Dolan Law Offices PC
Illinois Mesothelioma Lawyers : Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin
Illinois Mesothelioma Attorneys
Illinois mesothelioma attorneys know how quickly mesothelioma can destroy a life and devastate a family. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium which surrounds vital internal organs. According to the National Cancer Institute, the occurrence of mesothelioma has increased over the past 20 years. Approximately 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States.
Who is at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?
Between seventy and eighty percent of mesothelioma patients have worked with asbestos in the past. Those who work in asbestos mines or who produce asbestos products are at particular risk of developing asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma as are workers in the shipyard, heating, construction and automotive industries.
Evidence also suggests that people who live with those who work with asbestos are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma. This may be because workers bring home asbestos fibers on their clothing and belongings that is then inhaled by their relatives or roommates.
Mesothelioma symptoms often do not develop for 30 -50 years after exposure to asbestos. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and chest pain. A doctor can make a definitive diagnosis with a biopsy. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. However, treatment is not always effective.
Legal Action May be Possible for Mesothelioma Patients or their Surviving Family Members
Mesothelioma patients, or their surviving family members if the patient is deceased, may have a cause of action against their employer for negligence. If an employee or his or her surviving relatives are to prevail in a negligence lawsuit the plaintiff would need to prove that:
1. The employer owed the employee a duty of care. If an employment relationship existed then the employer owed the employee a duty of care.
2. The employer breached the duty of care. If the employer failed to take reasonable precautions to protect the employee from the dangerous effects of asbestos then the employer may have breached the duty of care.
3. The employer’s actions caused the employees harm. The plaintiff must prove that the employer’s actions were the reason why the defendant developed mesothelioma in order to prevail in a negligence action.
4. The plaintiff suffered harm and is entitled to damages. An employee would need to prove that he or she has mesothelioma or if the employee is deceased then his or her relatives would need to prove that the employee died from mesothelioma.
Other causes of action such as products liability claims against asbestos manufacturers may also be possible.
If you suffer from mesothelioma or have a lost a loved one to this horrible disease, then it is important to contact an Illinois asbestos attorney who can advise you as to your rights and make sure that any necessary legal action is filed before the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Dolan Law Offices Represents Plaintiffs in Mesothelioma Cases
Dolan Law Offices represents victims of mesothelioma throughout Illinois and the greater Chicagoland area, including Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Will County, and the towns of Aurora, Addison, Chicago Heights, Joliet, Hillsdale, Plainfield, Rolling Meadows, Des Plains, Schaumburg, Palatine, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Prospect Heights, Wheeling, Wheaton, Waukegan, Inverness, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Elgin, Bartlett, Itasca, Bloomingdale and Oak Park.
Please contact us today for a free consultation. The Chicago mesothelioma attorneys of Dolan Law Offices will not collect a fee from you unless your case results in a monetary verdict or settlement.
Dolan Law Offices PC
10 S LaSalle St #3712
Chicago IL 60603
Tel: 312 676-7600
Fax: 312 849-2030
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