Mesothelioma Attorneys Who Really Care
Everyday I read articles about someone dying from mesothelioma or struggling through treatment for this incurable cancer. I hear stories from them or their loved ones, and ride the roller coaster of receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis with them. I listen to how they work their way through finding out more information about their disease, and then search for any treatments that will either help keep them alive or improve their quality of life for the time they have left. Some stick to traditional frontline treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Others look for alternative healing modalities, such as exercise, diet, acupuncture, etc. Some travel to other countries in search of miracle cures. Many pray.
Yesterday, while visiting my sister on the island of Maui, in the midst of paradise, I was waiting in line for a popular dinner restaurant. Behind me was a very beautiful woman and her family. She was pale and had only the slightest bit of hair growing back on her head. She had two daughters with her. I spoke to her husband, who informed me she had Stage IV cancer, and was given 6 months to live. They had tried every frontline treatment possible, and were incorporating some alternative therapies as well. Like some of the more famous patients who have contracted mesothelioma in search of a cure, this family had even traveled to Mexico for treatments.
Despite such heroic efforts, this will most likely be her last Christmas. It made me think of all the people in the world who are dealing with mesothelioma and other advanced stage cancers or incurable diseases. In the midst of heartbreak for their pain and suffering, I write.
Maybe the words I share will help someone, give them some new information or hope that eases what they are going through. Maybe it will help connect them to medical sources or to an experienced mesothelioma attorney who can help them with the daunting finances that come with the disease. I do believe that working with specialists who are really familiar with your particular illness is essential, especially when time is of essence. I also believe that getting physical and emotional, and for some, spiritual support can make a huge difference.
Mesothelioma, like some other cancers, is preventable. Avoid all exposure to asbestos and you will not get mesothelioma. It’s that simple. Measures could have been taken long before the government created laws regulating the toxic substance that would have prevented thousands every year from becoming ill.
We are still dealing with the aftermath since mesothelioma takes 20 to 50 years from time of exposure to develop. Although the United States has gone a long way to helping prevent this type of cancer now, there are still many people who are just now feeling the symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition, there continue to be places in the world where thousands are exposed to asbestos on a daily basis.
The legacy of asbestos will be with us for at least another generation. Until the reality of this hits close to home, it may be easy for some to ignore safety precautions or to continue the export and use of asbestos.
I don’t think minimal fines and sentences will deter harmful use or illegal removal and disposal of asbestos. However, if unscrupulous contractors or distributors of asbestos containing products had a loved one dying of mesothelioma, they would wake up to the dangers and take more measures to protect everyone from exposure.
If they were standing in line and looking into the eyes of someone who knows she only has a few months left with her loving family and two beautiful daughters, perhaps they would think twice and do whatever it takes to prevent others from having to go through that experience. Perhaps they would understand that the attorneys who represent mesothelioma patients really want to help, not just with getting money to cover medical costs and lost wages, but also to get some justice for a disease that could have been prevented.
