Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Since 1979, Lawsuit Settlement Group has helped thousands of families affected by mesothelioma navigate life after an unexpected diagnosis — and get the compensation they need for treatment.

• Patient diagnosed with mesothelioma
• Spouse, child, or family member of a patient who has already passed away
• Estate representative of a patient who has already passed away

The easiest way to tell if you or a family member may qualify for mesothelioma compensation is to get a free case review. We’ll gather some information and let you know more about your options.

While mesothelioma case values will vary according to a number of different details in each claim, the average settlement is over $1 Million.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. If asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause irritation and may eventually result in the formation of cancer cells.

There are four types of mesothelioma:

• Pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lining of the lungs
• Peritoneal mesothelioma, which forms in the lining of the abdomen
• Pericardial mesothelioma, which forms in the lining of heart
• Testicular mesothelioma, which forms in the lining of the testes

Asbestos exposure can also cause lung cancer and a disease known as asbestosis.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral mined from beneath the earth’s surface that was used in thousands of everyday products during the 20th century.

Repeated and prolonged exposure to asbestos, like at a workplace where asbestos is being mined or used in products regularly, increases the risk of developing mesothelioma.

You can also be exposed to asbestos during the asbestos abatement (removal) process or through secondhand exposure.

The asbestos fibers can cause mutations in these protective cells and damage the signals that control their growth.

Mutated mesothelial cells eventually grow uncontrollably, causing mesothelioma tumors that spread across the lining of the lungs or other organs.

That said, prolonged exposure to asbestos may increase your risk of developing mesothelioma. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos at their job should notify their doctors immediately if they begin to experience symptoms of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma develops 20-50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. This leaves many mesothelioma patients and their families searching for answers as to how, when, and where they were exposed.

No, not necessarily. Mesothelioma doesn’t affect every single person who has been exposed to asbestos.

That said, all it takes is a single exposure to asbestos for some to develop this deadly cancer. Many cases, however, involve prolonged asbestos exposure — oftentimes on the job.

Mesothelioma is a terminal form of cancer. As the disease progresses, cancer cells begin to spread throughout the body. This is known as metastasis.

Eventually, these cancer cells may form tumors and overwhelm vital organs like the heart or kidneys. Unfortunately, surgery and other treatment options are limited in cases of late-stage mesothelioma because of the extensive spread of the tumors.

As organ function deteriorates, the body’s systems begin to fail. This can lead to multiple organ failure, severe debilitation, and, ultimately, death.

While the progression of mesothelioma is challenging to halt, early detection and treatment options can improve the chances of extending a patient’s life expectancy and managing symptoms.

Many times, yes, but not always. A variety of factors for each patient can affect how long someone lives after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, including:

• The type of mesothelioma
• Their age and health at diagnosis
• Available treatment options in their case

However, the prognosis for many mesothelioma patients is often bleak. Because it takes decades for symptoms to first appear, the cancer may have already spread to other parts of the body by the time it is detected.

No, mesothelioma is not contagious. While some cancers can be hereditary (passed down from one generation to the next), like breast and ovarian cancer, mesothelioma is not hereditary.

If multiple members of a certain family develop mesothelioma, it is likely that this is due to secondhand exposure to asbestos.

Secondary exposure can occur when a family member unknowingly brings home microscopic asbestos fibers that are attached to their clothes, body, or hair, after working around asbestos.

Mesothelioma is not caused by smoking. However, smoking significantly increases the risk of mesothelioma.

Studies have shown that cigarette smokers are at least 50% more likely to develop mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos.

Even if you smoked regularly and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may still qualify for compensation. Learn more now with a free case review.

Some signs and symptoms of mesothelioma include:

• Abdominal or chest pain
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss

Because these symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until it has progressed to an advanced stage.

If you begin to experience any of these symptoms and you have a history of asbestos exposure, talk to your doctor right away.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, there are emerging treatments and clinical trials that show promise in helping patients beat the odds and have a better quality of life.

Catching mesothelioma in its earlier stages and getting treatment as soon as possible can also help patients live longer, potentially even for years or decades after their diagnosis.