Attorney
Mesothelioma Lawyer Supports Victims Of Asbestos Diseases in Virginia, Maryland and the DC Areas
LOOKING FOR HELP AFTER A MESOTHELIOMA DIAGNOSIS?
Mesothelioma is a particularly devastating form of cancer that is commonly caused by asbestos exposure. While it can take decades to develop in a patient, it is often fatal within a few years of detection. For these reasons, a mesothelioma diagnosis can leave victims and families reeling as they struggle to cope with the disease. The financial strain and fear of losing a loved one to cancer can be overwhelming. Adapting to life after a mesothelioma diagnosis is difficult, but it is important to realize that you are not alone. Many people have endured mesothelioma and other forms of cancer, and resources are available to help you and your family.
If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer or any asbestos-related disease, a Washington DC mesothelioma attorney from our personal injury law firm can help make your fight a little easier. In many cases, mesothelioma victims are able to get compensation from the company or organization responsible for their asbestos exposure. At Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P., we have a record of success with personal injury lawsuits concerning asbestos in Washington, D.C., Fairfax, Virginia and Greenbelt, Maryland. We can explain your options after a mesothelioma diagnosis, and may even be able to help you file an asbestos lawsuit.
Are There Support Groups for Mesothelioma Patients?
Your family will provide loving support after your mesothelioma diagnosis, but sometimes you may need others to assist you as well. To get perspective, it may be important to talk to professionals or look to other people coping with cancer. Other people who are dealing with the same challenges you face are the ones who are best able to tell you what to expect and what might help you manage your mesothelioma symptoms.
Support groups often include professional counselors or therapists, who can help guide you through the treatment process. Often, the most beneficial aspect of a support group is just being able to talk freely about your condition. A simple conversation can relieve stress and allow you to confront your own feelings about the type of mesothelioma you have.
Counselors and support groups can help the friends and family of mesothelioma victims as well. Family members, especially children, may need extra support as they face the prospect of losing a loved one. For example, hospitals often organize groups for children whose parents have cancer and provide therapy and grief support. These groups can help children understand what is happening without putting extra stress on the parent who has mesothelioma.
The following are links to organizations that provide a variety of services for mesothelioma victims. Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P. is not associated with any of these organizations. We have provided the following links for informational purposes only:
- American Cancer Society
- The Meso Foundation
- The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Asbestos Page
- Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America
- Mesothelioma Group
- Mesothelioma Coping and Support Information from the Mayo Clinic
- Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Cancer Support Community
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Can Patients Receive Financial Support for Mesothelioma Treatment?
Mesothelioma treatment can be expensive and can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. All of these options can be exhausting, which makes it difficult for victims to continue to work. However, an asbestos lawsuit can help you get compensation to pay for your treatments and give your family financial security. Even if you are unsure where or when your asbestos exposure took place, or if the company that caused your condition is still in business, you can still get compensation.
The laws concerning when you can file an asbestos lawsuit vary from state to state. However, since mesothelioma can take so long to develop, normal rules about the statute of limitations for personal injury do not apply. Instead, you have a certain amount of time to file a case after you have been diagnosed, but these time periods are different depending on where you live. Some examples of statutes of limitations for asbestos claims include:
- Washington, D.C.: three years for personal injury, one year for wrongful death
- Virginia: two years for personal injury, two years for wrongful death
- Maryland: three years for personal injury, three years for wrongful death
This means, for example, that you have three years from the date of your mesothelioma diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington, D.C. However, you only have one year after the death of a loved one to file a wrongful death case. If you need financial assistance following a mesothelioma diagnosis, our personal injury law firm can help. A mesothelioma injury lawyer like Peter C. DePaolis can explain your options for compensation to get you the treatment you need.
How Do I Find a Mesothelioma Law Firm for My Asbestos Lawsuit?
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, finding the support you need may help you and your family cope with your condition. Our mesothelioma injury attorneys know how to use the legal system to get the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. We having been helping victims of asbestos exposure and their families for over 30 years.
Our personal injury law firm has locations in Washington, D.C., Fairfax, Virginia, and Greenbelt, Maryland. If you have legal questions about your mesothelioma diagnosis, contact us online or call one of our offices. We can schedule your free consultation with a mesothelioma and asbestos exposure attorney so you can get your questions answered.