How the Latency Period May Lead to a Late-Stage Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer like mesothelioma is never easy, particularly when patients find out they have a late-stage diagnosis. What makes mesothelioma especially insidious is its prolonged latency period, which often leads to this late-stage diagnosis. Unfortunately, mesothelioma’s latency period can leave patients with limited treatment options and questions about their futures. 

If your mesothelioma diagnosis resulted from asbestos exposure, an experienced attorney can help you fight for your right to compensation for your losses. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys are dedicated to helping mesothelioma patients and their families pursue justice for the full extent of their losses. Our award-winning attorney, Joe Williams, has 30 years of experience helping mesothelioma victims like you and has won every case. He knows a mesothelioma claim is the most serious case you could ever have, and he will treat you with compassion and personalized care through every step of the legal process. 

Mesothelioma’s Latency Period and How it Can Lead to a Late-Stage Diagnosis

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma can lie dormant and symptomless for decades, making the cancer difficult to catch and diagnose in its early stages. This gap in the time from exposure to diagnosis is known as the latency period. Studies have shown mesothelioma’s latency period can last anywhere from 14-72 years. Some factors that impact mesothelioma’s long latency period include the following:

• Duration of exposure: The longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the more fibers are inhaled into the body, increasing the risk of mesothelioma and likely leading to a shorter latency period. This is especially common for individuals in high-risk occupations, like firefighters and construction workers. 
• Type of asbestos: Asbestos is a term used to refer to several different types of naturally occurring cancer-causing minerals. The most severe type is crocidolite asbestos, which may cause shorter latency periods.
• Age: The older an individual is exposed to asbestos, the shorter the latency period may be, possibly due to a weakened immune system and other age-related complications. 
• Gender: Some studies suggest men typically have a shorter latency period than women due to their traditional role in the workforce. 

Unfortunately, a delayed diagnosis can make mesothelioma significantly more challenging to manage and treat. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact an experienced attorney who can fight for the justice you deserve.

Can I Pursue Compensation If I Have Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be highly challenging for victims and their families, and many individuals suffer significant physical, emotional, and financial losses as a result. After being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a skilled attorney can help you fight for the financial relief, you need to contend with the full extent of your losses. When you partner with The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we can help you pursue the following damages:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning potential
• Loss of enjoyment in life 
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering

If you lost a loved one to mesothelioma, your attorney may also be able to secure damages for wrongful death. Our team will work with you to understand your diagnosis’s impact on your life to ensure you are compensated fairly for your losses. 

Discuss Your Case with a Compassionate Mesothelioma Attorney at The Williams Law Firm, P.C.

At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., our attorney, Joe Williams, has three decades of experience fighting for the rights of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure victims and securing favorable outcomes for their cases. He understands the complex nature of these cases and will treat you with the utmost respect and compassion as he fights aggressively for justice on your behalf. When you retain his services, you can trust you have a dedicated and skilled legal professional on your side while you focus on your health. 

To learn more about our services and schedule a free consultation, call us today at (855) 575-6376 or complete our online contact form.