North Carolina Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyer

For decades, companies put ordinary people at risk of severe illnesses like peritoneal mesothelioma by releasing products containing asbestos onto the market. That continued even after the medical community had established the link between asbestos, mesothelioma, and other life-threatening diseases like lung cancer.

Many of these asbestos companies have since gone bankrupt, but not before the courts forced them to establish trust funds to compensate people they hurt. They could owe you money, and our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you demand it through trust fund claims, a wrongful death lawsuit, personal injury claims, workers’ compensation claims, and other means of getting compensation for asbestos diseases.

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma? Could you have had a history of asbestos exposure? At Ward Black Law, our experienced team of asbestos lawyers knows firsthand the impact that peritoneal mesothelioma can have on mesothelioma patients and their families. We’re committed to representing your interests, supporting your needs, and pursuing the compensation you deserve during this challenging time.

Contact us today for a free case review. Discover how an experienced mesothelioma attorney from our firm can assist you in seeking the financial security you need after a mesothelioma diagnosis, regardless of where your asbestos exposure happened.

What Is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of asbestos-related cancer that develops in the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue surrounding the organs in the abdomen. This form of cancer is caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers, which can become lodged in the body and trigger malignant cell growth.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is distinct from the more common pleural mesothelioma, a lung cancer that affects the pleura – the lining surrounding the lungs inside the chest cavity. Also an asbestos-related disease, pleural mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent of all mesothelioma cases, while peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for a significant portion of the remaining 30 percent.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma – whether it’s peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma or another asbestos-related condition – you could be entitled to receive compensation for your losses through asbestos trust fund claims and other opportunities for claims for mesothelioma litigation.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, it’s critical for you to contact our North Carolina mesothelioma lawyers as soon as possible. North Carolina’s statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing mesothelioma lawsuits.

What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Exposure to asbestos causes peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in many industries for its flame-resistant qualities, especially in the construction, shipbuilding, and automotive manufacturing sectors. However, by the mid-20th century, compelling scientific evidence linked asbestos exposure to severe health conditions like mesothelioma.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release microscopic fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled by anyone in the area. These fibers then become lodged inside the body and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic mutations, sometimes causing the development of cancerous cells in the peritoneum.

The latency period between asbestos exposure and the onset of peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be decades long. In other words, you might have experienced asbestos exposure decades ago but are just now experiencing symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Peritoneal Mesothelioma in North Carolina?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure. Although anyone exposed to asbestos faces potential risk, people in the following occupations and scenarios have historically seen higher levels of asbestos exposure:

• Asbestos miners and mill workers
• Construction workers
• Shipbuilders and naval shipyard workers
• Automotive mechanics (especially those dealing with brake linings)
• Insulation manufacturers and installers
• Boiler and furnace workers
• Power plant workers
• Railroad workers
• Factory workers
• Pipefitters and plumbers
• Electricians
• Firefighters
• Demolition and renovation workers
• Veterans (especially those who served on naval ships or in shipyards)
• Family members of workers in occupations listed above
• Individuals who lived or worked in buildings with deteriorating asbestos-containing materials

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a particularly insidious form of asbestos-related cancer due to its long latency period, often taking decades to manifest after initial asbestos exposure. Many mesothelioma patients do not notice anything amiss until their conditions are advanced, so timely detection is challenging.

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can vary considerably and might initially resemble those of less severe conditions, further delaying a mesothelioma diagnosis. Here are some common symptoms associated with peritoneal mesothelioma:

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Changes in appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
• Development of lumps or masses in the abdomen or pelvic area
• Feelings of fullness, even after eating small amounts
• Ascites (build-up of fluid in the abdomen)
• Anemia (a decrease in red blood cells leading to fatigue and weakness)
• Fatigue, night sweats, and fever
• Difficulty breathing (if the tumor presses against the diaphragm)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer

Diagnosis

To diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, doctors usually start by conducting a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, including any known asbestos exposure. Physical examinations can identify lumps or fluid build-up in the abdomen. Imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, provide detailed visuals of tumors or abnormalities. Sometimes, doctors also use blood tests to detect certain biomarkers indicative of mesothelioma, although they are not definitive on their own.

Definitive diagnosis typically relies on a biopsy. In this procedure, doctors take a tissue sample from the abdominal area and examine it to identify the presence of malignant mesothelioma cells.

Treatment

The treatment approach for peritoneal mesothelioma depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and the location and size of the cancer. Early-stage detection can offer more aggressive treatment options with potentially better outcomes.

Some patients undergo surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, sometimes followed by chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, doctors will administer heated chemotherapy drugs directly to the abdominal cavity during surgery, a procedure known as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Radiation therapy might also be useful, although it’s less common for peritoneal mesothelioma compared to pleural mesothelioma.

Legal Options for Peritoneal Mesothelioma Patients

Many companies that produced asbestos-containing products knew about the dangers for many decades but failed to warn their employees or consumers of the risks. As a result, these companies can be liable for the harm they’ve caused and can be held financially accountable.

Victims can pursue personal injury and wrongful death claims, depending on the circumstances. Moreover, some asbestos manufacturers have set up trust funds to compensate affected parties and their loved ones. If the exposure was related to the patient’s work, workers’ compensation benefits may also be available.

Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys can help you understand your rights and maximize your potential compensation from all available sources.

How Can a Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyer Help Me?

While medical professionals work to address the health aspects of your condition, our knowledgeable lawyers can guide you through every stage of the legal process. Our peritoneal mesothelioma legal help involves:

• Investigating the circumstances of your asbestos exposure
• Calculating the potential value of your claim based on the full extent of your losses
• Identifying all possible sources of compensation for your condition and related losses
• Collecting and compiling medical records and evidence
• Negotiating for swift and total compensation from asbestos trust funds and other responsible parties
• Representing you in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary