BIRMINGHAM MESOTHELIOMA ATTORNEY

For many people, the news of a mesothelioma diagnosis comes decades after the original asbestos exposure; long after the job, worksite, or building that caused it has faded into memory. Suddenly, you’re facing aggressive treatment, mounting medical bills, lost income, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty.

Mesothelioma is almost always preventable. It develops because companies failed to warn workers, protect employees, or remove known asbestos hazards. Alabama law allows victims and their families to hold those companies accountable.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or, in rare cases, the testes. The disease is caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, which become lodged in the body and trigger cancerous changes over time.

What makes mesothelioma especially devastating is its long latency period. Symptoms often do not appear until decades after exposure, meaning many patients are diagnosed later in life, long after the exposure occurred.

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. For decades, asbestos was widely used in construction, manufacturing, insulation, and industrial products because of its heat-resistant properties.

In Alabama, exposure commonly occurred in industries such as:

• Manufacturing and industrial plants
• Construction and demolition
• Shipbuilding and ship repair
• Power plants and utilities
• Mining and heavy equipment work
• Welding, roofing, and flooring installation

Exposure didn’t always happen on the job. Some people were exposed secondhand through a family member’s work clothes or by living near asbestos-contaminated sites or older buildings.

Symptoms often start subtly and are easy to mistake for more common illnesses, which is one reason mesothelioma is frequently diagnosed late.

Common symptoms may include:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
• Fluid buildup around the lungs or abdomen

As the disease progresses, breathing difficulties, anemia, and increasing pain are common. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, diagnosis often requires imaging, biopsies, and specialist evaluation.

At this time, there is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment options can help extend life expectancy, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. Many patients undergo a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or emerging treatments depending on the stage and location of the cancer.

Earlier diagnosis can sometimes expand treatment options, but even advanced cases may benefit from specialized care focused on comfort and longevity.

Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure may be eligible to file a lawsuit in Alabama. This includes people exposed at work, through military service, or in residential or industrial settings.

When a mesothelioma patient passes away, surviving family members may also have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims can help families seek financial stability and accountability after losing a loved one to a preventable disease.

Mesothelioma claims are subject to strict legal deadlines under Alabama law. These deadlines are often tied to the date of diagnosis rather than the date of exposure, which is critical given the disease’s long latency period.

Because timelines vary depending on the circumstances and missing a deadline can permanently bar a claim, it’s important to act as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Mesothelioma compensation is intended to address the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll of asbestos exposure. Depending on the case, recoverable damages may include:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Costs related to long-term care
• Compensation for families in wrongful death cases

Each case is unique, and compensation depends on factors like exposure history, medical evidence, and the responsible parties involved.

Proving asbestos exposure often involves reconstructing a person’s work and life history. Attorneys rely on employment records, union documents, jobsite histories, product identification, witness testimony, and expert analysis to trace exposure back to specific companies or locations.

Even when exposure happened decades ago, experienced legal teams can often uncover evidence that connects a diagnosis to negligent asbestos use.

Yes. Veterans are among those most heavily affected by asbestos exposure, particularly those who served in shipyards, aboard naval vessels, or in military facilities where asbestos was widely used.

In addition to filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, eligible Veterans may also pursue VA disability benefits. These claims are separate and can sometimes proceed alongside a civil case.

The timeline for a mesothelioma case varies based on factors like the number of defendants, the complexity of exposure history, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve more quickly, while others take longer due to extensive investigation or litigation.

Because mesothelioma is an aggressive illness, courts often prioritize these cases once filed.

Mesothelioma cases are complex and resource-intensive. They require medical experts, occupational investigators, and a deep understanding of asbestos litigation history. Morgan & Morgan works to identify responsible companies, gather evidence, and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of asbestos exposure.

For families, legal action can also provide answers and accountability, especially when companies put profits over safety.

A mesothelioma diagnosis changes everything, but it doesn’t take away your right to justice. Companies that exposed workers and families to asbestos should be held responsible for the harm they caused.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Birmingham, Morgan & Morgan may be able to help. Contact us for a free case evaluation. There are no upfront costs, and you don’t pay unless compensation is recovered. When corporations fail to protect people, we fight For The People®.