Asbestos was once touted as a miracle product due to its strength, durability, and resistance to fire. As such, it was used in a variety of building and industrial products across the United States.

Unfortunately, this product has proven deadly and continues to cause deaths every single year. According to recent statistics, over 3,000 Americans die annually from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure can cause the carcinogenic fibers to become embedded in the tissues in the body. This can lead to inflammation and cellular changes, which can lead to cancer.

Here are a few statistics which you may find jarring:

  • The 1-2 year survival rate for mesothelioma is just 30% to 40%.
  • The 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma is less than 10%.
  • Between 2,000 and 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed every year.
  • 85% of these new diagnoses are pleural mesothelioma.

What to Do If Your Loved One is Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

  1. Seek a Diagnoses ASAP: If your loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, the treatment plan and your loved one’s prognosis depends on the location of the cancer cells, your cell type, age, and overall health. Prognosis is dependent on getting a quick diagnosis and catching this disease early. However, because the symptoms of early stage mesothelioma mimic many ordinary illnesses, patients are often not diagnosed until the cancer has progressed.
  2. Get a Second Opinion: Because mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, it is important to seek a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist. A specialist may be able to identify a better treatment option or may be able to more accurately the cell type and stage of cancer you’re facing. There are centers around the country that focus on this type of cancer. Click here to see a list of southern mesothelioma centers.
  3. Surround Yourself with a Solid Support System: Once your loved one begins treatment, it is important to surround yourself with a support network of family and friends who can help you during this time. Equally as important is finding a support group for caregivers. The American Cancer Society offers support options for patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Some of this support could include travel grants, free airfare, complimentary housing and even free treatment for patients who qualify.
  4. Contact a Qualified Louisiana Mesothelioma Attorney: Due to the severity of this illness, it is important to contact an experienced and skilled Louisiana mesothelioma attorney as soon as you are diagnosed. Your attorney will need to begin building a case to obtain the compensation you and your loved one needs to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.

Related: The 10 Best Ways to Give Support to a Mesothelioma Patient

Has Your Loved One Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma? We Can Help!

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to speak to a Louisiana mesothelioma attorney as quickly as possible. Without an attorney on your side, you may not be able to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Landry & Swarr, a New Orleans mesothelioma law firm, has conducted extensive research on the impact of occupational and secondary exposure to asbestos. If you or a family member feel that you may have contracted mesothelioma due to contact with asbestos, call 504-299-1214 and speak to one of our attorneys about your legal options.