History of Mesothelioma

Massachusetts mesothelioma cancer

For four centuries the people of Boston, Massachusetts, and the surrounding area have been in the process of building, structuring, and re-purposing their living and work environments. Many of these constructions, including factories, public facilities, and shipyards, were built using materials that contained asbestos. These materials saw a great increase in usage during World War II. Unfortunately, their effects and consequences on the human body, such as diagnoses of mesothelioma, were not known until much later.

In addition to the use of building materials containing asbestos, Massachusetts has several large, naturally occurring asbestos deposits within the state itself, resulting in an increased risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions for the general population. Today, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), limits the amount and conditions under which workers are exposed to asbestos. Sadly, for many individuals and families, the damage has already been done.

Types of treatment

The most common types of treatment for an individual diagnosed with mesothelioma include the following:

• Surgery. While this method alone has traditionally yielded poor results, it has been found increasingly effective when used in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy.
• Radiation. Often given to patients with localized disease, this treatment is commonly dispensed post-operatively along with other treatments. Occasionally, it is used palliatively to relieve the symptoms of mesothelioma.
• Chemotherapy. Currently, this is the only treatment that has been shown to produce curative results in certain patients when used either alone, or in combination with other types of treatments.

Massachusetts mesothelioma law

Although OSHA provides certain protections for those still at risk of asbestos exposure in their work environments, this does not always mean that employers follow OSHA regulations. You or a family member may be able to collect compensation if it can be proven that your employer did not routinely monitor your exposure risk, or provide you with respiratory equipment, protective clothing, safety training, or health exams.

But the statute of limitations in Massachusetts is short: only three years from the date of diagnosis. By seeking the advice of a Massachusetts mesothelioma lawyer at Thornton & Naumes, we can help you:

• Determine who is at fault for your diagnosis
• File for compensation on your behalf
• Pursue settlement or litigation of your case

Give us the opportunity to serve your best legal interests

Call 1-888-632-0108 or fill out the form on our contact page to speak for free with a Thornton & Naumes Massachusetts mesothelioma attorney. We look forward to answering any questions you may have after this visit to our website. We are here to help.