7 Common Myths About Mesothelioma

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about mesothelioma. Many people are unsure of how the rare cancer forms and assume it’s a disease that affects only the elderly. 

We at BCBH Law can give you expert advice and debunk any of the misconceptions you or your loved ones might have read about online, heard from a friend or believed on your own.

Here are seven of the most popular myths — and seven accurate debunkings — regarding mesothelioma and asbestos.

Myth 1: Mesothelioma Patients Have to Find Treatment and Legal Help Themselves 

Patients and their loved ones have many resources available to them. The time after diagnosis may be stressful and confusing, however, there are always people ready to help. 

The mesothelioma lawyers at BCBH Law understand that the last thing on your mind is filing a lawsuit and the most important thing is recovering from this cancer. Our attorneys are not only great at giving legal advice but have connections with some of the most renowned mesothelioma specialists in the United States. Our lawyers will be able to build a legal case on your behalf and also help you get the best treatment possible.

Myth 2: Mesothelioma Only Targets the Lungs

When asbestos enters the body, it can become lodged in not only the lining of the lungs, but also those of the abdomen or heart. Therefore, mesothelioma forms in these areas as well. Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of your abdominal cavity, which includes your liver, diaphragm, colon and intestines, all of which are at risk when this disease forms.

Myth 3: Mesothelioma Only Affects Older People 

Mesothelioma can affect people of any age or demographic. However, elderly people are more inclined to developing mesothelioma. The latency period, or the time it takes for a disease to form, for mesothelioma is 20-50 years after asbestos exposure. Since this disease takes years to form, most people are diagnosed at an older age.

Myth 4: Mesothelioma Compensation Requires a Stressful Lawsuit 

When you file a mesothelioma lawsuit, your lawyer should handle almost everything involved in the case. Your top priority is getting quality treatment and feeling better. 

Mesothelioma lawsuits should be stressless and oftentimes are quick to conclude. The companies at fault want to avoid costly legal battles and will most times settle outside of court. Mesothelioma settlements help patients receive their payment rather quickly and avoids a lengthy appeals process. 

Asbestos trust funds are another compensation option for patients. These trust funds were set up by asbestos-involved companies that filed for bankruptcy. Many patients access and use these funds to pay for medical treatment, lost wages and other unforeseen expenses.

Myth 5: Mesothelioma Is Contagious

The only proven cause of mesothelioma is from asbestos exposure. Therefore, this disease is not contagious and cannot be spread person to person. As a mesothelioma patient, you do not have to worry about transmitting this disease to anyone by coughing on or contacting any person.

Myth 6: Mesothelioma Lawsuits Are too Expensive for Patients and Family

When you file a mesothelioma claim, you should never have to pay up front for legal help. A mesothelioma diagnosis can quickly put a family in financial distress due to the expensive nature of medical treatment, and the last thing they should worry about is paying for legal representation before knowing if they will receive compensation.

At BCBH Law, our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you only pay them if they win your case. If your case is awarded compensation, then only a percentage of your earnings will go to your lawyer. If there is no payout awarded, then you are absolved of paying any legal fees for representation. Therefore, taking legal action does not require financial risk from you or your family.

Myth 7: Smoking Causes Mesothelioma  

Smoking is not directly linked to mesothelioma, but it can make your prognosis worse. Mesothelioma forms along the lining of the lungs (pleura), heart (pericardium) and abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Inhaling smoke can cause lung cancer but not mesothelioma specifically.

Mesothelioma can spread and affect each lung. However, the cancer does not form on or inside the organ. If you regularly smoke, your body may have more difficulty combatting the disease.

At BCBH Law, we want to make sure that you and your family are knowledgeable about this disease and understand your legal options. We are experts in this field and have helped thousands of patients find treatment and get legal help for their diagnosis. Contact us today to learn more about this disease and we can debunk other myths.