What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare, malignant form of cancer that develops on the cells of mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of your internal organs.
Mesothelioma is commonly caused by contact with asbestos, whether short or long-term exposure, and mainly affects the lungs and abdomen.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma shares many of the same symptoms as asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases. The most common of these include:
Shortness of breath
Coughing, wheezing and hoarseness
Chest wall and/or abdominal pain
Pleural effusions (fluid surrounding the lung)
Blood in sputum (mucous in lungs)
The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades after asbestos exposure, and only manifest during the later stages of cancer development.
Mesothelioma diagnosis
Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult because many of the symptoms are similar to asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases. Early diagnosis, however, can provide a wider range of treatment options and help extend your life. It is best to contact your doctor if you have a history of exposure to asbestos.
Treatment for mesothelioma
There are a variety of options for combating mesothelioma, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your treatment will ultimately depend on factors such as the type and severity of your cancer, and your overall health.
Each case of mesothelioma is different, so be sure to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options available to you.
Mesothelioma prognosis
Although the average life span after diagnosis is 1-2 years, mesothelioma affects each individual differently. Your prognosis will depend on a variety of factors such as your overall health, the type of mesothelioma you are diagnosed with, and the stage it has developed to.
Mesothelioma compensation process
No two cases of mesothelioma compensation are the same, and the way we handle your case will depend on your particular circumstances.
You may be eligible for compensation
We’re here to make the claims process as simple and stress-free as possible.
We're here for you.
Our lawyers care and provide advice tailored to your situation.
We keep it simple.
We make sure our advice is accessible and easy to understand.
We're honest.
We're upfront, so you know what to expect at every stage of your claim.
We act quickly.
We progress your case as quickly as possible and aim to secure the best outcome for you.
How Shine can help
We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion per year in entitlements and compensation through our expert services.
95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court.
We offer access to affordable legal advice including on a No Win, No Fee* basis and an obligation free initial consultation so you can understand your rights and know where you stand.
*Conditions apply
We are ready to take action to get you the support and compensation you're entitled to and right wrong.
A helpful guide to Asbestos, Silica and Occupational Dust Diseases claims
We understand that dealing with a diagnosis and all the information that comes with it can feel overwhelming. We've created this guide with our wealth of experience and knowledge to explain the process and help you understand your rights.
Toxic exposure, silica and dust diseases FAQs
Is there a toxic exposure, silica and dust diseases lawyer near me?
Is there a toxic exposure, silica and dust diseases lawyer near me?
With more than 40 branches across Australia and nearly 1000 team members, location is no barrier when it comes to accessing Shine Lawyers legal advice and support.
If you’d like to speak to our toxic exposure, silica and dust diseases team in person, you can see our full list of locations here.
If you aren't able to find a location near you, we can easily arrange an obligation-free virtual appointment or discuss the option to meet at a location that’s comfortable and convenient for you. No matter where you are located, we will always provide the same, expert advice and manage your claim with the same level of quality and commitment.
Unable to work due to illness? You may be entitled to Superannuation and Disability Insurance
Unable to work due to illness? You may be entitled to Superannuation and Disability Insurance
If you are unable to work due to illness or injury you might be entitled to benefits through your superannuation or other insurance policies. We recommend speaking to one of our experts for a quick, obligation-free analysis of your situation to determine your rights and ability to make a claim.
Learn more about superannuation and disability insurance claims.
Why trust Shine Lawyers with my mesothelioma claim?
Why trust Shine Lawyers with my mesothelioma claim?
Shine Lawyers is one of the biggest personal injury and asbestos litigation firms in Australia and have the experience and nous to go up against the big insurance companies and get you the result you are looking for.
At Shine Lawyers you will have your own go-to team, who are always available to chat and who understand that explaining things in plain English to you is important.
We provide all of our asbestos legal services on a No Win, No Fee* guarantee, which means you won't have to pay our legal costs unless we win your claim at the end.
