Personal Injury Lawsuit

Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because the disease is rare, the symptoms are so similar to those of other diseases, and symptoms may not surface for many years following asbestos exposure. For all of these reasons, other options for diagnosis are usually considered first. However, mesothelioma can be diagnosed by using the following tests:

• A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis and determine the existence of cancerous tissue.

• CT Scan (computerized tomography), also called a CAT scan, is an advanced type of x-ray providing very detailed pictures of the tissue involved, its location, and its size.

• PET Scan (positron emission tomography) involves a small amount of radioactive substance (usually glucose) injected into a vein. A scanner takes detailed pictures of areas within the body where the radioactive substance is present. Radioactive glucose makes it possible to locate and identify cancer cells, since cancer cells utilize more glucose than normal cells.

• Bronchoscopy involves a tube being inserted into the patient’s throat to examine the lungs, trachea, and air passages for signs of mesothelioma.

• Thoracoscopy involves an incision being in the chest wall, viewing the chest cavity with a ‘thoracoscope’ for evidence of pleural malignant mesothelioma.

• Thoracentesis. Fluid that accumulates in the lungs as a result of Mesothelioma is extracted from the chest with a needle. This sample is tested to confirm the presence of cancer.

• Fluoroscopy. X-rays are continually taken of the body and projected onto a small screen, allowing the physician to view the body’s internal tissue. Small pieces of tissue are removed and sent to the lab for analysis.

• Mediastinoscopy test examines the center of the chest. It contains the heart, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. This procedure does require anesthesia and a stay in the hospital—usually only for one night.

Many other tests can potentially detect mesothelioma within the body. Though diagnosis can be difficult, appropriate tests and a thorough examination, medical history and investigation into the patient’s exposure to asbestos can render an accurate diagnosis.

As with any disease, early diagnosis ensures the best prognosis. Any type of mesothelioma that remains undiagnosed can become not only painful, but fatal. In addition, specific types of this disease can spread to other areas of the body, causing grave complications.

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With the warm weather now upon us, more and more people are spending their days at amusement parks. They are a favorite pastime for people of all ages, but the danger that the rides can cause is something that people do not think about, or at least they try not to think about.

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Jet skiers are more likely to get hurt than other boat operators because they are more exposed in an accident. Jet ski accident injuries can be extraordinarily severe.

• Head trauma

• Chest trauma

• Abdomen trauma

• Hypothermia

• Spinal cord damage

• Lacerations

• Disfigurement

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Paralysis

• Broken bones

• Soft tissue injury

• Burns

• Drowning

• Death

Research shows that:

• Jet ski accidents statistically cause a greater number of severe injuries than any other type of boat accident

• Inherent design defects in jet skis can lead to a higher risk of fire in post-accident situations

• Surgical treatment for personal watercraft accidents greatly exceeds that for other watercraft accidents.

Causes of jet ski accidents

• Unsafe operation of the jet ski

• Speeding

• Boating under the influence

• Collisions

Young people are hurt the most

Most jet ski injuries involve young people, especially teenagers. In 2002, 17- and 18-year-olds accounted for the highest rates of jet ski injuries. A review of literature and statistics completed by the Coalition of Parents and Families for Personal Watercraft Safety shows that 50% of all jet ski injuries involving children are moderate to severe.

It is a general rule of law that the operator of a jet ski has a duty to exercise the highest degree of care in order to prevent injuries and death to others. Common safety precautions include wearing protective clothing (like a life jacket), keeping distance from other watercraft, paying attention to “no wake” signs and boat traffic, and operating a jet ski defensively.

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