Being diagnosed with any disease is bad enough. However, being diagnosed with a terminal condition like mesothelioma can turn your life upside down. Unfortunately, close to 3,000 Americans get diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. This malignant form of cancer develops following exposure to asbestos, although it can take years to manifest.
Here are two things you need to do as soon as you learn about your diagnosis:
1. Find a mesothelioma specialist
While a positive mesothelioma diagnosis may come as a shock, this information can be crucial for your survival. With knowledge of what you are dealing with, you can access a world of resources that can help prolong your survival while improving the overall quality of your life.
But mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. This means that a general oncologist might not have the skills and experience required to manage the cancer. Finding a mesothelioma specialist will not only confirm the diagnosis but also tailor a personalized treatment plan based on your medical history.
2. File your mesothelioma lawsuit
Because the widespread use of asbestos in factories and other industries is strongly linked to mesothelioma, you may have the ability to pursue compensation from an asbestos trust fund. These trust funds were established purposefully to help the victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
You will need to look at your current and past employers and occupations to determine if that was where you were exposed to this toxic substance – and that can inform your next steps. Experienced legal guidance can help.
