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Mesothelioma Claims in Palm Harbor, FL
A mesothelioma diagnosis can come as a huge shock. You might have many questions about your next steps regarding your medical treatments and finances. According to the American Cancer Society, most mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure. Therefore, your employer or another party could be responsible for compensating you.
Morgan & Morgan understands the worries of mesothelioma sufferers. We see the devastating health and financial effects of asbestos-related diseases every day. While we cannot restore your health, we could help you and your family recover financial help, such as:
- Reimbursement for medical expenses
- Compensation for lost wages
- Help with living expenses
We have helped countless mesothelioma sufferers recover the compensation they need to manage their lives after a cancer diagnosis. Our experienced attorneys could help you move forward with a mesothelioma claim in Palm Harbor, FL. Get started today and contact us for a free case review.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer affecting mainly the lungs, although it can also occur in the stomach lining, heart, and testicles. Malignant mesothelioma is usually linked to asbestos exposure. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the duration and intensity of asbestos exposure can play a role in developing the disease. Since symptoms of the disease generally do not show up until it is relatively advanced, there is currently no cure for malignant mesothelioma.
Who Is Most at Risk From Asbestos Exposure in Palm Harbor?
Mesothelioma develops due to inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers causing inflammation in the body. Individuals most at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases are those who repeatedly come into contact with asbestos at work, such as:
- Asbestos miners
- Firefighters
- Construction workers
- Coal miners
- Power plant workers
- Plumbers
- Welders
- Aircraft mechanics
- Shipyard workers
Not all individuals exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma. If you were exposed to high amounts of asbestos at work, and notice any of the symptoms of mesothelioma, ensure to consult with your doctor.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma are not specific to the disease and can point to many other causes or diseases. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, consult with your doctor:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing up blood
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Painful cough
- Back or chest pain
- Lumps in the chest area
Currently, mesothelioma is incurable. However, seeing a doctor as soon as you notice any unusual symptoms can be critical. Early detection and treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy can help to slow disease progression.
You Could File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Palm Harbor
A mesothelioma attorney at Morgan & Morgan can analyze your case and the circumstances of your asbestos exposure. Identifying who is responsible could allow you to hold a previous employer or another party accountable for your damages and suffering. A lawsuit could provide you with a settlement if you were exposed to asbestos through work or a dangerous product.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
Mesothelioma sufferers could be entitled to compensation from the liable party. A personal injury lawsuit seeks to hold those responsible for your damages accountable, such as a product manufacturer or previous employer. If you have developed mesothelioma, our attorneys can determine whether you have a case and could sue for damages.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If your close relative passed away from mesothelioma, you could seek damages with a wrongful death lawsuit. In Florida, a representative of the decedent’s estate, such as the spouse, can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Relatives and dependents of the deceased could be entitled to various damages, including:
- Loss of income and benefits from the decedent
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses before death
Asbestos Trust Funds in Palm Harbor
Asbestos trust funds can compensate those suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. The funds were established by companies that exposed workers to the harmful mineral in previous years. However, there can be disadvantages. Since trust funds set their own settlement amounts, payouts can vary considerably from one trust to another. Moreover, depending on the trust fund they qualify for, victims may not be able to recover 100 percent of their damages. However, individuals may be able to do both, file a trust fund claim and a lawsuit. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can be crucial before deciding on your next best steps.
Compensation for Mesothelioma Sufferers and Their Families
Compensation can depend on many factors such as the victim’s age, life expectancy, and the amount of medical costs and other damages. Mesothelioma sufferers and their families could qualify for the following damages and others:
- Lost income and future loss of earnings
- Healthcare expenses and future medical costs
- Costs for a home care
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Awards for pain and anguish
- Punitive damages
Healthcare expenses can be a considerable burden for mesothelioma sufferers and their families. Receiving adequate compensation can help avert financial hardship and provide comfort during this difficult time.
What You Need to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Palm Harbor, FL
Once you have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, speaking to one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers can help to clarify your options. The following documents can be crucial if you are looking to file a trust fund claim or lawsuit:
- A diagnosis of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness
- Your work history related to asbestos exposure
- Medical bills showing your expenses related to the illness
Our attorneys can help with finding and organizing the necessary evidence and move forward with filing a claim or lawsuit.
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
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I Was Exposed to Asbestos; What Should I Do?
Firstly, asbestos exposure is not a reason to panic. Many individuals were exposed to asbestos and suffered no adverse effects. However, if you have been exposed to high amounts of asbestos in your line of work or have any symptoms, you should speak to a doctor about your concerns. Consider consulting with our attorneys if you used to work with asbestos and are diagnosed with mesothelioma. We could help you file a mesothelioma claim in Palm Harbor, FL, and receive compensation.
Who Pays for my Mesothelioma Medical Bills in Palm Harbor?
The costs of mesothelioma treatments and medications can be astronomical. Finding out where you experienced asbestos exposure can be critical when you develop mesothelioma, as you may qualify for compensation. However, in the meantime, you could have various options to pay for medical bills, such as:
Private Health Insurance
Your private health insurance should pay for most of your medical expenses and treatment costs, depending on your policy. However, patients will most likely have to pay deductibles and copays even with a good health insurance policy.
Self-Pay Discounts and Payment Deferrals
If you do not have health insurance, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for healthcare expenses. Self-paying individuals may be able to negotiate discounts with health providers, lessening the financial burden. If you have filed a lawsuit and are expecting a settlement for medical bills, you could ask your health providers to defer payment until you receive a settlement.
Workers’ Compensation
Mesothelioma is often connected to asbestos exposure at work. Therefore, you could be entitled to workers’ comp benefits, including medical expenses, wage replacement benefits, and others. However, if you qualify for workers’ comp, you may not be able to sue an employer for damages in Florida.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Once mesothelioma sufferers began to file lawsuits against former employers, the government demanded that companies set up so-called “asbestos trust funds” to compensate victims. To qualify for a trust fund settlement, individuals must file a claim accompanied by medical evidence. Our attorneys can help you file a trust fund mesothelioma claim in Palm Harbor, FL.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit
In some cases, victims or their families could file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit to recover medical expenses, income loss, awards for pain and suffering, and other damages. Once diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible as you only have four years to file a claim. If a relative passes away due to mesothelioma, the family only has two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit and recover damages.
VA Benefits
If you were exposed to asbestos during your military service, you could receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Benefits can include medical expenses, housing, and other financial assistance.
Contact Morgan & Morgan for Help
You may have several options to recover the compensation you deserve for your mesothelioma disease. We can analyze your case, determine all your potential options, and move forward with filing a claim or lawsuit to fight for what you need to pay your medical bills and put your life back together.
My Asbestos Exposure Occurred Decades Ago; Could I Still Sue?
Mesothelioma typically takes years or even decades to develop and present with symptoms. Therefore, most individuals who develop the disease were exposed to asbestos many years ago and may not even recall where they came in contact with the substance. However, you could still sue and recover damages. Our attorneys can help discover where your asbestos exposure occurred and assess your options for getting justice and compensation.
Although the statute of limitations in Florida determines that you only have four years to file a personal injury lawsuit, the time usually does not start ticking until you receive a diagnosis and discover the asbestos-related illness. However, it is critical that you act promptly once you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Do I Need an Attorney for Mesothelioma Claims in Palm Harbor?
You are not required to work with an attorney when filing a personal injury lawsuit. However, working with an experienced and motivated personal injury attorney can be critical for the success of a mesothelioma claim. Morgan & Morgan’s mesothelioma lawyers have helped many affected individuals recover compensation and could help you too.
In some cases, mesothelioma sufferers are unsure where and when their asbestos exposure occurred. Our investigators can look into your case and may be able to determine where you came into contact with the mineral and identify the responsible party. Moreover, handling a lawsuit can be stressful and exhausting, especially if you are not feeling your best. We can handle the entire legal process from beginning to end, leaving you free to take care of your health and live your life.
How Can Morgan & Morgan Help Mesothelioma Sufferers in Palm Harbor?
If you are wondering how to protect yourself and your family from the financial impact of mesothelioma, get in touch with us. Our mesothelioma lawyers can walk you through your options and could help you recover compensation. We can:
- Help you receive adequate medical care
- Discover where your asbestos exposure occurred
- Collect the relevant evidence to prove your claim
- Identify who is liable for your damages
- Help you file an asbestos trust fund claim or lawsuit
- Negotiate a comprehensive out-of-court settlement
- Take your case to trial and fight for maximum recovery
Morgan & Morgan understands that finances may be tight while victims are going through medical treatments and are unable to work. Our fee is free until and unless you receive compensation for mesothelioma. There are no out-of-pocket costs for you when we take your case.
Morgan & Morgan Is Here for You
When you suffer from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you should be free to concentrate on what matters most: your health, comfort, and spending precious time with loved ones. However, the financial chaos that often follows a mesothelioma diagnosis can leave sufferers in dire straits, worrying about their medical bills, living costs, and the financial future of their loved ones.
Morgan & Morgan knows the issues mesothelioma victims face. We want to help you recover what you deserve so you can access the best medical treatments and don’t have to worry about finances. In your most difficult times, we can have your back and fight for what you deserve. Contact us now to find out more in a free, no-obligation consultation.
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