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A mesothelioma diagnosis due to asbestos exposure can be devastating. And, nearly always, that exposure is due to no fault of your own. Our Oregon mesothelioma attorneys, located in Salem, are experienced in offering legal guidance to those who have struggled after asbestos exposure. With the support of a mesothelioma lawyer from Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC, you can get compensation to help you afford treatment and provide for your family.
MESOTHELIOMA ATTORNEYS
Get the Help You Need After Asbestos Exposure
Most of us don’t think twice about the air we breathe or the spaces where we go to work or live. However, when there’s asbestos lurking in your workplace or home, just those simple actions can be lethal.
Mesothelioma, a cancer in the lining of internal organs like the lungs or stomach, is just one of the many types of conditions that asbestos can cause. It leads to shortness of breath, painful coughing, nausea, weight loss, stomach pain, abdominal swelling, and, ultimately leads to death. Asbestosis is another result of inhaling asbestos fibers; this chronic and progressive lung condition irritates and scars lung tissue, ultimately shortening a victim’s life or requiring lung transplantation.
That means there’s no time to lose in getting medical help and help for loved ones. Unfortunately, companies that made and distributed asbestos-laden products for years also profited enormously from them. They now try to hide and avoid liability.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. With support from an excellent asbestos attorney from Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC, you can get compensation that covers hospital bills, medication costs, medical equipment purchases, and other compensation.
Advocating for You and Your Health
The seasoned legal team at Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC, advocates for victims — never corporations or insurance companies. Here’s how we support you through every step of the process.
Step One
Investigate and File a Case
Our team starts by looking into your mesothelioma case to dig down and find out all sources of exposure. We’ll then assemble the necessary documentation to file an asbestos lawsuit on your behalf and begin preserving the evidence you need to win.
Step Two
Develop the Case for Trial
While many of these cases settle, that won’t happen unless the case is adequately developed to put it in that position. This requires using our tremendous bank of resources of asbestos offenders and using our team to build your case through litigation, including depositions and locating supporting documents. Once the case is ready for trial, the offending companies often are anxious to settle. If not, we’re prepared to present your case in court. In 2016, our team obtained a $5 million verdict in a mesothelioma case.
Step Three
Receive a Payout
Once the case is resolved through settlement or trial, we’ll prepare it so you can quickly get the funds you deserve. Our legal team will only take a fee if our team wins your case. That’s because we’re confident that we’ll successfully get you the payout you deserve.
No one should be put in a challenging financial situation to get their needed help. Contact the legal experts at Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC to work with a mesothelioma attorney.
FAQs About Mesothelioma Claims
Navigating the world of mesothelioma claims can be complex. Here are several frequently asked questions to help provide clarity.
Do I need a lawyer to file an asbestos lawsuit?
Although you technically don’t need a lawyer to file an asbestos lawsuit, it’s challenging to do so without one. The claims process for a mesothelioma or asbestos case is very complex, so having an expert to assist you can make things easier.
Additionally, mesothelioma claims are challenging to prove. Hiring a mesothelioma attorney like those at Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC is best to ensure you can win your case. We’ll help you provide a fair outcome even with the most challenging cases.
How can my exposure to asbestos be proven?
Proving asbestos exposure can be difficult. One of the first steps is ensuring you have a correct and confirmed diagnosis. Proving mesothelioma requires testing to confirm the disease. If your doctor or other provider just “thinks” you have mesothelioma, that’s not enough. You need to ensure they perform the appropriate tests to confirm it definitively.
Additionally, you may need to provide a history, information, and records that prove contact with asbestos. This could include photos, building records, and other vital documents that make it clear that you were in contact with this toxic substance. A mesothelioma or asbestosis lawyer with experience with victims in your situation can help you understand what proof or evidence may be required in your case. We’ll help you locate the information to build a solid case.
What if a loved one is too ill to pursue a case?
If you have a loved one whose mesothelioma is too advanced or extreme for them to pursue a case, don’t panic. Family members and those with power of attorney can still pursue a legal case for fair compensation.
Those in this situation should contact a mesothelioma attorney immediately. Doing so may help you create a winning case and get the medical assistance your loved one needs during their illness and beyond. Our team will work with you every step of the way to reach the right outcome.
What are the symptoms and treatment of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can be hard to spot initially. It can also be hard to diagnose because, many times, people don’t even realize that they’ve been exposed to asbestos. However, a few symptoms to be aware of include:
- Fatigue and extreme exhaustion
- High temperature and fever
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing, including producing blood
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Unexplained or sudden weight loss
- Swollen fingers
- Diarrhea or constipation
- A general sense of feeling unwell
Mesothelioma is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these therapies. You must speak to your doctor to determine the best treatment.
What is an asbestos trust fund?
This is a fund that negligent asbestos companies that have filed for bankruptcy create. This fund provides money for future asbestos claims against those companies. The money is then paid out to future victims who file and win their mesothelioma cases due to the fault of those bankrupt businesses.
If you file an asbestos claim, you may receive compensation from this fund. Alternatively, companies still in business may pay your mesothelioma claim through their insurance or personal funds.
Can I sue for compensation if I have mesothelioma?
Yes, anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma, as well as the relatives of someone with a mesothelioma diagnosis, can file a claim. If you wish, speak with a mesothelioma attorney, such as the ones at Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC. We’ll help determine your eligibility and guide your claim so you receive maximum compensation.
Client Reviews
I was involved in an accident, and was having difficulties dealing with my insurance company.One of my neighbors recommended me to Brian Lathen, after a very prompt meeting I retained his services.Durring a long and tiring process, the staff at Swanson Lathen and Prestwich made me feel so much more comfortable, and helped greatly in getting through it.Along with now having a trusted lawyer/allie to call if anything unexpectedly happens in the future. I feel like I had made a friend.Thank you.
Swanson Lathen Prestwich is a Godsend!I was in a terrible car crash, literally caused by another person who admitted fault to the police, to their own insurance, to my insurance and I STILL had to fight for fair compensation. Realizing I needed to get a lawyer involved, an acquaintance recommended Travis Prestwich.After meeting Mr. Prestwich, I was immediately at ease. He was very knowledgeable, kind, welcoming and realistic. I appreciated that he actually listened to me and provided information that helped me get into the right mind frame. Travis was very patient and kind and responded to questions rather quickly. I appreciated his realistic approach and learned quickly that other lawyers, judges and community members, highly respect him; which was a huge sign that he was the right person for my situation!His staff, Carrie Meeker and Jennifer Hiser were equally phenomenal during the process! They were also very kind, empathetic, knowledgeable and responded to inquires in a timely manner and were just wonderful to work with. As odd as this sounds, I really enjoyed talking with them and knew that once my case with over with that I would miss all three of them.When the time came, and I had to go through a settlement hearing, Travis was by my side the whole way through. The unknown always frightens me but he found a way to keep me at ease with his calm demeanor. This review doesn’t even do this trio justice! They are wonderful people and did a phenomenal job on my case.I pray I never have to go through this process again however if I do, Travis will be the very first person I call. I HIGHLY recommend Swanson Lathen Prestwich and Travis Prestwich, Carrie Meeker and Jennifer Hiser!! I wish there were more people out there like them! I give them an A+++
Mr. Prestwich and his entire staff were nothing but kind, supportive and professional through the entire process of helping me with my car accident settlement. The outcome was exactly what I had hoped for and it was all because of the hard work that was done by this office.
Myself and my family have worked with Keith Swanson since the late 80's.Unfortunately when an accident occurs you need to make good decisions.You can't go wrong with Keith.He's an amazing man. Honest, straight forward and well respected in the industry.Not to mention one of the best accident attorneys in the profession.Thank you Keith, and Chris.
Great Services! Helpful reception. Brian Lathen was great and helped a lot.
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