Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, and devastating form of cancer. It is linked to asbestos exposure in approximately 80% of cases, according to the American Lung Association. Eight to 13% of people who were subjected to heavy or prolonged exposure to asbestos were found to develop mesothelioma, according to The Mesothelioma Center. Mesothelioma doesn’t discriminate, posing a great risk to individuals across many industries and in many residential settings. As the medical community’s understanding of mesothelioma has grown, a new diagnostic tool has emerged: the breath test, which shows encouraging results as a non-invasive method of detecting and diagnosing mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and know or suspect this is due to asbestos exposure, turn to a skilled and seasoned personal injury team. Backed by over fifteen years of experience, over 550 five-star reviews, and a proven track record of success, Gomez Trial Attorneys is ready to start fighting for you. We won’t settle for low offers and will fight aggressively for the maximum possible compensation, which is why we’ve won billions for clients like you.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we don’t get paid until we win a settlement for you. You deserve to see justice, accountability, and rightful compensation, so contact us online or call us at 866-TRIAL LAW (866-874-2552) to schedule your free case evaluation.
Understanding Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that forms primarily in the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs, known as the pleura. However, less commonly, mesothelioma can also occur in the lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum, the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium, and the lining of the testicles, known as the tunica vaginalis.
The overwhelming majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure, which was widely used due to its durability and heat resistance. However, after decades of being linked to serious health issues, the use of asbestos was largely banned in 1989. Despite these strict regulations, people continue to be exposed to asbestos from older buildings, industrial sites, and high-risk occupations. The latency period for mesothelioma can last for decades, meaning that exposed individuals may not experience symptoms for up to 50 years after the initial exposure.
Breath Tests: A Promising Diagnostic Tool
Breath tests, a largely non-invasive diagnostic tool, can detect many health issues, including mesothelioma, by analyzing for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breaths. VOCs are a form of gas emitted by the body which can indicate the presence of various diseases, particularly cancers. By looking for the specific VOC profiles associated with mesothelioma, medical professionals can screen patients for mesothelioma by their breath alone with a promising degree of accuracy, complementing the existing diagnostic methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are breath tests in diagnosing mesothelioma?
Breath tests are a promising non-invasive tool for mesothelioma diagnosis, but their accuracy is still being determined through ongoing research. Early studies are indicating favorable results, with one study showing up to 87% accuracy in detecting mesothelioma.
Can a breath test alone diagnose mesothelioma?
A breath test can indicate a likelihood of mesothelioma but cannot be the sole basis for a mesothelioma diagnosis. As technology stands today, the breath test results must be supported by other diagnostic tools, including imaging, further testing, biopsies, and laboratory analyses. While breath tests mark a significant advancement in mesothelioma diagnostics, they are unlikely to replace traditional diagnostic methods entirely.
Are there risks to undergoing a breath test for mesothelioma?
Breath tests are non-invasive, generally safe, and present minimal risk to patients. However, every medical procedure carries a certain level of risk, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
How long does it take to get the results of a mesothelioma breath test?
The turnaround time for mesothelioma breath tests can vary depending on the specific testing protocol used and the processing times for the laboratory analyzing the results. An experienced healthcare provider can offer better insight and further guidance for expected timelines.
Is legal action possible for mesothelioma diagnosed by breath test?
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure are generally eligible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit regardless of the diagnostic method used. Family members of patients who pass away as a result of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure may also be eligible to bring a wrongful death lawsuit on the patient’s behalf. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you better understand your options for seeking justice, accountability, and rightful compensation.
Are patients with mesothelioma entitled to compensation?
Patients with mesothelioma may seek financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit, provided they can establish a connection between their diagnosis and asbestos exposure. They may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and similar losses.
A patient’s family members may also be entitled to compensation if their loved one passes away from mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. This entails filing a wrongful death claim, where certain family members can seek similar damages along with funeral expenses, lost future wages, and loss of consortium.
What is the average settlement for a mesothelioma claim?
According to Asbestos.com, a resource provided by The Mesothelioma Center, the average mesothelioma settlement ranges from $1 million to $2 million, and the average trial verdict is between $5 million and $11 million. However, these amounts can vary greatly depending on the unique circumstances of your case. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you better understand the value of your case and assist you in weighing the merits of settling or taking your case to trial.
Who pays mesothelioma claims?
Compensation for mesothelioma cases can come from a variety of sources including:
- Liable parties, including but not limited to asbestos mine operators, product manufacturers, product distributors, landlords, building owners, building managers, employers, and even local government agencies.
- Insurance companies, which provide liability insurance or workers’ compensation insurance if the exposure was employment-related.
- Asbestos trust funds, which many bankrupt asbestos companies have set up to compensate present and future victims of asbestos exposure and their families. Over 60 of these trust funds exist, with an estimated collective value of over 30 billion dollars.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs, which recognizes mesothelioma as a service-related illness if the exposure occurred during military service.
Contact Our Experienced San Diego Mesothelioma Attorney Today
If you or a loved one are facing a mesothelioma diagnosis and suspect asbestos exposure, you deserve accountability, justice, and compensation for the harm you have suffered. Gomez Trial Attorneys is ready to start fighting for you today, with 24/7 support and free consultations. Contact us, call us at 866-TRIAL LAW (866-874-2552), or visit one of our five convenient locations in San Diego, Solana Beach, Temecula, El Centro, or Riverside for a free case evaluation. Plus, we offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee, so we don’t get paid until you do!