Mesothelioma

Massachusetts Lawyers Representing Clients with Mesothelioma

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, our Cape Cod mesothelioma lawyers represent clients who have been stricken with this form of cancer, as well as a wide variety of other injuries and impairments, through no fault of their own. We have been fighting for people exposed to asbestos – the most prominent cause of mesothelioma – since 1994. Our lawyers have a strong reputation in the legal community and among clients for providing comprehensive legal services and approaching each case in a methodical manner to ensure that all avenues of potential recovery are examined and that all responsible parties are held legally responsible.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is an aggressive, serious form of cancer that is often caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral fiber commonly used in building materials like wall insulation, floor tiles and roofing and shingles. It occurs in the thin layer of tissue (the mesothelium) that covers the majority of a person’s internal organs. Mesothelioma most often affects the tissue surrounding the lungs, but is also less commonly known to occur in the abdomen region. The cancer is diagnosed through a combination of biopsy and imaging scans. While there is currently no known cure for mesothelioma, it can be treated and managed with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Reports have linked mesothelioma to asbestos exposure for nearly a century, but many manufacturers completely ignored this information and continued to make products including the highly dangerous ingredient. The federal government and individual states have since stepped in to limit or even prohibit the use of asbestos and remove asbestos-related products from homes and workplaces. State law, for instance, requires that exposed asbestos (or damaged asbestos products) deemed potentially hazardous be removed. Yet there is no complete ban on asbestos products in Massachusetts or nationwide. Retailers continue to sell products containing the harmful substance – floor tiles, roof tar, etc. – which may find its way into your home or office.

Proving Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Claims

The good news is that there is a clear legal right to recovery for a person who develops mesothelioma or other impairments as a result of asbestos exposure. Property owners, construction companies, and contractors and other asbestos users are obligated by law to ensure that their residents, guests, consumers and workers aren’t injured by being exposed to the hazardous material. Those who fail to do so can be subject to legal liability.

There are a number of legal theories on which a responsible party may be held accountable for asbestos exposure-related mesothelioma, including premises liability and products liability. Perhaps the most common form of recovery, however, is the traditional negligence claim. To prove negligence, an injured party (plaintiff) must generally show that the party being sued (defendant) failed to meet the duty of care it owed to the plaintiff and that this failure caused the plaintiff’s injury. For example, property owners are obligated to keep the premises in generally safe condition. In addition, product manufacturers, designers and sellers, for example, are expected to ensure that their wares are in reasonably safe condition before putting them on the market. Both of these groups are also expected to warn customers and visitors of any hazards raised by using a product or visiting a property.

One of the biggest hurdles raised in asbestos cases is that the long-term damages done by the substance often doesn’t surface for years, even decades. Asbestos builds up in the lungs and other parts of the body over several years, eventually making itself known in the form of scarred lungs and mesothelioma. It’s therefore vital that a person exposed to asbestos keep accurate and up-to-date medical records to establish that any health problems are directly related to the exposure.

Choose Experienced Injury Attorneys

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, we have more than 146 years of combined legal experience representing clients in personal injury cases, including those concerning a person who has developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. We understand the law as it relates to these cases, as well as the type of evidence necessary to prove a claim. We work with medical providers and independent investigators to create a clear and comprehensive record of evidence that shows when and how a client became exposed to asbestos and the full extent of the harm that resulted.

Helping You Fight for the Damages You Deserve

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III. Our Massachusetts asbestos attorneys offer free consultations. We will also travel to you if you can’t make it to our offices in Hyannis or Plymouth. We don’t charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful. Call us at (888) 262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.