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Common Myths About Mesothelioma Legal Suits

by Jamie Nichols

Individuals who develop mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation, and a mesothelioma lawyer can help. Unfortunately, many people who have this condition never seek legal counsel to find out if they are entitled to a settlement. Many myths are behind this unfortunate fact. Here is a look at some of the common myths you should know. 

Myth: You Can Only Sue If Mesothelioma Has Affected Your Lungs 

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can affect primarily the lungs, but it can also affect other organs in the body as well. It is a common misconception that the only time you can file a lawsuit is if you have mesothelioma developing in the lungs, but that is far from the truth. There have been many cases involving people who have the cancer showing up in other parts of their bodies.  

Myth: You Can't Sue for Mesothelioma if You Are a Smoker 

Because of the obvious links between smoking and lung damage, many people assume that you cannot successfully sue for asbestos exposure that has led to mesothelioma if you are a smoker. Even though mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lungs, people who smoke are not anymore at risk of this kind of lung cancer than anyone else. In fact, mesothelioma is not linked to smoking at all. Therefore, you can still file a legal claim for mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure even if you are a smoker and the outcome can still be just as successful. 

Myth: You Cannot File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit If You Were Not Exposed to Asbestos on a Regular Basis 

Every individual is different when it comes to asbestos exposure. Some people can sustain damage to their lungs with very little exposure and some will develop very little damage in spite of being exposed on a daily basis. Regardless of your own personal experiences, you may still have the right to file a claim for exposure. 

Myth: Mesothelioma Due to Asbestos Exposure Only Affects Men 

Since the majority of people who develop mesothelioma due to exposure are men, many women do not know that they can file a claim if they are diagnosed. The gender variation is relative to so many men who worked in certain job roles that led to exposure to asbestos, but women can get exposed just the same and have the same risks of developing mesothelioma. 

For more information, contact mesothelioma lawyers near you.

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