Charlotte, NC Mesothelioma Lawyer

Charlotte, NC Mesothelioma Attorney

Mesothelioma is a deadly medical condition caused by exposure to asbestos. This material was widely used in all types of construction projects throughout the United States for decades until the health risks became apparent. Today, thousands of people each year are diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one has received such a diagnosis, it’s vital to consult a Charlotte, NC, mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as you can.

Experienced Legal Counsel for Charlotte, NC, Mesothelioma Claims

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham, P.A., have years of professional experience representing clients in mesothelioma claims in the state, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you. Whether you contracted mesothelioma from work or exposure on a military base, in a residential property where you used to live, or anywhere else, we can provide the legal guidance you need to secure fair compensation for your diagnosis.

It’s possible to secure compensation from an employer, a product manufacturer, or an asbestos manufacturer if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. These cases are challenging because they require plaintiffs to pinpoint the exact time and location where they were exposed, and mesothelioma has a very long latency period between exposure and the appearance of noticeable symptoms.

Your Charlotte, NC, mesothelioma lawyer can be an invaluable asset for helping you determine the origin of your condition and identifying the party or parties responsible for it. Many mesothelioma trusts have been established by companies that formerly manufactured asbestos products, and many other companies are still in business today. Whether you need to file a claim against a product manufacturer or a former employer, we can help.

Understanding Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can affect the tissues surrounding the lungs, the heart, and the abdominal cavity. This condition has only one known cause — exposure to asbestos. This material was used for decades for its fireproofing and insulating capability before anyone realized that the tiny fibers comprising the substance could embed in the lungs. Once exposed, these fibers cannot be removed and will gradually cause cancerous growths to form.

Mesothelioma progresses in stages, gradually beginning to affect the surrounding tissues and organs around where the disease first begins to form. It may take several years for mild symptoms to appear, which are often confused with other medical conditions. Over time, these symptoms will worsen, and new symptoms will appear. Once mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage, life expectancy is minimal.

One of the most challenging aspects of mesothelioma is that it is possible for someone to have this condition for decades before it becomes noticeable. Mesothelioma has an incredibly long latency period between initial asbestos exposure and mesothelioma reaching noticeable levels. Some people do not develop symptoms for several decades, often leaving them wondering how they can prove where they were exposed or identify the parties liable for their exposure.

Claiming Compensation for Mesothelioma in Charlotte

One of the most emotionally challenging aspects of any mesothelioma case is the fact that the disease is fatal. Mesothelioma cannot be cured, and by the time a person is diagnosed and begins having noticeable symptoms, the condition has likely progressed to a critical stage. This can not only lead to expensive medical bills as the victim attempts to manage the condition but also psychological harm from coming to terms with the fact that the condition is fatal.

Your Charlotte, NC, mesothelioma lawyer can first assist you with determining the cause of your condition. Once you have discovered how you were exposed, you can identify the party or parties that could be liable for your condition. After establishing liability, you can then proceed with claiming compensation for the damages resulting from the condition. This can provide valuable economic relief for you and your family.

If you are able to identify the party responsible for your asbestos exposure, it is possible to claim various forms of economic damages from them. You can seek compensation for medical expenses related to your condition, the cost of future medical care you will require to manage your symptoms as the disease progresses, and any other financial losses you have suffered, such as lost income from the inability to work due to your illness.

North Carolina’s personal injury laws also allow injured plaintiffs to seek compensation for the pain and suffering they have experienced. There is no cap on this form of compensation in most personal injury claims, and your mesothelioma lawyer in Charlotte, NC, can let you know what to expect in terms of the amount you could potentially recover. You could also qualify to receive punitive damages if the defendant responsible engaged in any fraud or concealment.

If you have lost a family member to mesothelioma, you may have grounds for a wrongful death suit. This type of personal injury claim focuses on the losses suffered by the surviving family of the deceased. The plaintiff will need to prove fault for the death and prove the extent of the economic impact the death has had on the family. The family can also claim compensation for the pain and suffering resulting from their loss.

What to Expect From Your Charlotte, NC, Mesothelioma Lawyer

When you choose Wallace & Graham, P.A., to represent your mesothelioma claim, you are investing in decades of proven experience handling mesothelioma claims for clients throughout the state and a dedicated legal advocate who can answer your questions and provide valuable guidance as your case unfolds. In every claim we accept, our goal is to help our client maximize our recovery in the shortest possible timeframe.

You can rely on our firm to represent you in a personal injury suit against a manufacturer or other party responsible for your exposure. You may have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim if you were exposed through the course of work, and if your employer did not follow applicable North Carolina regulations for asbestos, they could face liability for the damages workers’ compensation insurance won’t cover.

Ultimately, any mesothelioma case can be a complex legal battle that you should not enter alone. With the right attorney on your side, you can understand the legal mechanisms in play in your case and have a much better chance of reaching a positive outcome for your legal efforts. You must file your claim in a timely manner, and the sooner you connect with a Charlotte, NC, mesothelioma lawyer, the more time they have to build your claim.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Determine Where You Contracted Mesothelioma?

A: Determining where you contracted mesothelioma is typically one of the hardest parts of any mesothelioma claim. The plaintiff will need to prove when and where they were exposed to asbestos, and it can take many years for mesothelioma symptoms to appear following exposure. Your Charlotte, NC, mesothelioma lawyer can review your employment and residency records to help you determine where you were exposed.

Q: How Long Does It Take for Mesothelioma Symptoms to Appear?

A: Mesothelioma symptoms can take many years to appear. The latency period between exposure and the development of symptoms is anywhere from 10 to 50 years. It is possible for someone to be exposed to asbestos and not develop mesothelioma, and it is also possible for the latency period to be so long that they die of other causes before the disease manifests in a noticeable way. When symptoms appear, the disease has certainly reached an advanced stage.

Q: What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

A: The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on whether the individual has pleural mesothelioma, which affects the pleura lining the lungs, or peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects tissues of the abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma causes symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, painful cough, and lumps forming under the skin of the chest. Peritoneal mesothelioma causes abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, and sudden weight loss.

Q: What Can Mesothelioma Treatment Do?

A: Mesothelioma treatment can only help the victim manage their symptoms and remain as comfortable as possible with the disease. Mesothelioma is, unfortunately, fatal once it reaches advanced stages, but some people with the disease are able to manage their symptoms for quite some time. If you have discovered that you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, it is important to consult an attorney to determine whether you have any grounds for legal recourse.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Charlotte, NC, Mesothelioma Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer can amount to a percentage of your total case award when you choose Wallace & Graham, P.A., to represent you. We take all mesothelioma claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning our client only pays a percentage of their case award as our fee if and when we win their case. There is no fee at all if we are unable to obtain compensation for you.

The team at Wallace & Graham, P.A., has an extensive professional record of successful mesothelioma claims for clients in Charlotte and throughout the state. We know these cases are challenging, and you probably have many difficult questions that you cannot answer alone. Our goal is to help you understand your legal options and recover appropriate compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trustworthy Charlotte, NC, mesothelioma lawyer.