Mesothelioma

by Dennis Stout

For those of you who are uncertain about this disease or condition, Mesothelioma is a form of cancer. It affects the membrane (tissue or lining) protecting organs, including lungs, abdomen and heart. As of this time, the only known cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Construction industry(s), manufacturing and military have used asbestos-related products (i.e. roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, cement, heat resistant fabrics, gaskets), just to name a few, for various purposes.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma generally include painful cough, chest pain, weight loss and shortness of breath. The most common form of Mesothelioma affects the lungs. Treatments vary from radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

Mesothelioma is aggressive and deadly. Medical treatment is of the utmost importance once a diagnosis has been made. If a decision is made to seek legal representation for injuries and damages from exposure and its diagnosis, the statute of limitations – I. e., the time period in which to proceed with a claim, varies from state to state. The California statute of limitations is set in the California Code of Civil Procedures as the latter of either:

(1) “within one year after the date the plaintiff first suffered disability; or

(2) within one year after the date the plaintiff either knew,
or . . . should have known that such disability was caused or contributed to by such exposure.” (C.C.P. §340.2)

The statute of limitations for asbestos exposure causing Mesothelioma is short, therefore, it is important to contact an attorney quickly to determine if a claim or litigation is appropriate. The attorneys at Heiting & Irwin are available for a free initial consultation on this and all other injury-related matters.