Articles About Health

Mesothelioma Prognosis">
3 Factors that Impact a Mesothelioma Prognosis -

Receiving the news that you have malignant pleural mesothelioma can be overwhelming, but knowing your diagnosis is a positive first step in fighting the battle. Next, your team of healthcare providers need to determine how extensive your disease is. This will help them decide which treatments are the most appropriate for you and which ones are not worth the expense and side effects.

At Kazan Law, we try to keep up with the latest medical developments. We know that when it comes to forming prognoses of cancer patients, doctors often rely on staging systems that describe the physical extent of the malignancy. However, when it comes to mesothelioma, arriving at an opinion may be more challenging. One team of scientists from Rome decided to comb through the various prognostic factors that researchers studied throughout the years and published their review in the journal Oncology.

Staging systems are inadequate
There are several treatment options for mesothelioma patients: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of any of these. Deciding which regimen to undergo depends partly on how advanced the disease is.

Experts from the National Cancer Institute say that surgical options – either extrapleural pneumonectomy or pleurectomy/decortication – are typically only recommended for patients who are in stage I of the disease. This means that the cancerous tissue is limited to certain areas of the chest lining. For stages II-IV, radiation or chemotherapy are often prescribed. However, some patients may still be eligible for pleurectomy/decortication.

The options for patients who have recurrent mesothelioma are mostly limited to participating in a clinical trial.

One problem with the staging system for mesothelioma is that, by the time patients are diagnosed, the disease is usually in its advanced stages. This underscores the need for better techniques to identify the disease and determine its extent.

Reviewers go from macro to micro
Although cancer prognoses often rely on staging systems, the amount of information that can describe mesothelioma is more vast than some medical professionals may know. The review recently published in Oncology grouped the various predictive factors of this disease into three main groups:

1. Clinical factors. These include sex, age, extent of asbestos exposure, symptom severity, performance status, radiological imaging, blood cell abnormalities, enzyme abnormalities and the presence of certain proteins in the blood serum. Additionally, both patients’ cancer staging and their responses to treatment may also impact their prognoses.
2. Genetic factors. Although asbestos exposure is the only known direct cause of mesothelioma, the carcinogen interacts with a unique set of genes in each patient. Prognoses may depend in part on the presence of mutations in individuals. Furthermore, the severity of a disease can be affected by mechanisms in the cells that control how certain genes are expressed.
3. Molecular pathway factors. The way in which the machinery in your cells behaves can influence how well the diseased tissue thrives. For example, most healthy cells are programmed to die after a certain time, or after an extensive amount of damage takes place. It is not uncommon for cancerous cells to be missing this mechanism for cell death.

The Environmental Working Group estimates that mesothelioma claims the lives of more than 2,500 individuals in the U.S. every year. Having more effective methods of forming prognoses can help doctors decide which patients are eligible for certain treatments, including those that are more targeted.

“Until the suggested novel gene and immunologic therapies have demonstrated their effectiveness, the best approach that can be offered to patients remains as extensive a surgical cytoreduction as possible, followed by adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy,” the reviewers wrote. “Still, an adequate knowledge and evaluation of prognostic factors can help in defining the multidisciplinary approach to therapy in order to reduce the mortality from this lethal disease.”

Mesothelioma Rates Double for Firefighters According to New Study">
Mesothelioma Rates Double for Firefighters According to New Study -

Firefighter mesothelioma rates are twice that of the rest of the population according to a dramatic new study – the first ever of its kind.

The researchers said it was likely that the findings were associated with exposure to asbestos, and noted that this is the first study ever to identify higher rates of mesothelioma in U.S. firefighters.

What also makes the study important is that it analyzed cancers and cancer deaths through 09 among 29,993 firefighters from the Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco fire departments who were employed since 1950.  The large number of study subjects and the many years that they were tracked elevates the credibility and importance of the study; especially in light of the grim results.

The findings are consistent with earlier studies, but because this one followed a larger study population for a longer period of time, the results strengthen the scientific evidence for a relation between firefighting and cancer, the researchers said.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) led the study in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and the University of California Davis. The results from the NIOSH researchers and their colleagues were reported on October 14 in the online edition of the international medical journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, an offshoot of the cutting edge British Medical Journal.

Other types of cancer were also found to be elevated in this study of firefighters in the three U.S. cities. The researchers found that rates of cancers of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems were higher in the firefighters than in the U.S. population as a whole.

Firefighters can be exposed to contaminants from fires that are known or suspected to cause cancer. These contaminants include combustion byproducts such as benzene and formaldehyde, and materials in debris such as asbestos from older structures.  These materials may be inert under normal conditions but break down and are released when structures collapse during a fire.

The findings of the new study do not address other cancer risk factors, such as smoking, diet and alcohol consumption, NIOSH pointed out, according to an article in EHS Today, an occupational health and safety magazine.

A second phase of the study is planned and will further examine employment records from the three fire departments to gain more insight into occupational exposures, and to look at exposures in relation to cancer incidence and mortality, NIOSH said.

Mesothelioma Case">
The Careful Investigation Required For Your Mesothelioma Case -

In theory, a law firm should do considerable investigation before it tells a client that it can take on a mesothelioma case. But there are some law firms that just want to get people to sign up with them. Then they’ll turn around and broker that case to someone else, because they have no real intention of doing any actual work involved in a mesothelioma case.

These businesses assume that if you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, there will be money in it for them from somewhere. Their attitude is, “We don’t care because we are going to get a third or half of the fees for no work.”

We do things differently at our asbestos law firm. Once a client calls to consult with me about a mesothelioma case it establishes a confidential attorney client relationship, whether or not they hire me. I firmly believe that I am ethically obligated to give them good advice and protect their best interests and their confidences.

We may know in the first phone conversation that someone has enough provable asbestos exposure for a mesothelioma case and who the likely culprits are. There are other mesothelioma cases that require extensive investigation before I can tell a client the case has value.

Here are five questions we consider:

1.       Is the mesothelioma diagnosis accurate? Nowadays it usually is since it is almost always based on a pathology report after a biopsy, and even a community hospital pathology department uses standard lab tests and often gets outside consultation.

2.       Can we show that there was asbestos exposure? Almost all the time we can. Sometimes people don’t remember where they were exposed to asbestos. I had a mesothelioma case involving an orthopedic surgeon who didn’t have a clue. After a couple hours of detailed interview, he remembered that one summer during college he worked at an oil refinery doing clean-up.

3.       Can we identify where and when the asbestos exposure took place, and figure out whose asbestos product it was? We explore a client’s work history and exposure history to see what evidence there is. A client might say, “My dad worked at the shipyard.” Or “I did drywall work.”

4.       Whose asbestos fiber was it? Not just who made the products that were used at that time and place, but how did the asbestos get there? Anyone in the chain of production and distribution from the mining company who dug up the asbestos fiber to the product manufacturer to the wholesaler to the local hardware store has liability for the asbestos product, and thus for the exposure.

5.        Is the case worth doing? That is something we will decide before we commit to doing it. The deciding factor is whether we will be able to get enough money from anyone for you to justify your time and energy. That requires some effort to determine.

Promising someone the moon and the stars and not being able to deliver is not a good thing, and the last thing a mesothelioma patient needs is to waste time and energy on a lawsuit with mesothelioma attorneys who can’t deliver what they promise, when time and energy are the patient’s most limited and precious resource. At Kazan Law, we are honest and conservative. We tell prospective clients the truth about what a case will take out of them, and what it will likely produce for them and the family. We aim to exceed our clients’ expectations. No one’s ever gotten mad at me for doing better than I told them we would.

Mesothelioma Conference">
Kazan Law to Present at World’s Leading Mesothelioma Conference -

We are very excited to be heading off to Cape Town, South Africa for the twelfth biennial meeting of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig 2014).

We are particularly honored that Kazan Law has been chosen to present some of our own research work at this conference. Like the Boston conference in 2012, this year again in Cape Town we are the only law firm in the world whose work has been accepted for presentation.

Mesothelioma Medical Expenses as Tax Deductions">
How to Claim Mesothelioma Medical Expenses as Tax Deductions -

If you claim your mesothelioma medical expenses as a deduction on your taxes, you need to keep records of your claimed expenses in case you are audited. In an audit, you must prove to the IRS that the expenses you claimed on your tax return are valid. Otherwise you may be required to pay additional taxes plus a penalty.

Also be sure to let your mesothelioma lawyer know your medical expense totals for the year so he/she can include them as part of your claim for compensation in settlement negotiations and at trial.

Here’s how to document your mesothelioma medical expenses:

1 Label the sections of an accordion file or separate file folders with the categories of mesothelioma medical expenses that you want to claim. For example, you probably need a section for doctor bills, lab bills, co-pays, prescriptions and insurance paperwork. Any costs you incur traveling for your mesothelioma medical treatment or to seek legal advice because of your mesothelioma should also be filed in separate section. Costs for medical equipment you buy or rent because of your mesothelioma should also have a section.

2 Add your own notes to every printed record of a medical expense when you receive it. Each document should identify the medical professionals who provided treatment for you and in your own words, what they did. The medical terms on the bill may not make sense to you later on. The record should also include the name and address of the provider, the date of the expense, type of expense and cost. The IRS recommends keeping track of expenses when they occur. Include items like receipts, bills, sales slips, canceled checks, credit card statements and records of electronic transfers.

3 Enter the details of each medical bill into a spreadsheet on your computer. You can also set up a paper-and-pencil spreadsheet to track medical expenses. The spreadsheet should include a column for each of the details you have noted on the written record. Organize the columns in a way that makes sense to you. You might, for example, put the date in the first column, then the name of the person associated with the expense, the type of expense and so forth. Spreadsheet applications or specialized tracking software have several advantages over a handwritten record. For example, they will allow you to reorganize the order of the columns and sort the information by a specific factor.

4 Place the printed record of the expense in the appropriate section of your files. Keep the records in order by date within each file section by consistently placing each new record at the front or the back of the file. Occasionally flip through every section to make sure the order is correct and that you put each piece of paper in the right section.

Mesothelioma Compensation for Family Members">
Mesothelioma Compensation for Family Members -

If your loved one has died because of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, we are terribly sorry for your loss. The tragedy of a death related to corporate negligence is more than simple misconduct. It’s an unimaginable horror for you and other innocent families like yours to experience.

The harmful effects related to asbestos exposure have long been studied and known by researchers in the medical and scientific community. From breathing problems to loss of mobility or cognitive deterioration, the consequences of exposure to asbestos are far-reaching and crippling for those unfortunate enough to suffer from them.

Mesothelioma is considered to be a terminal diagnosis. For family members, filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the guilty party or parties is the best way to ensure they answer for what they have done.

In 2014 Kazan Law achieved the highest wrongful death jury verdict in California. The total amount awarded was $11,800,000. Results like these are not uncommon for our law firm.

 Families Are Also Victims of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

The emotional stress and suffering you’ve already endured has likely caused a rippling impact on your entire life. From medical costs to the inability to effectively do your job, you have endured financial repercussions from the death of your family member. Accordingly, the responsible corporation(s) should be obligated to pay damages to you for the harm they have caused. That’s why you have the right to pursue compensation for your distress.

Beyond the lost wages from the deceased, your ability to live your life has been significantly altered. This chain of events has come about because of the willful negligence or malice of corporations that need to be held responsible.

That’s why it’s so critical for you and your family to act now and seek out what is rightfully yours. You do not have to allow this tragedy to make you a victim twice. The loss you now have to live with is painful enough. It’s time for you to take action and seek out the justice you deserve.

Family Options for Wrongful Death Compensation Due to Mesothelioma

Families can pursue settlements or other compensation efforts through a variety of legal means. The goal here is to create proof that both the deceased victim and your family have endured pain, suffering and financial loss as a result of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease.

Common areas of injury include the following:

Medical Expenses/Treatment

Your family member’s medical costs related to a mesothelioma diagnosis or asbestos-related illness were likely very high. For many families these bills may not be fully covered by their insurance. As a result, they are left with unpaid charges potentially impacting their credit and other financial elements of their lives.

Mortgage/Utility/Other Bills

When a household is financially impacted by an illness or disease related to asbestos, the results can be devastating. This means that mortgages, credit cards or utility bills may go unpaid. You are entitled to receive a cash settlement amount which includes enough to offset these costs, late fees and related financial damages that result from the family’s loss of income.

Emotional Pain

While emotional pain is not as measurable as financial damages, it is the true crux of what you are experiencing. Your emotional distress, pain and suffering is carried with you throughout your life. This type of suffering should not go uncompensated or unacknowledged by those who are responsible, and a jury can measure the value of your loss.

Generally the legal process for a wrongful death suit related to mesothelioma or asbestos exposure starts with extensive research by multiple investigators and attorneys, and by interviews with the client.

Claims are filed once it’s determined what the best options are. These claims can be made in different states, depending on where different company offices involved with the exposure are located. The state where you are likely to get the most favorable settlement is where your claim should be made. From there your case could go to court or a settlement may be reached.

Honoring Your Loved One Through Advancing Mesothelioma Research

Beyond making negligent companies pay for the life they took, you have additional options available to honor the person you loved. Some of our clients have generously made a contribution to mesothelioma research and treatment.

Researchers have continued to invest their focus on better understanding the mechanisms behind mesothelioma and other diseases caused by asbestos. Their work can make a huge difference in the lives of other people with a similar diagnosis in the future.

Contributing to this type of research can help:

• Earlier detection
• Improved range of treatment options
• Less pain and suffering for victims
• Improved quality of life for patients
• Continued work toward finding a cure

Mesothelioma is typically a fatal diagnosis. Perhaps one day that terminal aspect of the disease will be reversed and we can cure it. Until then, advancing research will make better treatment options more affordable and accessible to those who are suffering.

Settlements and Compensation for Your Pain and Suffering

While your loved one may be gone, he or she will never be forgotten. Although no sum of money can bring them back, you and your family deserve compensation for the emotional and financial turmoil this has caused you.

With the right legal team and strategy, your chances of a just trial or settlement amount are improved greatly. If you haven’t already, your critical next step is to schedule a consultation with a lawyer specializing in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation. Contact Kazan Law’s award winning legal firm today for a no cost – no obligation evaluation.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit">
The Ultimate Guide to a Mesothelioma Lawsuit -

If you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may feel overwhelmed by the medical and legal information you need to absorb. Here are the basics you will need to know to get started with your mesothelioma lawsuit.

Finding a Lawyer for Your Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Serious health problems related to asbestos exposure were first reported in the 1930s. Despite their knowledge of the danger this posed for the people who worked and lived with these products, many corporations continued to use asbestos in their products Because so many people have suffered from the toxic effects of asbestos exposure, including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases, the judicial system has created processes to streamline asbestos litigation.

The first, and perhaps the most important, step in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is finding the right lawyer to represent you. An experienced lawyer is a crucial asset to help you recover the compensation to which you are entitled. You don’t have to choose an attorney with an office near your home; you can even work with a mesothelioma lawyer based in a different state. It’s a good idea to research your choice and work with a law firm that has a track record of winning settlements and verdicts for clients with mesothelioma.

Once you have found a trustworthy asbestos firm, your attorneys will do most of the work so you can focus on taking care of your health and spending precious time with your family. Your lawyer may request information from you, but most of the lawsuit process will move forward without much input from you.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Process

The first step to filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is to determine where you were exposed to asbestos. Your lawyer will ask you for a list of all the places you have worked, since mesothelioma may take several decades to manifest after asbestos exposure. Some people were exposed to asbestos outside of the workplace, perhaps through the contaminated clothing of a spouse who worked with asbestos or because of asbestos building materials in their homes.

Your attorney will file suit against all the parties who could be responsible for your asbestos exposure. Early in this process, both sides will begin the discovery process. The defendants will request copies of your medical records and your attorney will request documentation about asbestos use from the defendants. The defendants will take your deposition, where you will answer questions under oath in front of a court reporter but not a judge. Your attorney will be at your side to support you and guide you through your deposition. The defendants will also be deposed.

Some defendants may try to convince the court that they are not responsible for your illness. Companies may argue that you could not have been exposed to asbestos at their location. They may claim that your mesothelioma was caused by a past history of exposure to someone else’s asbestos products, or that smoking or other health problems meant you were already injured, or couldn’t work even before the mesothelioma.. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will know how to counter these arguments.

Other defendants may accept their liability and begin settlement discussions soon after your lawsuit is filed, in an effort to minimize their legal fees. It is not unusual for claimants in mesothelioma lawsuits to begin to receive settlement funds within just a few months after the lawsuit is filed.

If a defendant is unwilling to settle, your case may go to trial. This is unusual. Over 80 percent of lawsuits settle before trial.

While mesothelioma plaintiffs receive expedited trial schedules because of the severity of their illness, the trial process can stretch to a year or more. If the defendant appeals the trial verdict, this can prolong the process even further.

Although trials can be expensive and time-consuming and there is no guarantee of a positive outcome, verdicts can result in greater compensation for plaintiffs than negotiated settlements. Kazan Law has won verdicts as high as $27 million for mesothelioma claimants.

Filing Your Mesothelioma Lawsuit Claim

Once you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have a prescribed window of time within which to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. This is known as the Statute of Limitations. If you don’t file within this window, you will not be able to recover damages for your injuries. The amount of time to file varies in different jurisdictions. In California, you have one year from when asbestos causes you to be unable to work at your usual job. It is important to begin working with a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after your diagnosis to allow enough time to thoroughly investigate the potential sources of your asbestos exposure and determine the correct parties to sue.

Once again, it is important to work with a reputable and experienced mesothelioma law firm. If your claim is filed incorrectly, you may run out of time and lose your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve.

In most cases, you have a choice where to file your mesothelioma lawsuit. You don’t have to live in the state where you file. At Kazan Law, we file most of our lawsuits in California because the people who serve on California juries understand the true value of mesothelioma claims.

Each case is different, as each person is different. If you would like to discuss your mesothelioma claim with one of the experienced asbestos lawyers at Kazan Law, please feel free to contact us for a free case evaluation.