Senate Rejects Asbestos Trust Fund

February 20, 2006

The Senate stood up for the rights of working people throughout America when it struck down a proposed bill that would have established a $140 billion trust fund to compensate victims of asbestos-related diseases.

In the 58-41 vote, an unlikely coalition of liberals and fiscal conservatives united to defeat the bill that would have limited the amount of money that victims of mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other asbestos-related diseases and their families receive in compensation.

As of 2006, there are about 600,000 pending lawsuits against the asbestos industry, and approximately 75,000 new suits are filed each year.

The fund would have been paid for by companies and insurance agencies in order to assure reimbursement of damages to people affected by bankrupt or out of business companies.

The defeat of the bill allows victims and families of victims of asbestos-related diseases to take direct legal action against the companies and industries that caused such profound suffering. The bill would have stifled any legal action directed towards the asbestos industry, and would have severely limited the amount of damages that victims could claim.

The Senate vote was a loud affirmation that the victims of mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases deserve more in order to protect their family, their finances, and their lives.


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Mesothelioma Support Groups

Mesothelioma is unquestionably one of the worst diagnoses anyone can receive. By the time the cancer is advanced enough to exhibit symptoms, treatments to neutralize the tumor are usually ineffective, and doctors more often than not concentrate on relieving as much pain and prolonging the patient’s life as much as possible. These measures are a small comfort to those afflicted with this devastating condition. Victims can take consolation in decades of hard work, a loving family, and obstacles that were overcome, but these accomplishments often dissipate with the realization of future days yet to pass, missed graduations and weddings, and a life unrealized. Even though medical science progresses further and further every day, despite hope, treatments, and prayers, victims and their families must confront the reality of inevitable mortality.

Make proactive decisions to help your life

Coping with mesothelioma is trying and difficult, but can bring out the best in an individual. It takes a great deal of character and strength to overcome the pain and suffering caused by mesothelioma. Some people view their limited time as a blessing, pursuing lifelong ambitions with renewed vigor or seeking reconciliations and making amends. It also takes a great deal of emotional fortitude to make the preparations necessary to settle the details for such end-of-life situations in order to relieve the burdens placed on family and caregivers.

Seek out those that share your condition, such as mesothelioma support groups.

Emotional support is crucial during this difficult period. Family and friends may divert focus from impending health problems, but it is also useful to seek out others in a similar situation that can relate and empathize. Because mesothelioma is such a rare cancer, victims may feel isolated and lonely, but hope lies in an intricate network of support groups for mesothelioma. These support groups for mesothelioma allow those afflicted with this devastating condition to pool their collective strength and support one another through their hardships and pain. Support groups are also important opportunities for victims of mesothelioma to keep abreast of the latest medical and legal options available for their condition. A group of well motivated mesothelioma victims can catalyze movement to pursue action against the industries that inflicted their suffering.

Mesothelioma cannot destroy your spirit

If you suffer from mesothelioma, and your time is near, it is wise to consider a living will, trust, or other legal arrangements so that your loved ones are not burdened with making difficult arrangements. Surround yourself with loving, compassionate people, and reflect on a life of achievements and goals met, rather than focus on lost opportunities and regrets. Seek out those like you, and share your strength with those who have lost hope. Make the best out of the remaining time. The most reliable way to ensure your family is not burdened with expensive medical bills is to collect damages for your condition from the industry that inflicted mesothelioma upon you. A compassionate and understanding attorney is critical to ensure the expedience of your case, for time is very much of the essence. Leave your family more than memories. Contact a lawyer today.

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Danziger & Dellano, PC

Representation:
With over 7 years of experience, dedicated lawyers and numerous staff members, Danziger & Dellano, PC will give your case the attention it deserves. We have represented clients from across the country, and we look forward to helping you and your family.

Recovering Financial Compensation:
Danziger & Dellano has contributed to many significant victories and settlements for mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer victims. For example, the following are amounts received by some mesothelioma clients after all attorney's fees and expenses are paid. These cases were handled by other attorneys serving as lead counsel and Danziger & Dellano assumed joint responsibility for the litigation. For details click on each award:

$2,308,200 - Former Navy man (age 49) and family. (Case settled before trial.)

$1,985,450 - Former Navy man who served on war ships (age 72.) (Case settled before trial.)

$1,637,500- Construction worker (age 50) who worked at several industrial sites. (Case settled before trial.)

$1,876,550 - Pipefitter who worked at oil refinery. (Case settled before trial.)

$1,153,200 - Welder/plasterer and construction company worker (age 60). (Case settled before trial.)

$1,103,582 - Sheetmetal mechanic who also worked around a shipyard construction project. (Case settled before trial.)

$1,304,330 - Mechanical contractor who worked at several industrial sites. (Case settled before trial.)

$1,749,675 - Man, age 49, exposed to asbestos as a career Navy man. (Case settled before trial.)
Specific Results Depend on the Facts of Each Case.

Find Out if You are Eligible to Recover Compensation If you would like more information about Mesothelioma and the availability of financial compensation, please complete the form here for a no-cost assessment of your potential case. All information is kept strictly confidential. Alternatively, call 1-800-913-6376.

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Mesothelioma Screening

Regular doctor appointments are crucial to ensure proper health, but exposure to asbestos presents added urgency to routine examinations. Asbestos-related diseases incubate for decades, and early detection is critical for proper treatment. People who worked in many industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing are at particular risk of contracting these conditions.

Even the most talented and skilled doctors often mistake early symptoms of asbestos-related diseases for other, less hazardous conditions. Combined with the subtle nature of mesothelioma and a wealth of common symptoms, detection rests greatly on associating the proper symptoms with the proper diagnosis. Those with previous exposure to asbestos should alert their doctor to their medical history, so that doctors know what to look for and what tests to use.

How Mesothelioma Screening Works:

Step 1: The first test a doctor will most likely run uses a device called a thorascope in a procedure called a thoracoscopy. Through a small incision in the chest, a small sample of lung tissue is taken for biopsy to determine whether or not it is cancerous. This procedure is done in a hospital under local anesthetic and usually causes little pain.

Step 2: A doctor may also use a device called a peritoneoscope that looks inside the abdomen to collect tissue samples. Doctors also check for an excess amount of fluid and can elect to drain it to ease pressure and relieve pain.

Step 3: Should these tests prove inconclusive, more advanced tests such as a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan gives doctors a three dimensional X-Ray of the tissue in question. This allows doctors to view potentially damaged areas before they manifest symptoms.

Step 4: Another option is called a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan, or MRI. An MRI gives uses high energy magnetic fields to take cross-section pictures of internal structures to distinguish healthy tissues from malignant tissues. These two scans allow doctors to recognize dangers long before the patient feels any symptoms.

What can happen if a screening discovers asbestos-related mesothelioma?

Even with the best screening techniques, mesothelioma often evades diagnosis. Early and constant screenings are paramount for those who have suffered asbestos exposure. Medical science produces breakthroughs every day, and eventually a cure will be found. Until then, victims of mesothelioma should take action against those responsible. Contact a lawyer in your state today so that you can receive reparations for your suffering.

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Summary About Mesothelioma

What is Malignant Mesothelioma?
Malignant Mesothelioma is a cancer
that affects the lining around the lungs,
heart, and abdominal cavities - called
the mesothelium.

Pleural Mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare type
of cancer that affects the pleural sac
that surrounds the lungs, and is caused
by exposure to asbestos.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer
that affects the thin cell membrane
called the peritoneum.

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos a natural mineral and a
potent and deadly carcinogen.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
Cancer Treatment Centers can often
provide the necessary treatment and
support to improve the quality and
lengthen the life of mesothelioma victims.

Latest Mesothelioma News
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