Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. You’re likely facing countless medical appointments, treatments, and an uncertain future. It’s common to feel uncertain about your next steps, and you might wonder if pursuing a lawsuit is even worth the effort.
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The manufacturers responsible for exposing you to asbestos should be held accountable. Our mesothelioma lawyers are ready to be your advocate.
At Vogelzang Law, our firm has dedicated years to fighting for people just like you—people who were exposed to asbestos through no fault of their own and now face a serious illness. Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit may not change the diagnosis, but it can bring you financial relief, a sense of justice, and the peace of mind from knowing those responsible for your suffering are being held accountable.
Asbestos, once widely used for its heat-resistant properties, is the primary cause of mesothelioma. This natural mineral was commonly used in construction materials, insulation, automotive parts, and household products. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, can lodge in the lining of your lungs or abdomen, leading to serious health conditions like mesothelioma decades later.
The truly infuriating part is that manufacturers knew the dangers of asbestos for years but chose not to warn the public. Instead, they prioritized profits, exposing workers and consumers to this dangerous substance while hiding the risks.
By continuing to use asbestos despite its deadly effects, these companies gambled with people’s lives. And for many, the consequences of this negligence are catastrophic.
For decades, manufacturers knew that asbestos could cause deadly diseases like mesothelioma. Yet, they kept using it. Why? Because asbestos was cheap and widely available.
It was used in construction, manufacturing, automotive parts, and even household products. The companies profiting from asbestos gambled with people’s lives, knowing the risks. Instead of warning workers and the public, they chose to protect their bottom line.
You didn’t have a choice in your exposure. Whether you worked in construction, served in the military, or simply lived in a building with asbestos products, your health was put in danger without your knowledge or consent. Now, you’re living with the consequences.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you might feel lost or even guilty, questioning how and when you were exposed to asbestos. But the truth is, you did nothing wrong. The blame lies solely with the companies that knew the risks and chose to ignore them. These manufacturers had a duty to protect the public, and they failed.
Filing a lawsuit is about holding these companies accountable for their actions. It’s about making sure they pay for the harm they’ve caused you and others. By taking legal action, you send a powerful message that companies can’t put profits above people’s health and expect to get away with it.
Financial Relief
Mesothelioma is an expensive disease. Treatment can lead to significant financial strain, with costs quickly mounting from surgeries, chemotherapy, and ongoing medical care. Beyond these medical bills, many individuals also face a loss of income if they are unable to work due to their condition.
This financial burden, known as financial toxicity, can create immense stress for you and your loved ones during an already challenging time. Research indicates that financial toxicity is linked to poorer physical and emotional outcomes following a traumatic illness or injury.
Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can help alleviate this burden by securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. This financial relief can ease the pressure on your family, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being rather than worrying about managing overwhelming expenses.
Justice For You and Your Family
Beyond the financial burden, mesothelioma takes an emotional and physical toll. Filing a lawsuit is a way to seek justice for the harm that’s been done to you. You deserve to see those responsible held accountable for their actions —not just for yourself, but for your family as well. Your loved ones are affected by this diagnosis, too. A successful lawsuit can help provide for their future.
Preventing Future Harm
Holding companies accountable for their negligence sends a message to other industries: safety matters. Your lawsuit can contribute to a broader effort to regulate harmful practices and prevent future generations from being exposed to asbestos. By acting, you play a role in ensuring that companies cannot continue to put lives at risk.
At Vogelzang Law, we’ve built our practice on helping people with mesothelioma seek the compensation and justice they deserve. Our mesothelioma attorneys know the ins and outs of asbestos litigation and deeply understand how to track down the manufacturers responsible for your exposure.
It’s not easy to pinpoint when and where you were exposed to asbestos, especially if the exposure happened decades ago. But that’s where our firm stands out. We have access to extensive databases and resources that help us trace asbestos products back to their manufacturers.
We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to build strong claims that hold negligent companies accountable.
The first step in the legal process is an initial consultation with a mesothelioma lawyer. This free, confidential consultation is a chance for you to ask questions, share your story, and learn more about your legal options. We’ll review your work history, medical diagnosis, and any known asbestos exposure to determine the strength of your case.
To build a strong case, we’ll need to gather evidence, including medical records, employment history, and any documents that link your exposure to asbestos. Our team has years of experience in asbestos litigation, and we know how to find the proof needed to support your claim.
Although Vogelzang Law is based in Chicago, we handle mesothelioma cases across the country. Asbestos exposure occurred in workplaces, homes, and schools nationwide, and our attorneys are familiar with the laws in every state. No matter where you were exposed, we can help you file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.
Once we’ve gathered the necessary evidence, we’ll file the lawsuit on your behalf. In most cases, these lawsuits settle out of court, meaning you won’t have to go through a lengthy trial. Our goal is to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible while still securing the compensation you deserve.
At Vogelzang Law, we understand that finances are a concern for many mesothelioma patients. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor.
Vogelzang Law is here to support you every step of the way. Our attorneys will come to your home, handle all the paperwork, and guide you through the legal process with compassion and care. Our goal is to make this as easy on you as possible while ensuring that those responsible for your asbestos exposure are held accountable.
The majority of asbestos-related cases, including mesothelioma claims, are resolved through settlements before they ever go to trial. This can often be a faster and less stressful way to secure compensation without enduring a lengthy court process. Several key factors can improve the chances of reaching a settlement:
An Efficient Attorney: A skilled attorney with experience in asbestos litigation will streamline the legal process by effectively negotiating with the responsible parties and ensuring your case is handled promptly.
Identifiable Compensation Sources: Settlements are often easier to reach when there is a clear source of payment, such as an insurance company, an asbestos manufacturer, or a victims’ trust fund. Many companies that exposed workers to asbestos have established trust funds specifically for mesothelioma victims, which can expedite the process.
In most cases, settlements are reached within a year of filing the lawsuit, allowing you to receive financial compensation more quickly than if the case went to trial. This quicker resolution can provide much-needed financial relief, covering medical expenses and other costs without the added stress of prolonged legal proceedings.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer found in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. Because symptoms can be similar to those of several other conditions, such as the flu or pneumonia, they can be challenging to detect or diagnose.
The only proven cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
There are four main types of mesothelioma – they include:
Asbestos exposure is the only proven cause of mesothelioma. Too many asbestos companies and manufacturers knowingly subjected their workers and the public to hazardous asbestos-laden products.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled or inadvertently consumed, they become lodged in the delicate linings of internal organs. The body’s inability to degrade these fibers leads to years of irritation, which can eventually trigger the development of cancer cells.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, various treatment options are available that may help extend life expectancy and alleviate symptoms.
Some treatment options include:
No. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, the lining of the abdominal cavity, the lining of the heart, or the lining of the testicles. In contrast, lung cancer originates directly within the lungs.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Men are four times more likely to receive a mesothelioma diagnosis than women, with the average patient being over the age of 70. Mesothelioma accounts for approximately 0.3% of annual cancer diagnoses in the U.S.
Mesothelioma and other diseases caused by asbestos exposure often have a long latency period, with symptoms typically manifesting 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure.
Because mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as pneumonia or the flu, it can be challenging to detect and diagnose. Common symptoms of malignant mesothelioma may include:
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, contact your physician immediately and inform them of your history of asbestos exposure.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can be difficult to diagnose. Its rarity, combined with symptoms that can mimic other cancers like lung cancer, contributes to this diagnostic challenge.
To diagnose your condition, your physician will likely begin by inquiring about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and any past asbestos exposure.
From there, you may undergo several diagnostic procedures:
Treatment options often involve a multimodal approach and will depend on factors including the stage and type of mesothelioma you have, as well as medical history and overall health. The most common treatments for mesothelioma include:
No, mesothelioma is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.
However, asbestos fibers can be transferred from one individual to another. These microscopic fibers can attach to clothing and hair, and there are documented instances of people inadvertently carrying asbestos fibers from their workplaces into their homes.
This is known as secondhand asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Men are four times more likely to receive a mesothelioma diagnosis than women, with the average patient being over the age of 70. Mesothelioma accounts for approximately 0.3% of annual cancer diagnoses in the U.S.
Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage, as symptoms frequently go unnoticed. Although the average life expectancy is 12-21 months, it can vary significantly depending on individual factors.
A patient’s life expectancy will depend on several factors, including their:
It is critical to seek medical care immediately if you suspect you have mesothelioma, as early intervention may extend your life expectancy.
Though rare, mesothelioma treatment can be effective enough to halt the growth of cancer cells. Consulting a mesothelioma specialist is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
If you need help finding a specialist, contact us – we have connections with hospitals, oncologists, and pulmonologists around the nation.
Given the rarity of mesothelioma, it is recommended to consult a specialist. Our mesothelioma lawyers collaborate closely with mesothelioma specialists nationwide, including those at the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, RUSH Medical Center, the University of Chicago, and the Mayo Clinic.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you didn’t ask for this illness, and you do have the right to seek justice. The manufacturers that exposed you to asbestos must be held accountable for the damage they caused. At Vogelzang Law, we are committed to helping mesothelioma victims secure the compensation and justice they deserve.
Our compassionate team of attorneys is ready to fight for you, using our knowledge of asbestos litigation to build a strong case. We understand your challenges and are here to support you through every step of the legal process.
Don’t wait. Contact Vogelzang Law today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding those responsible accountable.