What We Offer

Here at WVLawyer PLLC, our Charleston mesothelioma lawyers are proud to offer zealous advocacy on behalf our clients and will work hard to ensure you receive damages for your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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What Causes Mesothelioma?

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Typically, the majority of people who have developed mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos, a set of 6 naturally occurring silicate materials used in construction. Most of those exposed encountered the material during job-related activities, such as in industrial settings, shipyards, auto repair shops, old houses, schools, and public buildings. While asbestos has been mostly banned in new construction, older buildings are still full of material. People who were also exposed to it 20 to 50 years ago are also likely showing symptoms of the disease, as mesothelioma can take decades to develop.

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Asbestos affects individuals when they inhale or swallow the fibers. If the fibers are disturbed, tiny particles of the material enter the air. The fibers lodge in the mesothelial material of the lungs and organs, triggering biological changes that cause inflammation, scarring, and genetic damage. Eventually, the fibers cause such severe cellular damage it results in tumor growth.

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Types of Mesothelioma

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Mesothelioma can affect any organ with mesothelium. However, the most common type of cancer develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). This is called pleural mesothelioma. It represents about 75% of all cases.

Symptoms can include:

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• Difficulty swallowing

• Night sweats/ fever

• Fatigue

• Persistent chest pain

• Persistent dry cough

• Shortness of breath

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A slightly less common type of the cancer is peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the mesothelial lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). It appears in about 20% of all mesothelioma cases.

Symptoms can include:

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• Abdominal pain

• Abdominal swelling

• Weight loss

• Nausea/ vomiting

• Constipation/ diarrhea

• Fatigue

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A third type of the cancer is pericardial mesothelioma. This kind of mesothelioma is even rarer, accounting for only about 1% of all cases. It happens when the outer lining of the heart (pericardium) is affected.

Symptoms can include:

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• Irregular heartbeat

• Chest pain

• Trouble breathing

• Coughing

• Night sweats/ fever

• Fatigue

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Lastly, the rarest kind of mesothelioma affects the lining of the testes (the tunica vaginalis). Testicular mesothelioma accounts for less than 1% of all cases and is difficult to link to a complete list of symptoms. Most cases are diagnosed while receiving surgery or treatment for another condition. However, two main indicators of the cancer are painless testicular lumps and swelling of the scrotum.

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Workers’ Compensation

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Because the majority of people affected by the disease were exposed to asbestos on the job, if they are covered by workers’ compensation insurance they can file a claim with the insurance company. Job-related cancer makes up one of the largest percentages of occupational deaths in the United States. If you’re facing significant medical costs as a result of asbestos exposure, make sure you are fairly compensated. You shouldn’t have to rely on your health insurance if you don’t need to.

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Let Us Protect Your Rights

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Make sure you are fairly compensated for your pain and suffering. Cancer treatment and medical care can be extremely expensive. At WVLawyer PLLC, we have successfully recovered more than $100 million in compensation for the people we help. We understand how frustrating, overwhelming, and frightening your situation can be. Let us provide you with the best legal representation you deserve.

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