Do You Even Need a Lawyer?

You may have heard or read advertisements in San Antonio and surrounding areas encouraging those diagnosed with mesothelioma to learn more about how they might be eligible for financial compensation. But, what is this disease and do you even need a lawyer to help you recover damages?

Mesothelioma is a rare, but fast-spreading disease afflicting thousands of people every year. A number of companies in San Antonio, especially military sites, put workers at risk for asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should consider seeking advice from an experienced San Antonio mesothelioma lawyer. Our expert attorneys at Carabin Shaw can answer any questions you have during a free initial consultation.

Between 1999 and 2010, more than 31,000 people died from mesothelioma. Texas was fifth in the country for the number of reported deaths due to mesothelioma.

As far back as the 1800’s, mesothelioma was identified in the lymphatic system of patients suffering from lung disease. During this time doctors theorized the cancer initiated in the lymphatic system and spread to other parts of the body, namely the lungs, stomach, and heart. Toward the end of that century, however, researchers wondered if the disease developed in the reverse order.

Because patients of the disease were so rare and solid evidence was difficult to come by, research into the nature of mesothelioma was limited. It wasn’t until the 1920’s that the disease was formally identified. Additional research into the middle of the 20th century, along with an increasing number of patients, led to the discovery of the link between exposure to asbestos and cancer.

Today, doctors estimate 3000 people are diagnosed each year with this aggressive form of cancer and there is no question regarding the connection to asbestos exposure as its cause. Most treatments have little effect in curtailing the mesothelioma. Attorneys have been representing the rights of those exposed to asbestos since the first case was brought to trial in 1929 and there are San Antonio lawyers ready to represent you today.

In a March 2017 article, Forbes magazine reported that while asbestos and related products were banned for use in insulation products in the 1970’s, there is still a risk for exposure primarily through occupational and maintenance activities. Do you even need a lawyer to help you determine if you’re eligible to recover damages?

There are often insufficient precautions in place to protect workers resulting in notable risk of asbestos exposure leading to mesothelioma. A Carabin Shaw attorney in San Antonio can work on your behalf to discover any financial compensation for which you may be eligible.

If you previously worked offshore or on inland drilling barges at anytime during the 1960’s through the late 1980’s and you have been diagnosed with, or are experiencing, any one of these conditions, you should speak to a lawyer about whether you may have suffered an asbestos related injury:

• Asbestosis
• Lung cancer
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Lung irritation
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain

Even if none of the above symptoms are present, and you recall working in or around the asbestos fibers, it is possible you may have asbestos fibers within your lungs. This condition can be determined by proper medical testing and such condition can form the basis for a claim relating to past asbestos exposure. It may not be best to simply wait and see if any more serious conditions develop. Early diagnosis is always best.

If you are not sure if your employer used asbestos in the 1960’s, 1970’s or 1980’s, the information in this book may help you recall if you were exposed to asbestos products during such time. Photographs of asbestos products are provided as well as the product names.

If you’re wondering do you even need a lawyer, the answer is yes, and you could be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced lawyers of Carabin Shaw at 800-862-1260 for a free consultation.