Content Reviewed By:
John Richmond, Co-Founding Member
- October 30, 2024
- Pleural Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure
- What is Pleural Mesothelioma?
- What are the Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma?
- What Is the Prognosis for Those Diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma?
- What Are the Treatment Options for Pleural Mesothelioma?
- Why Should I Hire an Attorney?
- Reach Out to a Buffalo Pleural Mesothelioma Attorney for Help Seeking Compensation
Pleural Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure
Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive, albeit rare, form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. When an individual is exposed to asbestos and inhales the microscopic fibers that comprise it, those fibers can become lodged in the pleural tissue that makes up the protective double lining that surrounds the lungs. This, in turn, results in the formation of cancerous cells, which can quickly spread from lining to lining and throughout the body.
Because pleural mesothelioma is most commonly caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, patients and/or their loved ones could be eligible to file a claim for damages. The asbestos industry knew of the dangers of asbestos exposure for decades, but failed to warn consumers, workers, or the public. As a result, they can be held legally liable for the financial difficulties, pain, and suffering you have experienced.
We encourage you to reach out to our Buffalo pleural mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about your legal rights and options. If you were diagnosed with this type of cancer after prolonged exposure to asbestos or after working in a high-risk occupation, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses.
Get in touch with a qualified mesothelioma attorney today to learn more.
What is Pleural Mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, a form of cancer commonly associated with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is named such because it affects the mesothelium, or the double layer of lining that surrounds various organs throughout the body. This form of cancer is named after the pleura, or the tissue lining that surrounds the lungs.
In nearly all cases, mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibers. These fibers can become airborne when asbestos is disturbed, meaning pleural mesothelioma is most common among workers who are/were required to work with, around, or near asbestos. Once the fibers enter the body, they can become lodged in the pleural lining, where they can lead to irritation and inflammation. This can then lead to the formation of cancer cells, which may spread aggressively between pleural linings and, if not treated, to other areas of the body.
What are the Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma?
Because pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs, most of the primary warning signs and symptoms are respiratory in nature. Some of the main symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Painful breathing
- Chest pain
- Persistent dry cough
- Coughing up blood
- Pain in the rib area
- Pain in the lower back
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Swelling in the arms and/or face
- Lumps beneath the skin located on the chest
Respiratory problems are typically the first signs of this cancer, whereas fatigue and weight loss are generally associated with more advanced forms. Seeking legal representation from an intelligent Buffalo attorney soon after diagnosis with pleural mesothelioma is key in protecting one’s right to compensation.
"*" indicates required fields
John Richmond has been extremely helpful on several occasions with matters we presented to him. I was very impressed with the exceptional diligence and professionalism he exhibited in successfully handling those issues. He took into consideration my thoughts and reasons behind the items I felt needed to be addressed. He went out of his way to make meeting with us a very convenient and pleasant experience. When our son required assistance with a custody issue we again went to Mr. Richmond. As it was an issue that was outside the scope of his expertise he did not hesitate to recommend another attorney in the field which was needed. That attorney was also exceptional and that case was also successfully resolved and for that recommendation we truly thank him. We will, beyond any doubt, utilize his firm and services for any matters that may arise in the future. I do not hesitate to highly recommend Mr. Richmond and his firm.
My experience with Richmond Vona was exceptional. Keith and John gave my case all the attention required to bring about a successful result. They were a calming and confident presence during a very difficult time in my life. I was never treated like a number, but more like family. They were in constant communication with me to make sure that everything I was going through was taken care of. I appreciate all of the support I received from Keith and John. I am proud to be part of the Richmond Vona family, and would highly recommend them to anyone
Let me be honest, I’ve been skeptical of attorneys in the past…. but Keith Vona and Richmond Vona, LLC changed that. They are professional, caring, thorough and trustworthy. They assisted me and my family with a challenging mesothelioma case. Challenging why, because my father passed before he could testify. Keith remained in contact, updated us regularly and I believe went above and beyond normal due diligence. I would highly recommend Richmond Vona, LLC. Thank you for all you have done for our family!!
What Is the Prognosis for Those Diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma?
The prognosis, or outlook, for each individual patient will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the patient’s age, their gender, and the stage to which the cancer has progressed, among others. That being said, the overall prognosis for pleural mesothelioma is, unfortunately, poor. This is a treatable but incurable form of cancer; about 40% of those diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma live at least one year and only about 10% live for five years or more.
That being said, it is possible to improve one’s prognosis by taking certain steps. These include obtaining treatment immediately, focusing on aggressive treatment, or even, possibly, trying several complementary treatments or undergoing alternative/experimental treatments. It is always best to discuss your treatment options with your oncology team.
What Are the Treatment Options for Pleural Mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma is most commonly treated with chemotherapy. However, several other treatments may be available, either in conjunction with or separate from chemotherapy. These include surgery and radiation. Your oncologist may recommend a multimodal, or multi-treatment, approach, depending on your unique situation.
Additionally, treatments are available to improve some of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, and chest pain. All of these symptoms can be very uncomfortable and severely affect a patient’s quality of life. Symptom treatment and management can improve life quality and may even help improve one’s prognosis and survival rate. A caring Buffalo pleural mesothelioma attorney could help ensure you are receiving the best treatments.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney?
Treating any type of cancer, including pleural mesothelioma, is incredibly expensive. Not only this, but patients and, often, their family members must rearrange their lives to obtain treatment and manage their symptoms. Additionally, this is a very aggressive and physically painful form of cancer and, like any deadly disease, it can wreak emotional havoc on patients and their families.
You should not have to face all of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges associated with mesothelioma treatment on your own. And, in fact, you don’t have to. Many asbestos manufacturers and related entities have set aside funds to pay out mesothelioma claims, knowing that their negligence contributed to widespread public harm. This means that you may not even have to file a lawsuit in order to recover compensation for your damages—compensation may be readily available.
It’s important to discuss your case with a Buffalo attorney who understands pleural mesothelioma cases and who can walk you through the legal process. At Richmond Vona, LLC, we handle every legal aspect of our clients’ claims so that they can simply focus on getting the critical care they need and on spending time with their families.
Reach Out to a Buffalo Pleural Mesothelioma Attorney for Help Seeking Compensation
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, we encourage you to reach out to our firm as soon as possible. In New York, you have three years from the date of the diagnosis to bring your claim, regardless of when the asbestos exposure may have occurred. Our Buffalo pleural mesothelioma lawyers are here to answer your questions and listen to your story. As your legal team, we will always be available when you need us most.
Richmond Vona, LLC serves clients throughout Western New York from our office located in Buffalo.
Please contact us today to schedule your complimentary case evaluation.
