Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral once widely used in construction and manufacturing. Unlike other forms of cancer, mesothelioma is most often attributed to asbestos. That means anyone who has been diagnosed will be able to trace back to the root cause.
Though the number of individuals diagnosed with this disease has been declining since the early 1990s (mostly due to the reduction of asbestos exposure), there are still around 3,000 new cases in the United States every year. That is based on data collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also found that around nine Illinois residents were diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021.
That might not seem like a high number, but for those nine families, the news is devastating. If it is found that the asbestos exposure happened due to a company’s negligence in mitigating the risk, the company could be liable.
In Chicago, individuals diagnosed with this condition not only face physical and emotional challenges but also legal hurdles in seeking compensation for their suffering.
Hiring a Chicago mesothelioma lawyer is crucial for navigating the complexities of litigation and ensuring victims receive the justice and financial support they deserve.
Before delving into the role of a mesothelioma attorney, it’s essential to understand the disease itself.
Mesothelioma and Its Causes
Asbestos, prized for its heat resistance and durability, was incorporated into countless buildings, vehicles, and products, exposing workers and residents to its harmful fibers. Despite regulations limiting asbestos use in recent decades, many older structures in Chicago still contain asbestos, posing a continued risk of exposure.
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, causing inflammation and scarring in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Unlike other forms of cancer, this one typically has a long latency period, with symptoms often not appearing until decades after initial exposure.
By the time patients receive their diagnosis with this asbestos-related condition, it has usually reached an advanced stage, making treatment challenging and the prognosis poor. That is why you want to speak with a Chicago asbestos attorney to find out all the available remedies.
Symptoms and Signs of Mesothelioma
One of the insidious aspects of mesothelioma is that many symptoms can appear to be the result of some other less serious ailment. A patient could experience the following persistent symptoms of mesothelioma for months before they are properly diagnosed:
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Pain in the lower back or side of the chest
- Respiratory infection
- Shortness of breath or painful breathing
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss
- Bowel and digestive difficulties
- Fever
- Swelling and fluid buildup
Even though there is no cure for mesothelioma, early intervention can help reduce the symptoms and slow down the cancer’s growth rate. An experienced Chicago mesothelioma law firm can provide you with the guidance you need to help pursue compensation to pay for your growing medical bills. We also offer compassionate support.
How Mesothelioma is Diagnosed
One of the first expenses associated with mesothelioma is the tests required to diagnose the condition. Mesothelioma is often confused with other types of lung cancer. One of those common symptoms is a buildup of fluids in the space around the lungs. This is referred to as pleural effusion. The fluid can also build up around the abdomen and is called ascites. When found, that fluid can be tested for cancer cells to confirm the presence of mesothelioma.
The other way that doctors confirm the presence of mesothelioma is with a biopsy. After an imaging test reveals an abnormality, a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area and sent to a lab for testing.
The following is the list of diagnostic procedures your doctor could order:
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- Lung function tests
- A CT scan
- An MRI
- A PET-CT scan
Despite the need for these tests, there could be limits with an individual health insurance plan that won’t grant approval for the tests. That could mean going out of pocket.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
The moment someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, their circle of medical professionals treating them will expand. Their team will now include their primary physician, an oncologist, oncology nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians. There might also be a need for emotional support with a therapist.
Although there is no complete cure for mesothelioma, there are many treatment options that can minimize its effects on your life. With early intervention, these options can provide relief from some of the pain and discomfort. They can also slow the progression of the disease. Here are some of the possible Chicago mesothelioma treatment options that your team might recommend:
Surgery
A surgical procedure can take aim at the cancerous tissue and remove it. That can mean removing the lining that surrounds the lung, abdominal organs, or the heart. There could also be a recommendation to remove the entire lung. These surgeries all come with risks. Often, they will be an option that coincides with medical therapies.
Medication Therapies
Over the years, researchers have developed many types of therapies that deliver cancer-destroying medications either intravenously or through pills. These types of therapies include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. These therapies can be combined with each other. They also come with several debilitating side effects that require additional medications to remedy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy deploys high-energy X-rays to directly destroy cancer cells. These treatments are delivered externally and require several treatments. Because this is a form of radiation exposure, there are side effects associated with the treatment that can include nausea and fatigue.
Have You Been Exposed?
Chicago’s industrial boom in the 20th century led to the widespread use of asbestos in various sectors, including shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and construction. One of the first tasks your Chicago mesothelioma lawyer will investigate is where your exposure could have come from. Obviously, if you have a former coworker who has been diagnosed, you should be examined as soon as possible.
In the last several years, a number of Chicago buildings and work sites have been targeted as high-risk for asbestos exposure. If you or someone in your family worked at one of the following sites, you should consider getting examined:
- Abbott Laboratories
- Acme Steel
- Allied Chemical Corporation
- Armour & Co. Manufacturing Plant
- Bonell Manufacturing
- Calumet Shipyard
- Campbell’s Soup Plant
- Carnegie Steel
- Chicago Bridge & Iron
- Container Paper Mill
- Continental Can Plant
- Crawford Station Power Plant
- Diamond Match Company
- Ford Motor Company
- General Mills
- General Electric Appliance Plant
- Illinois Steel Company
- International Truck & Engine Corp.
- Loyola University Chicago
- Mobil Oil Refinery
- Nabisco Company
- O’Hare International Airport
- Procter & Gamble
- Republic Steel
- Sherwin-Williams
- Standard Oil
- S. Steel Mill
- Union Carbide Corporation
The Importance of Legal Representation in Asbestos-Related Illness Cases
Unfortunately, many individuals were unknowingly exposed to asbestos decades ago, as its dangers were not widely recognized until the late 20th century.
When diagnosed with mesothelioma, individuals and their families often face overwhelming medical expenses and lost income due to the inability to work.
Seeking compensation from responsible parties, such as asbestos manufacturers or negligent employers, is crucial for alleviating financial burdens. However, navigating the legal process alone can be daunting, especially for those already dealing with the challenges of a serious illness.
In December 2023, a jury in Cook County awarded a $30 million mesothelioma verdict. In that case, the deceased’s only exposure to asbestos was through his father’s work at a Decatur tire manufacturing plant decades earlier.
That is just one example where a lawyer becomes invaluable. At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we are Chicago mesothelioma lawyers who specialize in representing victims and their families in pursuing claims against negligent employers, manufacturers, and distributors of asbestos-containing products right here in Chicago.
Navigating the Legal Process
The legal process for mesothelioma cases can be complex and lengthy, involving multiple parties, extensive documentation, and intricate courtroom procedures. Lawyers like ours are adept at navigating this process efficiently and effectively on behalf of their clients.
They handle all aspects of the case, from initial consultations to settlement negotiations or trial proceedings, allowing victims and their families to focus on their health and well-being without the added stress of legal matters.
Filing a lawsuit in Chicago typically involves gathering evidence of asbestos exposure, identifying liable parties, and proving negligence or wrongdoing. A mesothelioma trial lawyer will work closely with their clients to document their exposure history, compile medical records, and consult with experts to strengthen their case.
It is also important to file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations. In Illinois, you only have two years to bring a claim. That time starts when you’ve been diagnosed. If you don’t file within those two years, you could be ineligible to receive any compensation.
The attorneys at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, will ensure that you meet the filing deadlines. Once the official complaint is registered with the courts, we will move forward rapidly to find a resolution.
Expertise in Mesothelioma Litigation
Attorneys like ours specialize in representing victims of asbestos exposure and have a deep understanding of the complex legal landscape surrounding these types of cases.
They possess the expertise to investigate exposure history, identify liable parties, and build a strong case for maximum compensation. Additionally, these attorneys are well-versed in state and federal asbestos regulations, ensuring that clients’ rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings.
Compassionate Support for Clients
Beyond their legal expertise, each Chicago mesothelioma lawyer on our team provides compassionate support to their clients during what is undoubtedly a challenging time. They understand the physical and emotional toll this medical condition takes on patients and strive to alleviate some of the burdens faced by victims and their families.
From guiding clients through medical treatments to offering emotional support, these attorneys are dedicated to advocating for their clients’ well-being every step of the way.
Compensation Available for Victims
A patient who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma can face a seemingly insurmountable amount of medical bills. When these procedures are recommended by medical professionals, they can’t be ignored. There is also the associated pain and suffering that a person with mesothelioma will have to endure.
All of those bills and suffering are considered compensatory. That means you’re entitled to seek a remedy for the following losses:
- All medical expenses related to the diagnosis
- Lab testing
- Surgery
- Medical therapies
- Hospitalization
- Lost earnings
- Physical impairment
- Loss of spousal support and companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- End-of-life expenses
- Court costs and legal fees
If the attorneys at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP decide to help you pursue a Chicago mesothelioma lawsuit, we will help you identify all your damages, including some you might not have thought of.
Maximizing Compensation for Victims
One of the primary objectives of Chicago mesothelioma lawyers who handle these cases is to secure the highest possible settlement on behalf of their clients.
This compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from asbestos exposure. Through skilled negotiation or aggressive litigation, these attorneys fight tirelessly to ensure that their clients receive the financial resources they need to cope with the effects of this aggressive disease and maintain their quality of life.
While each case is unique, successful lawsuits can result in significant compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In some situations, the company that’s liable for the exposure might have shuttered years ago.
In anticipation, many of these companies have set up asbestos trust funds. It’s estimated that $30 billion was set aside to compensate victims and their families.
When Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP takes up the case, we will pursue every available path to help our clients seek the maximum benefits to cover their expenses, pain, and suffering. We are dedicated mesothelioma attorneys in Chicago who understand the struggles of someone who has been diagnosed. We won’t rest until we’ve exhausted every possible option to help our clients and their families get what they are due.
Advocating for Prevention and Awareness
In addition to representing individual clients, mesothelioma lawyers in Chicago are passionate advocates for the prevention and awareness of asbestos-related diseases. They work with community organizations, government agencies like the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and healthcare providers to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure and promote safer work environments.
By advocating for stricter regulations and enforcement measures, these attorneys strive to prevent future cases of mesothelioma in Chicago and beyond.
Seeking Justice and Closure After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
For many victims, seeking justice is about more than just financial compensation—it’s about holding accountable those responsible for their illness and preventing future harm to others.
At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we’re committed to pursuing justice on behalf of our clients and ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.
By securing favorable verdicts or settlements, these attorneys help bring closure to victims and their families while sending a powerful message about the importance of corporate accountability.
This disease poses a serious health risk to residents of Chicago due to the city’s industrial history and the continued presence of asbestos in older buildings and infrastructure. For individuals and families affected by it, seeking legal assistance from a knowledgeable and experienced mesothelioma lawyer in Chicago is essential.
Contact Our Chicago Mesothelioma Lawyer Today
In the face of a mesothelioma diagnosis, hiring an attorney who is experienced in handling similar cases is essential for protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
These skilled attorneys offer not only legal expertise but also compassionate support to guide you through this challenging time. By advocating tirelessly on your behalf, they help ensure that justice is served and that you have the financial resources to focus on your health and well-being.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this aggressive form of cancer, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced Chicago mesothelioma lawyer.
Contact us today at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP for a free consultation to discuss your case and your rights.
