Mesothelioma Lawyer in Maryland

Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have questions about whether they had asbestos exposure at some point. Asbestos was widely used in industrial machinery, shipping, aircraft, automobiles, and consumer products for much of the 20th century. Many older houses and buildings still have roofing materials, insulation, or fireproofing materials that contain asbestos.

Unfortunately, asbestos companies failed to warn of the dangers of asbestos exposure, though the respiratory risks were known. Each year, several thousand people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdominal cavity caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. Most patients who are diagnosed had prolonged exposure to asbestos in the workplace or during military service.

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is frightening, but you don’t have to face this situation alone. The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates can help you seek compensation for your injuries, so you can pay for the medical treatment you need, cover your lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Dr. Wilson has more than 30 years of experience handling personal injury and medical malpractice claims. As an attorney and a doctor, Dr. Wilson’s skill set has helped him recover more than $100 million in compensation for his clients. Get a free case review today by calling our office or visiting our contact page. We’re ready to get to work on your behalf.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue lining the chest cavity. Mesothelioma generally develops in the lining of the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdominal cavity.

One of the significant issues facing people who develop mesothelioma is that it takes a long time to appear. It can take 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure. That can make it difficult to trace the cause of the disease. However, an experienced personal attorney will conduct a detailed review of your employment history and military service to identify how you were exposed to asbestos as part of the preparation of a mesothelioma injury claim.

While it can take decades for patients to develop mesothelioma, diagnosing the condition as soon as possible and receiving early treatment can improve patients’ survival odds.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

The vast majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure. While asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber, it’s extremely toxic when ingested or inhaled. Asbestos fibers from products such as insulation, asbestos tiles, or automotive brake linings can break off and enter the air. The fibers may be inhaled and remain in the lungs. These fibers cannot be broken down in your body. They linger and disrupt the normal function of your cells, eventually causing mesothelioma cancer.

The U.S. government has taken some steps to limit public exposure to asbestos and how it can be used. But the long latency period of the disease means that new cases are still being diagnosed from exposures decades ago. More recent exposures often involve the remodeling or demolition of older buildings containing asbestos. A 2017 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said about 2,600 people died of mesothelioma in the most recent year of complete data.

In particular, workers in certain professions are especially prone to asbestos exposure:

• Construction workers
• Remodelers
• Firefighters
• Shipyard workers
• Pipefitters
• Power plant and utility workers
• Textile workers
• Insulation installers
• Steelworkers and other factory workers

If you experience the following symptoms, you should see a doctor for an evaluation:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• A painful cough
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual or unexplained lumps of tissue under the skin of your chest

If mesothelioma affects areas of the body other than the lungs, it can cause the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Nausea
• Unexplained weight loss

What Are Some Common Mesothelioma Causing Sites in Maryland?

Most cases of mesothelioma are caused by people being exposed to asbestos-containing products due to their jobs such as remodeling older buildings or by living with a family member who brings home asbestos fibers on their clothing from a workplace.

Some documented sites where people have been exposed to asbestos in Maryland include:

• The Bethlehem Shipyard in Baltimore
• The Annapolis Yacht Yard
• The former site of the Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock Company
• The U.S. Coast Guard site at Curtis Bay Shipyard
• Various power plants around the state

How To File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Maryland?

Maryland law gives mesothelioma patients three years from the date of their cancer diagnosis to file a claim for compensation. If a member of your family develops mesothelioma and later dies, you have three years from the date of your family member’s date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This law is known as the statute of limitations. A mesothelioma settlement or court award can provide financial security for your family.

It’s important to seek guidance from knowledgeable personal injury lawyers if you are considering a mesothelioma lawsuit. The cases are complicated. You’ll need evidence of exposure to asbestos if you want to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered.

It’s essential to seek help from an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the details of mesothelioma claims, as well as the disease itself. As both a doctor and a lawyer, Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D. has the knowledge and experience you’re looking for if you want the best possible chance of a successful resolution of your mesothelioma claim.

Some mesothelioma patients worry about how they can afford to pay for a lawyer to represent them. You don’t need to worry. Our law firm handles cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not be expected to pay a legal fee unless we obtain compensation on your behalf. A contingency fee arrangement gives people access to high-quality legal representation without any upfront costs.

Get Help From Our Maryland Mesothelioma Lawyer

Dr. Michael Wilson and the rest of our legal team at The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D & Associates are ready to answer your questions and start working on your mesothelioma claim right away. Get a free initial consultation by calling our office, or you can fill out our contact form online.