MESOTHELIOMA LIFE EXPECTANCY

Long latency period, short life expectancy

July 15, 2009 – Sometimes referred to as asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma is not the same as lung cancer. Lung cancers occur inside the lung itself; mesothelioma cancer occurs in the lining of the lung where airborne asbestos fibers become lodged for years before a diagnosis is made. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer, has a short life expectancy and is diagnosed in some 3,000 Americans every year.

Sometimes people who worked with asbestos for as little as one or two months get mesothelioma. The mesothelioma latency period refers to the time between asbestos exposure and diagnosis of the disease. For mesothelioma, the latency period can be decades long. People exposed in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s are only now being diagnosed.

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Some patients diagnosed with the disease can participate in mesothelioma clinical trials. They help test a new treatment or drug, and have proven to help extend the life expectancy of some patients.

But there is no known cure for mesothelioma. In fact, treatment options have not changed much since the 1980s. In most cases, the disease is fatal within two years or less of being diagnosed.

Military veterans and mesothelioma

The armed forces used a asbestos extensively in the 20th century. Because of the long latency period, many veterans are only now being diagnosed with mesothelioma. People were exposed in all branches of the service, and in a variety of jobs. And because the latency period is so long, veterans exposed during the Korean, Viet Nam and Gulf Wars are only now being diagnosed.

We have worked with veterans from all over the country. If you are a military veteran and you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please notify us through the communication form on this page for a free legal consultation on your rights to compensation.

Legal options

Mesothelioma is caused by occupational asbestos exposure and usually contracted through employers’ preference for profits over the expense of maintaining the safety of their employees.

That’s why injured workers have strong cases in court for obtaining financial compensation. Due to the short life expectancy of a mesothelioma patient – frequently the bread winner of the family – surviving family members are also eligible for restitution.

Weitz & Luxenberg has provided mesothelioma legal support for asbestos-injured workers for 25 years. And in that time the firm's mesothelioma lawyers have achieved several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients harmed by occupational asbestos exposure.

We will pursue your claim with vigilance to help you pay for medical bills, lost wages and damages. Weitz & Luxenberg works on a contingency basis, so there is no cost to you until we win a settlement or verdict in your favor.