. This isn’t necessarily true, as many work on a contingency fee basis, meaning any money received by the lawyer must come from the settlement or verdict obtained in the case. Forty percent of the total amount recovered is the standard fee in mesothelioma cases. While some lawyers may charge less than this, keep in mind the saying “You get what you pay for.”

Mesothelioma is a very serious matter. And because it is caused by asbestos exposure, it is important for victims to seek legal help. Companies that made and sold asbestos products knew of its dangers as early as the 1890s, and even though knowledge existed that asbestos was a deadly poison, asbestos companies continued to place a higher value on its profits instead of on human life. For this reason, workers in many industries like the shipbuilding and automotive industries, for example, suffered asbestos exposure, which can lead to mesothelioma. There is no cure for mesothelioma.

What can make the process of finding a mesothelioma lawyer a bit easier is if you get a referral from a friend or family member. If this is not possible, you can ask the mesothelioma lawyer you’re considering for referrals and his or her history of handling cases and settlements.

When meeting with a mesothelioma lawyer, don’t be afraid to ask questions. For example, how long have they been handling similar cases? What were the outcomes of the other mesothelioma cases they have handled? Will they be handling your case, or will another lawyer in the firm be assigned your case?

Ultimately, you should be confident that the mesothelioma lawyer you hire has what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. He or she should be able to handle the case as quickly as possible so that you can focus on your health and your family. To speak with a resource person about mesothelioma, please call 1-888-370-0121.

An asbestos lawsuit filed by a Vidor, Texas couple is against over 100 corporate defendants, according to a news story in the Southeast Texas Record. The reason for the high number of defendants is because the plaintiff was a truck driver who regularly visited the premises of the defendants. Though the asbestos lawsuit doesn’t say which member of the couple is the plaintiff, the Record reports that medical records attached to the lawsuit show that Charles Dees was diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2007 and had occupational asbestos exposure from 1950-1980.

Some of the defendants in this asbestos lawsuit include Chevron, BP, AMF Incorporated and A.W. Chesterton. The couple, Charles Dees and Mary Guidroz, are suing for exemplary damages and allege that the companies “negligently used asbestos insulation on their premises,” and that the facilities were an unsafe place to work. They also allege that the companies did not test asbestos products.

It will be interesting to see how this asbestos lawsuit turns out. Asbestos exposure can be extremely harmful, and many workers have been exposed to it while on the job. People who worked in the construction, shipbuilding and automotive industries may have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that does not have a cure.

Mesothelioma attacks the lining of various body organs, and it can actually take decades for noticeable symptoms to appear. This is why all too often people do not realize that the cause of their illness is asbestos exposure.

Don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer for help if you or a loved one have mesothelioma, or if you were exposed to asbestos. If you have questions about mesothelioma or asbestos exposure, please call 1-888-370-0121 to speak with a resource professional.

John McTaggart, the founder of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, passed away on November 4 from mesothelioma. He was 79 years old. First diagnosed with mesothelioma in April of 2007, McTaggart was told he had just 30 months to live. According to an article in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News, McTaggart’s family members said that he had undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments “with an upbeat attitude” and functioned so well with it that they thought, “He’s just going to live on forever.” Sadly, his health began to decline, and his wife remarked that she thought he had decided “enough is enough.”

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can be caused by asbestos exposure. There is no cure for it, only treatment. Victims of mesothelioma must deal with quite a bit of pain and suffering — and so do their loved ones. The cancer develops very quickly and attacks the lining of various organs of the body, including the lungs. Though mesothelioma develops quickly, it can take decades after asbestos exposure for symptoms to become noticeable. So all too often, people do not realize the cause of their illness.

Mr. McTaggart was a notable man who accomplished so much in his life and is remembered fondly by his family, friends and all who knew him. He was a city councilman for 20 years and served as mayor four times. A resident of Rancho Palos Verdes since 1962, he is credited as being instrumental in the city’s founding and never stopped being devoted to the community. He will certainly be missed.

Mesothelioma Victim’s Rights

If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, know your rights. Having it can result in tremendous medical bills as well as undue stress, pain and suffering for not just the victim, but the victim’s loved ones. To speak with a resource person further about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, feel free to call 1-888-370-0121.

According to a recent story in Tennessee publication The Jackson Sun, records kept by the school system show that there are 19 Jackson-Madison county schools that contain asbestos or material that contains asbestos. Every six months, a certified maintenance staff inspects the affected buildings, and every three years there is a formal inspection that is sent to the state of Tennessee.

The story mentions how at a school board meeting earlier this month, a Memphis attorney brought up the issue of asbestos and warned the school board that he would file a lawsuit against the school system if they did not “seek out a national firm to inspect the schools for safety and fix any problems.” The school system’s director of operations, Buddy White, said that the schools are safe — all inspections have been performed timely and the school system has maintained its records.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring, metamorphic mineral that, when disturbed, releases tiny fibers that travel deep into the lungs and cause scarring (asbestosis) when they’re inhaled. Many of these tiny fibers are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Asbestos was used for many years in thousands of products like appliances, floor tiles and industrial insulation. Asbestos can be found all over the world, and the first asbestos mines were outside of Quebec, Canada.

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that currently has no cure, along with cancer of the lungs, colon and larynx. Since the damage caused by asbestos dust happens over many years and can result in the progressive diseases of asbestosis and mesothelioma, many people who endure asbestos exposure might not see symptoms for 20-40 years. To speak with a resource professional and find out more about mesothelioma, call 1-888-370-0121.

Asbestos is typically found in a fiber-like form and is a naturally occurring, fire-resistant mineral. Because it doesn’t conduct electricity, and because it increases the tensile strength of concrete when mixed in, asbestos is valuable for industrial purposes like insulation for pipes, buildings and boilers. Asbestos is not immediately dangerous when it remains in good condition. But if it’s “friable,” a term for asbestos that can be reduced to dust by a small amount of hand pressure, then asbestos becomes dangerous once it’s disturbed and released asbestos particles into the air.

What happens when asbestos is disturbed is that the bundles of fibers of which it is composed break into dust clouds of microscopic asbestos particles, and these particles enter the air or water. They can also stick to clothing, where they can easily be inhaled or swallowed. When asbestos particles are inside the lungs, the body is unable to break them down. So after many years, these particles begin to eat away at the lungs and lining of the lungs. As a result, a victim can get cancer like lung cancer or Mesothelioma.

Let’s talk about the history of asbestos. Found all over the world, asbestos is a metamorphic mineral. According to historians, it was named by the ancient Greeks, who even then were aware of asbestos’ harmful effects — slaves who wove it into cloth suffered lung damage.

In the 1940s, shipyards used asbestos for insulation around piping. Commonly applied to pillars, walls and ceilings in a spray form, asbestos was used in construction projects between the middle of the Great Depression and the 1970s. The most popular use was as a cement additive, since the addition of asbestos made cement stronger, resulting in construction companies having to transport less cement and save money.

Quebec, Canada was home to the first commercial asbestos mines, and for years Canada was asbestos’ leading producer. China, Australia, Russia and South Africa today compete with Canada in the production of asbestos.

This is a very brief history of asbestos, but if you’d like to know more about asbestos exposure and Mesothelioma, feel free to call 1-888-370-0121.

According to a UticaOD.com news story, a man in New Jersey pleaded guilty in a federal case involving asbestos. The 55-year-old man will face up to five years in federal prison as well as a fine of up to $250,000, say federal prosecutors. He’ll be sentenced in January at the U.S. District Court in Utica.

Specifically, the man admitted to obtaining a bogus state permit which allowed the dumping of asbestos. This permit was faxed to many trucking companies that had no idea it wasn’t legitimate. As many as 60 tons of materials contaminated with asbestos wound up being dumped in a field in upstate New York.

Though the man has pleaded guilty, the case is not yet over — federal prosecutors say the man is not the only one responsible for drafting the fake permit. Other co-conspirators “remain under investigation.”

The Danger of Asbestos

Typically found in a fiber-like form, asbestos is a naturally occurring, fire-retardant mineral that was used in building materials like pipes and boilers. Asbestos can be found in the ground all over the world since it’s a metamorphic mineral. Asbestos is dangerous when it’s disturbed — the bundles of fibers it is composed of break into dust clouds of microscopic particles. These particles can enter the air and water or even stick to clothing. When inhaled, asbestos fibers enter the lungs where they cannot be broken down by the body, and after many years, they start to eat away at the lungs and its lining. This can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, along with asbestosis.

Asbestos Exposure

No doubt, residents near the New York field at which 60 tons of asbestos-contaminated materials were dumped have every right to be upset. Asbestos exposure is dangerous and, as mentioned above, can lead to mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.

If you would like more information about mesothelioma and getting help for it, don’t hesitate to call 1-888-370-0121.