Mesothelioma Claim Myths Busted

Common Myths About Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Claims

Enough mesothelioma settlements and verdicts have made it to the headlines in mainstream media for plenty of discussion to take place about the topic among the general public. Perhaps it is not surprising, then, that myths abound regarding asbestos exposure, mesothelioma and resulting legal claims. Wallace & Graham, P.A. welcomes the opportunity to answer questions you may have about asbestos exposure claims. There is no such thing as a foolish question, except a question that goes unasked.

Our Law Firm Can Answer Your Questions About Definitions and Terms, Causes of Mesothelioma and Related Topics

We offer here a few answers to some common myths about mesothelioma claims. These are just a few of the misconceptions we encounter in our conversations with people who contact us about asbestos exposure and legal remedies.

Billions of dollars are waiting in an account for asbestos exposure victims to claim. “I want — and deserve — my share of the pot.”

In fact, there are numerous trusts that have been established by various companies and other liable parties for the purpose of paying on asbestos exposure claims. The sum total of all currently available funds set aside to pay people who have developed mesothelioma or other diseases caused by asbestos does add up to billions. However, there is no central bank account, and people who were exposed but have not suffered harm cannot simply collect from the available funds.

If you have a legitimate claim, you may recover a significant sum of money. This may be accomplished through detailed investigation, evaluation and preparation of a valid claim on your behalf.

A diagnosis of pleural disease means eligibility for compensation for asbestos exposure.

Not all pleural disease or abnormalities equal pleural mesothelioma. Pleural plaques and pleural thickening alone are not mesothelioma, although these conditions may be present before the lung lining cancer develops. In and of themselves, pleural plaques and pleural thickening are not normally fatal. Another disease, known as pleurisy, has nothing to do with asbestos exposure.

Asbestosis equals mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs. Its only known trigger is asbestos exposure. However, there are other forms of asbestosis that are not cancerous — and are not mesothelioma.

Melanoma is a form of mesothelioma.

There is no connection between melanoma and mesothelioma. Many people apparently confuse these diseases because of their somewhat similar names. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Known risk factors include repeated sunburns in the past.

Many questions you may have about your health, your past exposure to asbestos, definitions of mesothelioma and your potential eligibility for compensation are best answered in a personalized discussion with an attorney. Some information will need to come from your doctor. Some should come from an accomplished asbestos lawyer. Contact our North Carolina law offices to schedule a consultation regarding doubts or concerns you may have about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure.