St. Louis Mesothelioma Lawyer
At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we strive to help simplify the legal process for our clients suffering from a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Mr Hoffmann is a lawyer who is skilled, trained and smart. He explains the workers compensation process and your treatment, pay and award rights. He also tells you your rights if they do not. If the work injury adjuster declines treatment or pay while injured, he will enforce it with the judge. If they do not pay a final award, he will litigate it and get you an award by court order. This is a great lawyer.
You will not find a better attorney in St Louis. Call him if you are hurt at work and need to file a workers compensation case. He does the toughest denied medical and wages cases and he gets the biggest injury cases sent to him from other workers comp lawyers. This law firm gets all the major cases. They are that good.
Several of the big TV law firms advertised for workers compensation. Called them but was not impressed. Then I called attorney Hoffman because of his reviews and am so glad we did. Night and day difference. Extremely competent lawyer!
Love my workers compensation law firm. Highest work injury awards in St Louis. The reviews are 100% correct.
And used Mr Hoffman's Law Firm for a workers compensation claim. All the firefighters use him said he gets the highest work in injury Awards.
This lawyers is simply the best you will find for work injury claims. Best choice for workers compensation attorneys.
Response from the owner: An important case for injured Missouri workers where the insurance doctors blame non-symptomatic prior degenerative changes:TILLOTSON SUMMARY 2024Per Tillotson v. St. Joseph Medical Center 347 731 3d 511 (Mo App 2011)1. The review of the ALJ decision in Tillotson notes that Tillotson was a poor historian. They noted contradictions including inability to recall specific date of injury, inability to remember within a month of accuracy her first date of treatment, inaccurate information and incident reports that she prepared in reference to doctors to following at the time of the accident, which she denied at the hearing. Denial of having arthritis which her long-term family doctor treated and referenced throughout her records. In other words, her records showed that she had pretty significant arthritis as of the date of the injury. Per the Court of Appeals opinion, it is noted that “He noted that a tear of the lateral meniscus would normally be repaired by arthroscopic surgery. However, arthroscopic surgery is not recommended for patients with severe arthritis.”Tillotson analysis was as follows:1. It must be determined first whether the employee sustained a compensable injury by accident arising out of and in the course of employee’s employment.2. Tillotson sustained a compensable accident and injury as the doctors agree she tore the lateral meniscus.3. Once it is found that she suffered a compensable injury, the legal standard for determining employer’s obligation to afford medical care as per 287.140 which requires the employer to provide treatment reasonably required to cure and relieve the effects of the injury. The prevailing factor standard no longer applies.4. Further, it is immaterial that treatment may have been required because of the complication of a pre-existing condition or that treatment will benefit both the compensable injury and a pre-existing condition.5. The fact that medical treatment may also benefit a non-compensable earlier injury or condition is irrelevant. 6. Tillotson cites 2 cases – Bauers and Stevens. There were knee injuries. There was significant pre-existing conditions and knee replacements were still required.7. Tillotson goes on to say whether or not claimant may have needed future treatment even if the injury did not occur is irrelevant to the analysis of whether future medical care flows from the injury actually occurred. 8. With respect to permanent partial disability it is immaterial in the manner in which Tillotson’s permanent partial disability should or could be allocated between her torn lateral meniscus and the total knee replacement, as Tillotson is entitled to compensation for disability rising out of the medical treatment reasonably required by Section 287.140.1 to treat a compensable injury. Cited Martin case.9. “As we have discussed, these disabilities coalesce, and were not required to be allocated in this case. Tillotson is entitled to award for permanent partial disability.”10. With respect to future medical benefits, the claimant need only show reasonable probability because of the work-related injury, future medical treatment will be required. A claimant need not show evidence of the specific nature of the treatment required.11. Even though she started out at trial with denying that she had prior arthritic conditions and it is throughout her records, she still got a knee replacement.
Exceeded our expectation. Incredible lawyer for work injury claims he will file and litigate the workers compensation claim walk you through the process and fight for treatment and the final award gold medal effort.
You are a great attorney! Thank you.
Response from the owner: Worsening of prior conditions are a valid Missouri work comp claim:Per Tillotson v. St. Joseph Med. Ctr., 347 S.W. 3d 511 (Mo. App. W.D. 2011) to determine need for treatment, surgery, and treatment after surgery. Treatment need only be reasonably required to cure and relieve the effects of the injury. Id. Section 287.140.1 RSMo states in pertinent part that the Employer shall provide such medical as may “reasonably be required.To be entitled to future medical care the employee must establish that there is a reasonable probability that he will need future medical care. Forshee v. Landmark Exc. & Equip., 165 S.W. 3d 533 (Mo.App. E.D. 2005) An [Employee] does not have to provide evidence of specific medical treatments or procedures which will be necessary in the future in order to receive an award of future medical care. See Chatmon v. St. Charles County Ambulance, 55 S.W.3d 451, 459 (Mo.App. E.D. 2001). Employee has already satisfied the burden of proving a compensable injury. Here, defense's authorized Dr. Spears on 4/26/2010 opined "if she doesn't get improvement in her radicular pain, then the next step is going to be a microscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion to remove the foraminal stenosis." He went on to state the January 2010 incident was a "fall (that) aggravated significantly a pre-existing condition". This is enough under Tillotson, Forshee, and, Chatmon (supra) to award further treatment.Please also see Maness v. City of De Soto, 421 S.W.3d 532 (Mo. App. 2014). The court rejects Employer's contention that the mere existence of degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine and neck symptoms prior to the work accident requires a determination that Claimant's injury is not compensable. See also the following in support:If the evidence establishes that an accident caused adisability or aggravated a preexisting condition or infirmity of an employee,which produces a condition that would not have resulted in a normal, healthyindividual, an award is authorized. Fogelsong v. Banquet Foods Corp. 526S.W.2d 886 (Mo. App., K.C.D. 1975)An aggravation of an existing infirmity caused by an accident or occupationalexposure arising out of and in the course of employment is compensable underChapter 287, RSMo, even if the particular accident (occupational injury) wouldnot have produced such result in a normal and healthy individual. Mashburn v.Chevrolet-Kansas City Division, General Motors Corp., 397 S.W.2d 23 (Mo.App., K.C.D. 1965)
Bunch of Ford employees recommended Mr Hoffmann for workers compensation claims. Said he handles all the union workers who get injured at the plant.
My cousin was injured in a work accident so we had to interview all the “top workers compensation lawyers” in Saint Louis. This lawyer was clearly on another level.
This workers compensation lawyer gets a perfect 10. Fights hard for injured workers and he wins. Walks you through the entire process. He is also a great person.
I agree with the reviews. This lawyer is in a different league from other workman’s compensation lawyers. He does all the massive injury cases in Missouri.
Response from the owner: Thank you Jennifer. We just went to trial for a disputed total knee replacement. The work comp doctors always allege the knee replacement is due to pre-existing arthritis yet my client has no prior knee pain, no prior limitations, no prior treatment. He had a 60 year old knee that had natural degenerative changes, but he was pain free. In the word "arthritis", itis means inflammation and pain, neither of which my client had before the injury. The itis started with the work injury. It takes 90 days for a ruling. Law Office of James M. HoffmannSt. Louis, MO car accident and workers compensation lawyer314 361 4300
Phenomenal experience with the Law Office of James Hoffmann. He is know as the best in workman’s compensation and I can tell you he is. Great team. Answered all questions, was available and is brilliant.
5 StarsThese reviews are correct. This attorney is incredible. He knows workmans compensation, fights for denied treatment and wages, and gets your on the job injury rated by the best doctors. I will be using him from here on our great experience.
Great person. Even better lawyer. Thank you Mr. Hoffmann for being so good at workers compensation. Getting hurt at work is frightening. That went away as soon as we spoke. Bless you!
Re: Law Office of James M. HoffmanThe Law Office of James M Hoffmann was referred to me from a previous client, that was extremely impressed, with his service and outcome.I met with Jim Hoffmann to discuss a car accident. Three cars were involved, my car was totaled, and I was seriously injured. After meeting with Jim the very first time, I immediately felt comfortable, and knew that he would have my back, and would fight for me.Throughout my journey, I dealt with a lot of pain and several issues that lasted for years. During this time I had to contact Jim and Jamie (Jim’s wonderful assistant) many times. Every time I sent an email with questions, I received feedback extremely quickly!I feel Jim negotiated a great settlement for me!The Law Office of James Hoffman will be the first place I contact if I ever need his help again!Suzanne Charles
Response from the owner: Thanks Suzanne. Over the past 25 years, we are proud to help families through injuries from car accidents and work accidents in Missouri. James HoffmannSt. Louis, MO auto accident and workers compensation lawyer314 361 4300
This law firm handles the biggest workers compensation cases. Biggest cases require the best. This is it in St Louis. Everyone you call says the same thing that Jim Hoffmann is the best in Missouri and consistently beats the biggest defense lawyers and defense doctors and gets the highest awards.
The workers compensation doctor said to hire this attorney because he is the best to put towards the task of making sure I’m accurately represented and assured he would not give up in my time of need. This attorney is great and I would recommend them to any and everybody.
Response from the owner: Thanks Shane. I have fought for 1000's of injured Missouri workers and car accident victims. Workers compensation doctors and insurance adjusters have hired me to represent them, all saying "you fight for your clients." I hire experts. I take depositions. I try cases. The insurance adjusters know who settles cheap to meet big advertising bills and who fights for their clients. Glad to say I am a fighter.Jim HoffmannMissouri workers compensation and car accident attorney314 361 4300St. Louis, MO
Workers comp claim in the Missouri division of WorkersCompensation? Get this lawyer. Simply better than all the rest.
Higher this workers compensation lawyer. no question about it top notch.
Every lawyer we spoke to said call this law firm for very serious worker’s compensation claims. They do the biggest workplace injury and death cases.
Response from the owner: Thanks Dylan. Here are a few things injured Missouri workers should immediately after the injury: report the injury in writing; if the employer says that he/she will fill it out and refuses to let you fill out the injury report, you can prepare a letter about what happened and give it to your boss (keep copies and date it!); ask for treatment: just telling your boss that your back is hurting isn't good enough; say "my back is hurting from breaking up concrete and I'd like to see a work comp doctor:; if your boss refuses, give your boss a letter confirming that you reported a back injury, asked for treatment, and it was refused; when you see the work comp doctor and the front desk gives you intake sheets that don't ask all of the necessary questions about what happened and only what x's and o's: just write anything anywhere you want to so that you explain how you go hurt and what body parts are hurting; on the body chart, circle your low back and write "back pain that shoots down my right leg"; if your employer gives you work that exceeds the light duty restrictions, refuse to do that work and give your boss a letter confirming what has transpired (date it and keep copies); when the work comp doc releases you in pain and blames a pre-existing condition even though you had no prior pain, no prior treatment and no prior limitations; give that doctor a letter :"Dr. No: to confirm, I am very upset that you are releasing me and sending back full duty despite ongoing pain from my work injury. My back pain is still a 4-7/10; it wakes me at night; and light duty was making it worse. You said I've healed from my injury and any ongoing issues are due to pre-existing arthritis. I told you I had no prior pain; no prior treatment; and no prior limitations. All of my pain, treatment, and limitations started with my work injury and have never resolved. If my back gets worse at work working full duty, I will hold you personally responsible."
This law firm does Workers Compensation. The head lawyers, James and Remy, really know their stuff on workplace injuries due to a work accident on the job. Injured employees is all they represent.
Response from the owner: Thank you Heather. We represent injured workers and injuries due to car accidents. We frequently retain experts, such as orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management doctors, vocational experts, life care planners, and others to fight for our clients as expert witnesses in court.We represent people across the entire state of Missouri from St. Louis to Kansas City, from Joplin to Kirksville, from Columbia to Kennett. Neck fusions, lumbar fusions, cervical disc replacements, lumbar disc replacements, shoulder replacements, knee replacements, meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, ankle fusions, loss of limb, paralysis, and death, we have helped many workers and families recover compensation either by settlement or by trial.James Hoffmann, attorney2001 S. Hanley, suite 325St. Louis, Mo 63144314 361 4300
This lawyer is a workers compensation machine. Fights for injured workers hurt on the job and denied medical after a work accident.
Response from the owner: LexiWriting a proposed award for an upcoming work comp trial for an injured Missouri worker. L4-S1 lumbar fusion with plates and screws. Pursuing permanent and total disability plus denied medical. Here is the case law on denied medical in MO workers compensation:The employer is held liable for medical treatment procured by the employee only when the employer has notice that the employee needs treatment, or a demand is made on the employer to furnish medical treatment, and the employer refuses or fails to provide the needed treatment. Hawkins v. Emerson Electric Co., 676 S.W.2d 872, 880 (Mo.App.1984).The courts have consistently held that an award of past medical expenses is supported when the employee provides (1) the bills themselves; (2) the medical record reflecting the treatment giving rise to the bill; and (3) testimony identifying the bills. Martin v. Mid-America Farm Lines, Inc., 769 S.W.2d 105, 111-12 (Mo. 1989). The pertinent case law requires employee to prove that the past medical expenses were “due” to support an award of interest. McCormack v. Stewart Enters., 956 S.W.2d 310, 314 (Mo. App. 1997). As explained in McCormack, this means employee must show that he actually paid the bills, or received demands that he pay interest on the bills, or suffered some other loss, such as a doctor refusing to provide additional treatment until employee paid his bill. Id.
Great attorney to work with. Work injuries and workers compensation is his specialty. Known as “the best” and that is 100% accurate.
Response from the owner: Thanks DJ. When the workers comp doctor treats you for an on the job injury, releases you still in pain, and then blames pre-existing arthritis as the cause of your ongoing knee, hip, shoulder, or back pain, make that doctor answer these questions: Please explain why you allege pre-existing arthritis when, before the injury, I had no knee/neck/shoulder pain; I had no limitations at work; I sought no treatment; I enjoyed xyz activities. All of my pain, my limitations, my need for treatment. started with the work injury and my pain has never stopped. Then say "let's look up the definition of arthritis": arthr means joint and itis means inflammation and pain... I had no inflammation or pain before the work injury. I may have had natural degenerative changes in my joints, but I had no pain, no limitation, no treatment. All of my pain and inflammation started with the work injury.
Found this workers comp attorney on Google for a friend in St. Louis. Great reviews. This lawyer was by far much better than the others we interviewed. This was a bad injury and Mr. Hoffmann got him payments for life.
Response from the owner: Missouri work comp law mandates compensation for either partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability ( PTD). Employees who can no longer work seek PTD which is either a lump sum by settlement or, if the parties cannot settle, then a trial a weekly check for life is sought, plus back pay and future medical care.
This lawyer does complex workplace injury cases resulting in total disability. If badly hurt at work, this is the attorney to hire for your workers compensation claim. You don’t get a second chance! Hire James!
Response from the owner: Thanks Angela. You are correct. You get one chance to win. Injured workers from across Missouri have hire me to represent them. Joplin, Springfield, Cape Girardeau, Kennett, Fenton, Kansas City, Poplar Bluff, St. Louis, Moberly, Kirksville, Columbia, Chillicothe, Sedalia, Moberly, St. Joseph, Nevada, Neosho, West Plan, Sikeston and other Missouri residents have hired me for their work comp or car accident case. Permanent total disability claims are life changing. Your attorney needs to hire experts and be thoroughly prepared for trial. Law Office of James M. Hoffmann314 361 4300
Great workers comp lawyer. I recommend this lawyer for anyone injured at work and having to file a Work Comp claim. He is in St Louis and does cases all over Missouri. He fights for you and Workers Comp claims are a fight.
A workers compensation judge told me to hire this lawyer for a relatives work comp claim. He was right, this lawyer is great.
Response from the owner: Thanks Hadleigh. I've handled 100 plus trials and 1000's of injury claims for injured workers over the past 25 years across the entire state of Missouri. Unlike these large law firms with their silly ads and their monthly settlement quotas, I hire experts and try cases. I've represented Missouri workers comp claim adjusters and insurance company doctors because they know I fight for injured workers.Gold blessJames Hoffmann, attorney314 361 4300
Work injury cases need a great lawyer who will fight to get treatment and pay. This lawyer does it. Most do not. He also gets you rated. Most lawyers do not. Best lawyer for Workers Comp in St. Louis.
Response from the owner: I appreciate your kind words ReAnna. I do not hesitate to hire experts for reports from pain management doctors, shoulder specialists, back specialists and life care plans for catastrophic injuries. If a biased work comp doctor releases my client too early and my client wants more treatment, we send the injured worker to our docs for opinions on additional treatment. Whether the injuries are work comp or a car accident, we spend a lot of money on expert witnesses.Law Office of James M HoffmannSt. louis, MO injury attorney314 361 4300
Great service use Hoffman a few back
Response from the owner: Proud to be representing injured Missouri workers and car accident victims for over 25 years. The law firms advertising bigger is better is a bunch of crap. Being in Missouri courts for 25 years, trying cases for 25 years, and taking 1000's of expert depositions for 25 years makes you a good lawyer.James HoffmannMissouri personal injury and workers comp lawyer.314 361 4300
James Hoffman has done a great deal of work for me since my accident and he's been working very hard to get me back on my feet he fights for his clients and I very well appreciate him.
Response from the owner: Thank you Gladys. It is my passion to fight for the injured in Missouri. You suffered severe injuries requiring surgery. Insurance companies think injury claims are a game but its not. People have bills to pay and family to provide for. Unlike the "big" law firms that settle cheap to pay for advertising costs, I hire experts and try cases. God bless.
Mr. Jim Hoffman is the best Lawyer in Mo, If I just can give him a 10 star out of 5 I will give him a 10 star, They are the greatest.
Response from the owner: Very kind of you Sonya. Both workers comp and car accident insurance companies like to play the game of blaming pre-existing degenerative changes even though someone had no prior pain, no prior limitations, and no prior treatment to the body part at issue. This happens a lot with back injuries such as herniated or ruptured lumbar and cervical discs that require a fusion or disc replacement surgery. I have developed an extensive cross examination of the insurance company experts to expose their flawed opinions. Glad to fight for the injured.Jim HoffmannSt. Louis injury attorney314 361 4300
amazing service, got my speeding ticket (which was over 40) down to a parking violation.
Response from the owner: Car accidents, work comp, and other injury claims in Missouri are my specialty. But, glad to help anyone in need. If I don't practice in the area, such as discrimination or medical malpractice, I will refer only to the best attorney's who I know and trust.
Does great with Workers Compensation cases in Saint Louis, MO area.
Response from the owner: Work comp and car accident cases in Missouri for over 25 years. We have sued trucking companies for wrongful death. Our clients have undergone lumbar/cervical fusions, shoulder surgeries,knee surgeries, hip replacements, carpal tunnel, ankle replacements.. we know injuries. We hire experts. We try cases.ThanksLaw Office of James M Hoffmann314 361 4300
Jim is the one you should choose if you are looking for a good relationship with your attorney. He is there to answer questions and gets you what your case is worth.
Response from the owner: Thank you Edward. Missouri workers compensation has become a battle ground. The insurance companies have taken over Jeff City and the laws are become more employer/insurer friendly. We hire experts, take a lot of depos, and try cases every year. Missouri injury claims are our speciality. Jim Hoffmann
Everyone on staff is incredibly polite and always ready and willing to help. I had several questions along the way through out my case and Jamie was always there to get my questions answered. With the efforts of Mr. Hoffmann and his staff I had a very favorable result and they took great care of my case. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hoffmann and he truly is a "salt of the earth" kind of guy. 10/10 Would recommend to anyone in need of these services!
Response from the owner: Thanks Danielle. Whether a work comp case or a car accident injury, people need an injury lawyer to battle the insurance companies. Adjusters claim they are not trained to deny claims, but when deposed they admit to profit sharing retirement plans: more they deny means more profits they share. Thank you for your confidence in my practice. Glad to help those injured in Missouri.Jim Hoffmann
James law office he is a good lawyer to represent you when you need a lawyer when you get hurt on the job. Jamie his secretary does an outstanding job for his to anybody.
Response from the owner: Fighting insurance companies for injured workers is our passion. Across the state of Missouri, we represent those hurt on the job. Work comp insurance companies are nothing but bullies to injured employees. Thank you for the kind words Jerry!
I was injured at work, Mr. Hoffman and his team handled my case. I was very pleased with them. Very nice, when I called I always got help or a call back with answers to my questions. I also meet Mr. Hoffman, it wasn’t an associate. He greeted me on my first visit and when I went to receive my settlement, he talked with me, and thanked me.
Response from the owner: Missouri workers compensation recognizes both acute and repetitive use on the job work injuries. And, even if you have prior degeneration in a joint, that doesn't mean that the joint cannot be hurt. Be clear with the work comp doc if you had no prior issues and that all of your pain started with your job duties.
Excellent attorney and his staff is amazing. They listen, communicate very well, and are patient, kind, extremely knowledgeable, and understanding. Best of all, they get things done!! Highly recommend for anyone dealing with a worker's comp case.
Response from the owner: Thank you. It's our passion to fight for the injured Missouri worker. Across Missouri we have helped 1000's of employees injured on the job in areas such including Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Cape Girardeau, and Hannibal. Work comp and car/truck accidents are our specialty.Law Office of James Hoffmann2001 S. Hanley 63144314 361 4300
Jim has represented me and my son. We were extremely pleased with the entire experience and outcome.
Response from the owner: Thank you Dave. Glad to help anytime!JimLaw Office of James M. HoffmannBrentwood, MOPersonal Injury and Work Comp
You’re not a number, you’re a person.Jim treats you like family. He doesn’t treat you like a paycheck.There’s a reason why he’s so highly rated.
Response from the owner: Thank you Mike. I don't like insurance companies. They bully people in an effort to pay as little as possible. Glad to lead the fight. Injuries can be life changing and fair compensation should be paid.
If you're looking for a good lawyer who knows what he's doing and has many years experience in workers comp, Jim is the lawyer you want to hire. I've dealt with him for many many years and he is a good person
Response from the owner: Thank you. It's our job to fight the workers comp adjusters for injured workers across Missouri. 100% you need a work comp attorney as the employer/insurer have a lawyer from day one.Law Office of James M Hoffmann314 361 4300
Love this lawyer. Great for work injuries if you file a workers comp case in St. Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Sophia and apologies for the late reply. This just popped on my screen to reply to. Injured workers need a lawyer. Fighting alone against an insurance company, the insurance company lawyer, the employer, and the insurance company doctors is an impossible battle for an injured employee. The insurance company will schedule FCE, functional capacity evals, which are not allowed. The adjuster will schedule neuropsych evals which are not allowed. Insurance doctors will blame ongoing pain and limitations on pre-existing arthritis even though the patient had no prior issues. I am glad to lead the way and will fight the insurance companies with my experts and my trial experience.Jim Hoffmann
This is a very good lawyer for St. Louis workers compensation cases.
Response from the owner: Thank you Sofia. A work comp insurer refused to pay for medical care that was ordered per a trial award I won for an injured client. I then went back to court for a second trial and the court "commuted" the future medical award to a lump sum of $800,000. These work comp adjusters simply don't care. Workers' compensation attorneys need to hire experts and go to trial so a message is sent.God bless,James Hoffmann314 361 4300St. Louis, Mo work comp lawyer
He's my attorney he's real good I would highly recommend him
Response from the owner: Thank you John. As you now know, Missouri work comp can be a battle with insurance doctors trying to downplay your condition. We are fighting for you. Thank you for allowing me to be your workers compensation lawyer.James HoffmannSt. Louis, MO314 361 4300
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring toxic mineral that has been used for decades in many work industries. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that enters the body by the inhalation of the fine particles or is transferred to others from the clothes of the person exposed.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, filing a workers compensation lawsuit may not be your top priority. However, it is important to contact a St. Louis mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible, as there is a time limit for filing all mesothelioma claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily
affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and the abdominal
cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). It is most commonly caused by
exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was
widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries until
the late 20th century.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. When these fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, causing irritation that may lead to mesothelioma. It often takes decades after exposure for mesothelioma to develop.
How Much Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Mesothelioma?
There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. Even brief or minimal exposure to asbestos can potentially lead to mesothelioma. However, the risk of developing mesothelioma increases with the intensity and duration of exposure to asbestos.
How Do You Get Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is most commonly acquired through occupational exposure to asbestos. Workers in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, as well as those involved in the mining and milling of asbestos, are at a higher risk. Secondary exposure can also occur, for example, through washing the clothes of someone who has worked with asbestos.
What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Symptoms of mesothelioma may vary depending on the type but generally include chest pain, shortness of breath, fluid around the lungs, fatigue, abdominal pain, swelling, and weight loss. Symptoms often appear in the later stages of the disease, making early diagnosis challenging.
How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis of mesothelioma typically involves a combination of imaging
tests, blood tests, and biopsies. Treatment options may include surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care to manage
symptoms. The specific treatment plan depends on the type and stage of
mesothelioma, as well as the patient’s overall health.
Is there a Cure for Mesothelioma?
While there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, treatment can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and potentially extend survival. Advances in medical research continue to provide hope for better treatment options and outcomes for mesothelioma patients.
Asbestos Exposure and its Link to Mesothelioma
As early as the 1920s, medical evidence showed a link between exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma. However, this evidence was highly ignored, and asbestos continued to be manufactured and used primarily in industries such as mining, shipping, auto manufacturing, and construction. It seemed easy to hide this medical information because of the inactivity period of this disease from 25 to 50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos.
Eventually, the government placed bans and restrictions on the use of asbestos, and this helped create a safer and healthier environment for workers. Yet, many people today are still facing the effects of their exposure from many years ago, and many workers are still exposed.
There are 3 major types of mesothelioma, they are differentiated by the organs of the body that they affect.
- Pleural mesothelioma – Affects the pleura or the lining of the lungs. It is also the most common type of mesothelioma and accounts for almost 70 percent of reported mesothelioma cases.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma – Occurs in the peritoneum or the lining of the abdominal cavity.
- Pericardial mesothelioma – Occurs in the pericardium or the lining of the heart.
It is not always easy to diagnose mesothelioma because it often presents with symptoms that mimic other common problems. Even though there is no cure for mesothelioma, treatments like chemotherapy and surgery can help improve prognosis and may increase the person’s life expectancy.
Types of Workers Exposed to Asbestos
Incidence of mesothelioma is particularly high in the following types of workers:
- Plumbers
- Automobile manufacturers
- Pipe-fitters
- Shipbuilders
- Dental factory employees
- Construction workers
- Factory workers
- Maintenance workers
Filing a Workers Compensation Claim for Mesothelioma
If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, it is important to follow a few steps in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits for both you and your family.
- Notify your employer of the situation
- Seek medical attention
- Consult with a mesothelioma lawyer
These steps are important because, in Missouri, occupational diseases must be reported to your employer within 30 days of the condition’s diagnosis. If you fail to report the incident to your employer within 30 days, you may jeopardize your ability to receive workers’ comp benefits.
When you notify your employer be sure to state these details: time, date, where the injury or exposure took place, and your name and address. Make sure that you make a copy for yourself. Make notes as to when and where you gave the notice. The more information you have, the more beneficial you can be to your case.
Mesothelioma and Workers’ Compensation
Why Do I Need an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney for My Case?
Choosing a highly experienced mesothelioma attorney is crucial because these cases can be complex and involve detailed knowledge of asbestos exposure, occupational health, and state-specific workers’ compensation laws. An experienced attorney can navigate these complexities to help secure the compensation you’re entitled to.
How Long Do Mesothelioma Claims Take?
The duration of a mesothelioma claim can vary widely depending on
several factors, including the legal route chosen, the complexity of the
case, and the court’s schedule. Some claims may be resolved in a few
months, while others could take several years.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for Mesothelioma?
Compensation for mesothelioma can vary significantly based on the specifics of each case, including the extent of asbestos exposure, the severity of the illness, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Settlements can range from modest amounts to several million dollars.
Who Is Eligible for Mesothelioma Compensation?
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, whether through their occupation, secondary exposure, or environmental exposure, may be eligible for compensation. In some cases, family members of deceased mesothelioma patients can also file for compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma Claims in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma claim is typically 5 years from the date of diagnosis. This timeframe applies to personal injury claims related to mesothelioma, where the individual diagnosed with mesothelioma can file a lawsuit against parties responsible for the asbestos exposure.
For wrongful death claims, where the family members or estate of a person who has died from mesothelioma seek to file a lawsuit, the statute of limitations in Missouri is 3 years from the date of the deceased person’s death.
It’s crucial to note that these statutes can have exceptions and nuances, and the specific circumstances of your case could affect the timeframe in which you’re eligible to file a claim. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to consult with a Missouri-based attorney who specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos-related cases to get accurate and personalized legal advice. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system, ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate deadlines, and work to secure the compensation you may be entitled to.
Contact a St. Louis Mesothelioma Lawyer
At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we have a strong history of helping workers diagnosed with mesothelioma get the medical attention and financial compensation they and their families need.
Based in St. Louis and handling workers’ compensation cases throughout the State of Missouri, our law firm will ensure that your rights are protected. Please call (314) 361-4300 (314) 361-4300. You can also complete our Online Case Evaluation Form. All communications are returned promptly.