Surgery Plus HIPEC Only ‘Potential for Cure’ of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Surgery Plus HIPEC Only ‘Potential for Cure’ of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, one of the best treatment options is the combination of heated chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery. Heated chemotherapy is called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).  A study published in the February 2018 has shown the value of this therapy for treating asbestos-related cancer. In this study, the researchers in the United Kingdom analyzed the 9.5 years of data on the patients of peritoneal mesothelioma that were treated with HIPEC and CRS.

The results of this study show that the combination of the CRS and HIPEC is very beneficial for the patients of both malignant and low-grade mesothelioma and it still has the best potential for cure.

Using CRS and HIPEC Together For Mesothelioma Treatment

Peritoneal mesothelioma has less than 20 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis cases worldwide. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a disease that affects the lining of the abdomen. The treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma is similar to the other asbestos-related cancers. For most patients the combination of the following treatments is very promising:

HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)

In this treatment, a concentrated heated mesothelioma chemotherapy treatment is placed into the abdomen during the surgery. With this form of treatment, chemotherapy is directly delivered to the cancer cells in the infected area.

CRS (Cytoreductive Surgery)

This is a form of debulking surgery in which the doctor removes as much of the tumor as possible. In this surgery, the doctors try to remove all visible cancer with curative intent.

Categories of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

There are two types of peritoneal mesothelioma. One is called low-grade peritoneal mesothelioma and the other is called malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The first category includes well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma and the cell-type multicystic mesothelioma.

In the second type of the mesothelioma, the tumors tend to be more aggressive and include biphasic, epithelioid and sarcomatoid subtypes.

 

Surgery Plus HIPEC is a Powerful Combination

The researchers have found the combination of the HIPEC and surgery very effective in low-grade mesothelioma. After the successful and complete cytoreduction of patients, a 100% overall survival rate is observed with low-grade peritoneal mesothelioma. Although it is not able to cure the more aggressive type of peritoneal mesothelioma it is effective in the low-grade form of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Treatments and Outcomes

In the study, there were patients that ranged in age from 21 to 73 from which 45 percent were female. About half of these patients had the low-grade disease and the other half had diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The 26 percent of the patients had tumor debunk which means that nearly all of the tumor was removed, but not 100% of the visible tumor. The other sixty-eight percent of patients had complete tumor removal.

The remaining patients just had biopsies for the diagnosis of the tumor. Of which, 88 percent of patients with low-grade peritoneal mesothelioma that were treated with HIPEC were still alive by the end of the study. If we consider both aggressive and low-grade peritoneal mesothelioma the survival rate was about five years. Average survival rate was 97.8 months which is about 8 years, this timeframe which includes people living with the disease after it recurs.

Who We Are

For over Forty Years the mesothelioma cancer attorneys at GPW have represented thousands of mesothelioma & asbestos exposure victims nationwide. We understand victims of asbestos exposure like no other, thats why we provide them the GPW Advantage. The GPW advantage includes having our professional team of dedicated paralegals & mesothelioma attorneys spend numerous hours investigating your case to get you or your loved one the best possible financial compensation for their case. Our mesothelioma law firm does not earn money unless you do and we are on call 24/7 to help you. If you or your loved one has been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, do not be reluctant to call us & get the GPW Advantage. For those looking for a New York Mesothelioma Lawyer, Maryland Mesothelioma Lawyer, Florida Mesothelioma lawyer or simply America’s leading mesothelioma lawyer, we can help you.

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Immunotherapy Found Most Effective in Men

Immunotherapy Found Most Effective in Men

Immunotherapy found most effective in men and is available in multiple clinical trials: https://www.cancerresearch.org/patients/clinical-trials. It is a treatment process being used for mesothelioma patients and doctors are constantly researching it. They are trying to find the best way to treat cancer through immunotherapy.

A recent study conducted has shown that immunotherapy is most effective in men as compared to women. Moreover, it does not mean that it is not effective for women, but has been found immunotherapy is most effective in men . This is really an impressive new way to treat cancer that can change the cancer treatment standards. It is better to learn how this treatment works and how it how it can help to treat mesothelioma.

Recent Study on Immunotherapy

Lancet Oncology has recently published a review and analysis of the new high-quality immunotherapy clinical trials. The common question of interest was, “Is there a difference in how well women and men with cancer respond to a type of immunotherapy?”

If the samples are larger, then the researchers are able to uncover differences between the groups. In the case of the Lancet Oncology review, the sample groups were men and women who received immunotherapy. 

How Women and Men Respond to Immunotherapy

Researchers want to understand if there is a difference in the efficiency of immune checkpoint inhibitors between women and men. They want to study the overall survival rate of female and male participants. The review has included 20 high-quality inhibitors. The control trials of four immune checkpoint inhibitors:

• Tremelimumab
• Opdivo
• Keytruda
• Yervoy

All of the 20 studies included 11,351 people with solid cancer. From 11,351, 33 percent were women and sixty-seven percent of participants were men. Of which 63 percent of the people in the studies had lung cancer or melanoma. Men who received checkpoint inhibitors had 28 percent less risk of dying compared to those men who did not receive these drugs. On the other hand, 14 percent of women had less risk of passing away as compared to those women who did not receive the drugs.
The difference shows a clear response rate to immune checkpoint among men compared to women. The study shows that all the patients received benefit from the immune checkpoint inhibitors, but the response rate was higher in men as compared to women.

Should women be considered for immunotherapy?

According to Dr. Omar Abdel-Rahman, “Female patients who are otherwise indicated for treatment with any immune checkpoint inhibitor should not be denied treatment solely on the basis of these findings.”

The women with advanced cancer did not seem to get any benefit from the immune checkpoint inhibitors as compared to men.

How to Get the Most Out of Immunotherapy

Cancer care has recently arranged an hour education workshop with a panel of immunotherapy experts.

In the first part, they have presented an overview of the immunotherapy.

The second part was exclusively focused on the side effects of the immunotherapy.

They have discussed the difference between the chemotherapy and immunotherapy and also its side effect and how to address these side effects on the well-being of the patient. Immunotherapy found most effective in men but this does not mean treatment for Women should be negated as a viable option.

Who We Are

Goldberg, Persky & White P.C. has been at the forefront of complex mesothelioma & asbestos litigation for over forty years. We have the nations leading Maryland mesothelioma lawyer, florida mesothelioma lawyer, New York Mesothelioma lawyer, and best mesothelioma lawyer ready to help you now. Stage 4 mesothelioma cancer symptoms are critical to understand for anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States.

 

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Mesothelioma Statutes of Limitations by State

Mesothelioma statutes of limitations is basically the understanding of the timeframe to be considered to file a complaint due to an asbestos illness or disease such as mesothelioma. It starts at the time of patient’s diagnosis and expires at different times depends on the law of each state. Understanding Mesothelioma statutes of limitations is important if you want to learn how to file a mesothelioma claim.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

Statue of limitation is a law which allows you to file a claim within a specific time frame. The timeline may start with the patient diagnose or from the death of the patient. The total time limit is usually between 1 to 3 years but it varies by state.

Factors Affecting How Long You Have to File

Location

The first factor is the location of the company responsible for your exposure. Moreover, the residence of the victim and where it happened are all the factors in how long the claimant has to file a case. All the states have their own statute of limitations. The location of where you or a loved one were exposed and what company they worked at is another factor in how to file a mesothelioma claim.

Type of Case

The statute of limitations for a mesothelioma claim usually starts with the diagnosis of the patient. The law on how long you have after diagnosis or death of a loved one varies by state. In some states, the trigger date to begin the statute of limitation depends on different factors. For example, if the patient has already passed away then the statute of limitation for a spouse and family member to file a wrongful death claim will be different.

Statue of Limitation by State

Every state has its own statute of limitation for mesothelioma case. If the statute of limitation in one state has run out, then you can file the case in another state where the time is different if the asbestos exposure occurred in multiple states.

In the table below, you can take an idea of how many years you are allotted to file a claim. Many factors may shorten or lengthen these time limits. Keeping this in mind, it is better to always consult with a mesothelioma lawyer to estimate the time you have left to file your case.

Location (State)	Personal Injury (Years)	Wrongful Death (years)
Alabama	2	2
Alaska	2	2
Arizona	2	2
Arkansas	3	3
California	1	1
Connecticut	3	3
Delaware	2	2
Florida	4	2
Georgia	2	2
Hawaii	2	2
Idaho	2	2
Illinois	2	2
Indiana	2	2
Iowa	2	2
Kansas	2	2
Kentucky	1	1
Louisiana	1	1
Maine	6	2
Maryland	3	3
Massachusetts	3	3
Michigan	3	3
Minnesota	4	3
Mississippi	3	3
Missouri	5	3
Montana	3	3
Nebraska	4	2
Nevada	2	2
New Hampshire	3	3
New Jersey	2	2
New Mexico	3	3
New York	3	2
North Carolina	3	2
North Dakota	3	3
Ohio	2	2
Oklahoma	2	2
Oregon	3	3
Pennsylvania	2	2
Rhode Island	3	3
South Carolina	3	3
South Dakota	3	3
Tennessee	3	3
Texas	2	2
Utah	3	2
Vermont	3	2
Virginia	2	2
Washington	3	3
Washington D.C.	3	1
West Virginia	2	2
Wisconsin	3	3
Wyoming	4	2

Personal Injury Cases

A patient or their family can file a personal injury case to the company that is responsible for the exposure of asbestos. It typically takes several decades for mesothelioma or an asbestos related disease to develop. Patients normally do not know they have a disease until several years after they were “injured” by asbestos. Understanding this, the normal time span for filing a mesothelioma claim usually starts when the patient is diagnosed.

The “discovery of harm” rule is what makes the statue of limitations on filing a mesothelioma claim unique compared to most personal injury claims.  In most states, the window to file a typical personal injury claim starts at the time of the injury, the window for mesothelioma cases begins at diagnosis.

The “discovery of harm” rule allows personal injury cases to be filed within a certain amount of time after a person knew or should have known about his or her injury. Mesothelioma patients typically have no way of discovering that their asbestos exposure would have caused injury for several years after they were exposed. Adding to that, symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos related illnesses typically only begin to show decades after asbestos exposure.

Wrongful Death Cases

If your loved one passed away without receiving compensation for a specific claim then the family can file a wrongful death claim against the company. The timeframe for wrongful death claim usually starts when the patient passed away. All of these factors make understanding the Mesothelioma statutes of limitations complicated, speaking with a mesothelioma lawyer can make this process much easier for you or your loved one.

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What Is An Asbestos Trust Fund?

What Is An Asbestos Trust Fund?

So the big question, what is an asbestos trust fund? In a nervous effort to escape massive legal consequences, many large corporations that used asbestos related products or used asbestos in their working environments have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In an effort to make sure that victims of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma receive fair compensation, the U.S. Congress has determined that these corporations must establish an asbestos trust fund if they would like to file for bankruptcy in order to protect their assets. This trust fund ensures that future victims will be able to get the financial compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering. Learning what is an asbestos trust fund or how to file a mesothelioma claim can be tricky, we can help.

 

The History of Asbestos as a Building Material

In the early 1800s, asbestos began to be widely used by manufacturers because it was a cheap, flexible, and durable alternative to the products that were available on the market. Asbestos provided solid structural insulation and was nearly fireproof. Shipbuilding, construction and manufacturing companies in particular began using asbestos in large quantities when these benefits become known.

 

Asbestos Lawsuits

At the height of the market, the industry leaders knew asbestos was slowly killing people. By 1940, they had seen signs that it caused lung diseases, and by 1960, asbestos companies were had clear evidence and were well aware of the strong link between asbestos and mesothelioma in the lungs. This affected a variety of organizations, including those that manufactured products containing asbestos, or those who used asbestos in their construction operations. Ever since the connection between mesothelioma and asbestos was clear, these corporations became overwhelmed with lawsuits from the workers they had exposed to asbestos who have suffered as a cause. As a result of these lawsuits, many of these companies had no choice but to file for bankruptcy to protect their assets. A cancer lawyer should be a trusted source for information on this.

 

Establishment of Trust Funds

Many of the corporations filing for bankruptcy hoped that they could limit their asbestos related liability and walk away from the damages they had caused, yet due to section 524(g) of the bankruptcy code under Chapter 11, the legal system did not allow them to entirely escape the consequences. Corporations were ordered under the law to establish “asbestos trust funds”, that were to be run as distinct organizations requiring new trustees, separate from those of the original corporation.

 

Determining Claim Eligibility

The most critical requirement in order to file a claim against a trust fund is the ability to prove that the victim was exposed to asbestos and was diagnosed with an asbestos related disease as a result of the actions of a corporate entity. Trust funds have the ability to set their own eligibility criteria, and the best way to determine if you are eligible is to contact an experienced asbestos attorney who specializes in trust fund related legal claims. How to file a mesothelioma claim may seem complicated, but the mesothelioma lawyers at GPW Law can make this process much easier.

 

Receiving Payment

Then, if your compensation claim is approved, the trust fund will make a financial offer to you and your asbestos attorney. This offer is often a percentage of the full value that has been allotted to the specific illness you have been diagnosed with. For example, when a trust fund was originally established, schedules were created for claims with mesothelioma. Different amounts were established for those with asbestos lung cancer and those with mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. Learning what is an asbestos trust fund or how to file a mesothelioma claim can be tricky, we can help.

 

If either you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a lung disease due to asbestos exposure, it’s important to seek help from a trusted and experienced legal professional who has experience in the field. In your journey to financial compensation, you will most likely be dealing with organizations who have made it their mission to pay as little as possible to asbestos victims. While the establishment of the asbestos trust funds does offer you more protection, having a skilled asbestos attorney on your side will dramatically increase your chances of receiving a compensation you are happy with. A Maryland mesothelioma lawyer or a Florida mesothelioma lawyer can be very valuable.

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5 Research Breakthroughs Mesothelioma Patients Should Know

5 Research Breakthroughs Mesothelioma Patients Should Know

The following is another of the 5 Research Breakthroughs Mesothelioma Patients Should Know. New mesothelioma treatment options are very valuable to those diagnosed with mesothelioma. Scientists around the world are striving to develop more effective treatment options for mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related cancer has a five-year survival rate of less than 10 percent. Most patients live around one year after diagnosis. A Mesothelioma lawyer can be very valuable to those diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Developing better treatments to control the cancer is necessary. Researchers are working on a number of options.

Some of these options involve new immunotherapy drugs, innovative methods of drug delivery and different combinations of treatments.

This research is being conducted at some of the nation’s best cancer centers. For example, Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is developing photodynamic therapy for mesothelioma, while Stanford University School of Medicine is working on stem cell therapy.

These promising breakthroughs don’t happen overnight. It takes years of research and development to get these treatments tested and proven through clinical trials.

It also takes participants. The more mesothelioma patients who volunteer to join clinical trials, the closer we come to controlling or one day curing the cancer.

Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma

The following is another of the 5 Research Breakthroughs Mesothelioma Patients Should Know. In June 2017, promising results from a phase II clinical trial were published by French researchers. Out of 108 mesothelioma patients, approximately half responded well to combination therapy with nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy).

That high response rate is unusual in mesothelioma research.

Researchers were so shocked by the results that they designed a phase III trial to continue testing the drug combination in a larger group of patients. It could become the first immunotherapy regimen approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat mesothelioma.

Pembrolizumab, otherwise known as Keytruda, is another immunotherapy drug showing promise in mesothelioma research. New mesothelioma treatment options are very valuable to those diagnosed with mesothelioma.

In a 2017 study by Penn Medicine, tumors shrank in 14 of 25 pleural mesothelioma patients taking Keytruda. The overall survival of the patients was 18 months, compared to 12 months for patients treated only with chemotherapy.

Using Nanocells to Deliver Treatment

The following is another of the 5 Research Breakthroughs Mesothelioma Patients Should Know. Australian researchers introduced a new therapy for mesothelioma in 2015 that put one patient nearly into full remission.

Partial or full remission is rarely reported among people with mesothelioma, which indicates the potential of this research.

The study involved nanocells, which are derived from bacteria and modified to serve as a delivery vehicle for anti-cancer treatments.

The anti-cancer treatment used in this phase I study involved microRNA, which is genetic material similar to DNA. The microRNA used in the study stimulates the immune system to attack mesothelioma tumors.

Researchers did not expect to see such a positive response in the phase I study. Research is continuing into further phases.

Photodynamic Therapy

The following is another of the 5 Research Breakthroughs Mesothelioma Patients Should Know.New mesothelioma treatment options are very valuable to those diagnosed with mesothelioma. Clinical trials are investigating photodynamic therapy for mesothelioma in combination with surgery.

The preliminary results indicate photodynamic therapy can kill remaining cancer cells left behind after surgery. This can reduce the risk of local cancer recurrence and help patients live longer.

Researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center have led important studies on photodynamic therapy for mesothelioma in recent years. They are currently recruiting for a phase II clinical trial combining photodynamic therapy with surgery and chemotherapy.

Targeting Mesothelin

The following is another of the 5 Research Breakthroughs Mesothelioma Patients Should Know. Mesothelin is a protein and antigen made by mesothelioma cancer cells. Researchers are developing drugs that target mesothelin to kill mesothelioma cells and leave healthy cells unharmed. New mesothelioma treatment options are very valuable to those diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mesothelin-targeting drugs under development include:

• LMB-100 and SVP-Rapamycin (SEL-403)
• CRS-207
• miR-21-5p

Stem Cell Vaccine for Mesothelioma

The following is another of the 5 Research Breakthroughs Mesothelioma Patients Should Know. The Stanford University School of Medicine is developing a stem cell vaccine as a treatment option for mesothelioma. Their research is currently being conducted on mice.

The hope is stem cells may be used to prevent and treat mesothelioma. New mesothelioma treatment options are very valuable to those diagnosed with mesothelioma.

People with a history of asbestos exposure might be able to take the vaccine to prevent mesothelioma. The vaccine might also help mesothelioma patients live longer by controlling cancer growth.

While many of these breakthroughs are in early phases of testing, the research conducted today is paving the way for treatments of tomorrow. A Florida mesothelioma lawyer can be very useful for someone looking for assistance in filing a mesothelioma claim in florida. A New York Mesothelioma lawyer, Maryland Mesothelioma lawyer, Ohio mesothelioma lawyer, Indiana mesothelioma lawyer, & a Delaware mesothelioma lawyer can be very valuable to those diagnosed with mesothelioma in those states.

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Comprehending Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment

Comprehending Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment

Comprehending mesothelioma cancer treatment is complex. Where the physicians attempt to treat the patient with drugs, is referred to as chemotherapy. As the mesothelioma cancer is an unusual illness, hardly any info is readily available relating to the results of various drugs on various patients. Adriamycm, (doxorubicin), Cytoxan, (cyclophosphamide), 5-fluorouracil and 5-azacytidine are a few of the drugs that have actually revealed great outcomes and a reaction rate of 0 to 35 % when tried out on mesothelioma cancer patients. Some other reliable drugs for mesothelioma cancer treatment are cisplatin, high dosage methotrexate, interferon, anthracycline analogues and vinblastine. The National Cancer Institute is sponsoring additional research studies the efficiency of these and other drugs by moneying numerous medical centers. A lung cancer lawyer is very valuable to you.

Mesothelioma cancer treatment relates alleviating or treating the lethal illness called mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma cancer is major illness that impacts the lining of lungs, stomach organs or heart. Mesothelioma cancer can be of 2 types, either benign or deadly. Mesothelioma treatment, for an individual suffering from benign mesothelioma, is surgery. Nevertheless, in the case of mesothelioma cancer researchers, they have not discovered any recognized mesothelioma cancer treatment to treat the client completely. A West Virginia mesothelioma doctor or West Virginia mesothelioma cancer center can be very helpful to those in West Virginia.

Kinds Of Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment

Mesothelioma cancer treatment choices offered today are radiation, chemotherapy, radical surgical treatment and/or mix of all these treatments. Throughout surgical treatment, either a part of growth or the entire growth is gotten rid of. Sometimes, a part of the typical tissue surrounding the location is likewise eliminated in addition to the growth. A Lung cancer lawyer can truly be of benefit to you.

Radiation is another choice of mesothelioma cancer treatment that is more valuable in lowering the discomfort instead of treating the illness itself. Due to the fact that of the intensity of the illness, basic dosage of 6,000 rads of radiation has hardly any result on mesothelioma cancer patients. In restricted cases, some advantage is observed when client is treated with aggressive high dosage radiation. Usage of radioactive substances on infected tissue has actually likewise revealed some favorable outcomes with the people identified early on. Patients of pleural mesothelioma cancer endured for over 24 months when radioactive colloidal gold (Au 198) was positioned in between the 2 pleural membranes. Researchers are confident that radioactive chromic phosphate, p32 can be utilized as a reliable mesothelioma cancer treatment. This may increase the survival duration of patients struggling with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer. Work with a leading mesothelioma law firm at GPW Law.

Comprehending Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment

Mesothelioma cancer treatment can be a really pricey and prolonged treatment. Nevertheless, the patients struggling with mesothelioma cancer cancers can look for settlement for mesothelioma cancer treatments. They can submit suits versus the people or companies accountable for triggering asbestos direct exposure. A mesothelioma lawyer can drastically change your situation, work with the leading mesothelioma law firm at GPW.

Like the treatment of other cancers, mesothelioma cancer treatment likewise has its adverse effects. Queasiness and throwing up are some small issues connected with radiation treatment and chemotherapy that might be managed with medications. Nevertheless, suppression of bone marrow is a major short-term adverse effects that might trigger WBC, RBC and platelets counts to decrease. Such patients might end up being prone to bleeding and infection and might need antibiotic treatment or other encouraging care. Finding your best mesothelioma lawyer can be difficult, here at GPW we are here for you.

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Statement by Mid-Michigan Asbestos Disease Victims in Opposition to HB 5456

Two weeks ago a bill HB 5456 titled Asbestos Claim Transparency, drafted by the National Chamber of Commerce and out of state Asbestos companies was pushed into Michigan through their lobbyists.

Michigan’s Commanders Group (Congressionally Chartered Veterans Organizations) filed their resolution in opposition to the bill. The group includes American Legion, American Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans of the United States, Marine Corps League, noncommissioned officers association, Polish American Veterans, order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam veterans of America, paralyzed Veterans of America, and the veterans of foreign wars. Michigan’s first responders through the fire fighters union have filed their opposition. Michigan Association for Justice on behalf of asbestos disease victims throughout Michigan has filed their opposition.

HB 5456 seeks to delay and diminish if not deny compensation from the responsible asbestos corporations to victims. Since we already have transparency by law in Michigan (all bankruptcy claim documents are furnished to trial defendants 6 months before trial) this transparency titled proposal is designed with one goal in mind – to run out the clock on asbestos victims in Michigan so they die before their cases even make it to court.

What is HB5456?

HB 5456 would:

• Delay Filing of cases for Asbestos Cancer Victims.
• Drastically alter evidentiary proof of substantial exposure to Chapter 11 Asbestos
  Company products and change procedural rules for asbestos cases to force courts to
  dilute and reduce judgments in favor of victims.
•  Authorize defendant corporations to unilaterally delay trial repeatedly, so that victims
  could die before their day in court. Patients with asbestos cancer usually die within 2
  years of diagnosis.
• Prevent final judgements for an Asbestos Cancer plaintiff and payment of damages for 1 year following trial.

The concept of this one-sided legislation began at the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC. The group incubates and disseminates legislative proposals for use by state legislators. ALEC is heavily funded by companies with major asbestos liability, including Koch Industries, Honeywell and 3M and their insurers.

Asbestos can linger in the body for decades before illness strikes. Patients who develop asbestos-related diseases today were exposed a generation ago, when the asbestos industry was fully aware of the dangers, but failed to warn and protect industrial workers, construction laborers, military personnel, and others who were exposed on the job or by contact with exposed family members.

An estimated 10,000 – 15,000 Americans die each year from asbestos-related diseases and people are still getting sick. Dozens of countries have banned asbestos, but it is not banned in the United States. As companies continue to import hundreds of tons of asbestos into the U.S. each year, workers, first responders and others continue to be exposed, especially when buildings are renovated or demolished. HB 5456 puts onerous burdens on victims and asbestos trusts, but does nothing to protect innocent Michigan workers from exposure to asbestos. And don’t forget, this is a veterans’ issue. Forty percent (4 out of 10) of all Michigan asbestos victims are veterans. That’s why the major veterans groups oppose this bill.

Asbestos was once widely used in a number of industries that employed many people in
Michigan, including construction, steel, pulp and paper production and the auto industry. Michigan has a higher-than-average mortality rate for asbestos-related diseases, according to AsbestosNation.org. Nearly 7,900 Michigan residents died from asbestos diseases between 1999 and 2013 alone.

Michigan Veterans are disproportionally afflicted with asbestos-related diseases. While they make up 8 percent of the U.S. population, they account for roughly 40 percent (4 out of 10) of Michigan residents who contract asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, stomach and other organs caused only by asbestos.

Legal experts with the Michigan Association for Justice, point out the bill makes no sense in Michigan. Michigan already has “Transparency” by Court Order (CMO16) and Michigan juries already consider fault of all bankrupt asbestos companies; MI has had apportionment of damages by Statute since the 1995 Tort Reform bill.

Since we already have transparency by court rule in Michigan the true insidious purpose of this asbestos industry bill is to create delays. Generally asbestos plaintiffs have only a short time to live. Delays are beneficial to asbestos defendants for a number of reasons. The time value of money is different for a dying plaintiff, who in many cases will heavily discount the value of his or her claim. Cancer victims want to settle their affairs, pay for new treatments to extend their lives and generally have a little piece of mind in their last months on earth that their spouse will have some financial security. And, whether a plaintiff is alive or dead is one of the strongest criteria for the value of a case. Juries tend to award live plaintiffs much higher verdicts.

Any legislation that could add further burdens or harm to those who suffer from asbestos disease should be seen as nothing short of an outrage by every resident of Michigan. The elected leaders in Lansing should oppose this legislation that could cruelly and unfairly deny justice to many of their fellow citizens, including those who served our nation.

About Goldberg, Persky & White P.C.

The Mesothelioma Law Firm, GPW, has some of the top mesothelioma lawyers in the nation. With over forty years of experience, we are hard to beat. We have been pursuing asbestos claims on behalf of asbestos victims since 1976. We are the top mesothelioma lawyers in Michigan. Very few mesothelioma law firms have had million dollar settlements for their clients, we have. We currently have over 5,000 clients, and the number grows daily. Our team has put together data on Michigan Mesothelioma Doctors and info on our Pennsylvania branch with the leading Pennsylvania mesothelioma lawyers. A Detroit Asbestos Lawyer can greatly help a victim of Michigan asbestos exposure. We stand against HB 5456.

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