Since Cooney & Conway represents families throughout the country who are struggling with asbestos diseases on a daily basis, we have become familiar with medical doctors who specialize in aggressively treating malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, and will be happy to share any knowledge that we have of ongoing research trials and investigations with you.
We keep up to date on the newest research, diagnosis information and treatment options for these asbestos exposure related diseases. Some sources of information that may be helpful to your circumstances are listed below. Cooney & Conway has also contributed resources for the study and cure of mesothelioma.
For More Information on Asbestos - Please visit our Asbestos Information Center
For More Information on Mesothelioma - Please visit our Mesothelioma Information Center
Asbestos, Mesothelioma Informational Pages
Frequently Asked Questions about Mesothelioma
Q: What is Mesothelioma?
A: Mesothelioma is a type of cancer. The National Cancer Institute describes mesothelioma as a rare form of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum), or the lining around the heart (the pericardium).
Q: How do you get Mesothelioma?
A: Mesothelioma results from asbestos exposure. Employees with prolonged exposure over an extended period of time face the highest risk, but cases of mesothelioma have been documented after minimal exposure as well. Workplaces where shingles, flooring materials, cement, brake linings, textiles, insulated machinery and insulation containing asbestos are found to pose the greatest risk. Asbestos particles that are friable and invisible to the naked eye may be inhaled or swallowed, causing serious health problems.
Q: How will I know if I have Mesothelioma?
A: Mesothelioma is a medical diagnosis. Symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, coughing, weight loss, anemia, and fever. While doctors may suspect mesothelioma in a particular case, they need a tissue sample to give a final diagnosis.
Q: How long after exposure does Mesothelioma occur?
A: Mesothelioma can develop decades after exposure. Some workers exposed in the mid-20th century are just now being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The disease takes a long time to develop, which can make it difficult to identify the source of the exposure. Cooney & Conway has decades of experience in determining the sources of exposure to asbestos.
Q: Does smoking increase my risk of developing Mesothelioma?
A: No.
Q: Is my family at risk?
A: There is strong evidence that family members of asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothes of the worker.
Q: How is Mesothelioma treated?
A: Treatment options depend on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, either alone or in combination. Clinical trials are underway to develop new and better methods of treatment.
Q: What are my legal rights if I have developed Mesothelioma?
A: If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, an experienced attorney can advise you on whether you may be able to bring a lawsuit to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, loss of society and other losses.
Q: I've read in the paper that many others are suffering from Mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. Can we pursue our claims together, as a group?
A: Although mesothelioma cases are filed individually, there are advantages in hiring a firm with many mesothelioma cases. Extensive research regarding product identification, location of documents and legal research in past cases can be used in your case at little or no cost. In addition, past depositions and trial testimony in previous cases may be used to prove your case. The extensive experience and past successes of Cooney & Conway is one of the reasons why clients are referred to them to protect their legal rights.
