Tampa Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Attorney in Tampa, FL

Asbestos exposure is a serious risk in many older buildings throughout the Tampa area, especially those built before 1980. The Tampa Bay Shipbuilding Company, the Anheuser Busch Brewery, and many other industrial buildings in the area, including refineries, manufacturing centers, and power plants, have been deemed asbestos risks over recent years. A Tampa, FL mesothelioma lawyer can help if you were diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition.

Experienced Legal Counsel for Tampa, FL, Mesothelioma Cases

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have successfully handled many difficult mesothelioma cases for clients in Tampa, throughout Florida, and in multiple other states. Many attorneys will not even accept these cases because of their inherent complexity and the level of work they require, but we have cultivated a strong record of successful mesothelioma cases, and we are confident we can provide the level of legal counsel you need on your side for this type of case.

Nearly 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed throughout the country each year, and while this is not a very common form of cancer, new cases consistently arise because of the very long latency period of this disease. Many people develop mesothelioma many years or even several decades following exposure to asbestos. Even just a single exposure can potentially cause this cancer to develop, and it can be difficult for the victim to determine the source.

Our team excels at resolving difficult mesothelioma cases. Trust us to uncover the evidence and records you will need to review to determine the most likely cause of your condition, assess the full scope of the damages you could potentially recover, and develop an individualized legal strategy aimed at maximizing your recovery. Time is a crucial factor in these cases, so it’s vital to speak to a Tampa, FL, mesothelioma lawyer at your first opportunity.

Understanding Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. For many years throughout the United States, asbestos was a commonly used material in various applications, from insulation and fireproofing to many other products. Thousands of people in the Tampa area were exposed to asbestos for decades while working in factories, shipyards, refineries, power plants, and many other industrial facilities.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, asbestos particles are released into the surrounding area. These particles are very light and can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, where they can be inhaled. Once asbestos particles enter the body, there is no way to detoxify, and there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. A single exposure is enough for a person to eventually develop mesothelioma.

Most of the mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States are pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of this disease and affects the lining of the abdominal organs. In rare cases, pericardial mesothelioma can form around the tissues of the heart.

The early signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are often mistaken for other, less serious conditions, and by the time these symptoms appear, the disease has reached an advanced stage. At this point, the optimal course of treatment is to focus on managing symptoms and preserving the remaining life expectancy as much as possible.

Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma need to review years, if not decades’ worth, of records to narrow down the most likely causes of their asbestos exposure. This can be a difficult process without an experienced attorney’s help. The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have the resources and experience necessary to help our clients accurately determine the most likely causes of their mesothelioma and help hold the appropriate parties accountable.

Building Your Mesothelioma Case in Tampa

Many of the companies throughout the United States that formerly produced asbestos-containing products were required to create mesothelioma injury trusts to compensate those who would be diagnosed with mesothelioma in the future because of their products. Depending on the source of the asbestos exposure that caused your condition, you may qualify to file a claim with one of these trusts. You will need an attorney’s help to navigate the process efficiently.

When you have been exposed to asbestos at work, and you develop adverse medical complications because of it, you may qualify to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. This insurance can compensate for most job-related injuries and illnesses, but it is limited in what it can provide. Your attorney can help you determine whether this is a viable option in your situation.

If a specific party is responsible for causing your condition, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit for toxic exposure. Success with this type of claim could yield compensation for the economic and non-economic damages you suffered. A plaintiff in a personal injury case can potentially recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and the physical pain and emotional suffering they have experienced.

How Your Tampa, FL, Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help

Mesothelioma cases are time-sensitive and demanding. The plaintiff must accurately determine the most likely source of their asbestos exposure, identify the party or parties accountable for the exposure, and assess the full scope of the damages they have suffered because of their condition. Working with an experienced Tampa, FL, mesothelioma lawyer will dramatically improve your chance of success with this case.

The team at Wallace & Graham can carefully review all relevant records and documentation to help you determine the cause of your condition and identify the party or parties liable for your mesothelioma. We can then assess your eligibility to file a claim with a mesothelioma injury trust, file a workers’ compensation claim, or file a personal injury suit against the party responsible for your diagnosis.

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be traumatic and confusing, and the first steps you take after receiving this news are crucial. Our team is confident we can provide an unmatched level of legal counsel for all stages of your legal proceedings, from gathering proof of liability to accurately determining the full extent of your claimable damages. You have limited time to build this case, so reach out to our team today to learn how we can assist you.

FAQs

Q: Who Is Liable for Mesothelioma in Tampa?

A: Liability for a mesothelioma diagnosis in Tampa could fall to an employer, a business, a property owner, or another entity responsible for the asbestos exposure that caused your condition. It can be very difficult to accurately determine when and where you were exposed so you can properly direct your legal efforts, so it is important to consult a Tampa, FL, mesothelioma lawyer who can help you determine the most likely source of your exposure.

Q: Can Mesothelioma Be Cured?

A: No, mesothelioma cannot be cured. This is a terminal form of cancer, and the American Cancer Society reports an average 12% five-year survival rate for patients with all stages of the disease. When detected early at the local stage, the five-year survival rate is about 24%, but when it has reached distant areas of the body, the five-year survival rate is only 7%. Once diagnosed, symptoms are managed, and life expectancy is preserved as much as possible.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for Mesothelioma in Tampa?

A: The amount of compensation you could claim for mesothelioma in Tampa depends on multiple factors. You could have grounds to seek compensation for all related medical expenses, the income you are unable to earn due to your condition, and the physical pain and emotional suffering you have experienced. Consult an experienced Tampa, FL, mesothelioma lawyer right away after your diagnosis so they can evaluate the full potential value of your case.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

A: The time it could take to settle a mesothelioma lawsuit will depend on several factors. Hiring an experienced Tampa, FL, mesothelioma lawyer to represent you will significantly increase the speed with which you can settle your case, and you are also more likely to maximize your compensation with their help. Most mesothelioma cases can be settled within a few months, but contested cases may take longer to resolve.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Tampa, FL, Mesothelioma Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a Tampa, FL, mesothelioma lawyer will be determined by the total value of your case when you choose Wallace & Graham as your legal counsel. Instead of charging our clients upfront and ongoing attorneys’ fees, we charge a percentage of the total compensation recovered, but only if and when we win their case. If we are unable to obtain compensation for you for any reason, there is no fee at all.

The team at Wallace & Graham has years of experience handling a wide range of mesothelioma cases for clients in Tampa and throughout Florida, as well as in multiple other states. We are confident that we possess the skills, resources, and experience necessary to help our client maximize their compensation. If you are ready to learn how a Tampa, FL, mesothelioma lawyer can help, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team.