Your Guide to Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lung Cancer...asbestos victims. People can unfortunately be affected by being close to or living with someone who was regularly exposed to asbestos

Your Guide to Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lung Cancer

PAGE 1 | MESOTHELIOMA & LUNG CANCER GUIDE

IT’S EXTREMELY LIKELY YOU WERE EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS IF YOU WORKED AS A:

NAVAL SERVICEMAN

SHIPBUILDER

CONSTRUCTION OR BUILDING WORKER

ELECTRICIAN

PLUMBER OR PIPE-FITTER

INSULATOR

AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC

TEXTILE WORKER

RAILROAD WORKER

UNION TRADESMAN

WHAT IS ASBESTOS?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is used to strengthen and fireproof materials like cloth, cement and plastic. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can become permanently trapped and can cause serious damage to the body’s cells.

WHERE & WHEN WAS I EXPOSED?

If you were alive between the 1950s and 1980s, it’s unfortunately very likely that you were exposed to this dangerous substance. It was in thousands of products found in the workplace, schools and homes. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma and is also linked to lung cancer and other diseases.

WHAT IS MESOTHELIOMA?

Mesothelioma, sometimes referred to as meso or mesothelioma cancer, is a rare form of cancer that attacks the smooth lining of the chest, lungs, heart and abdomen. The layer of tissue surrounding these organs is made up of mesothelial cells, which is where mesothelioma gets its name. The single cause of this devastating disease is exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, there are very few treatment options, and most people diagnosed with mesothelioma do not survive. In fact, mesothelioma kills thousands of Americans every year. While there’s no cure for mesothelioma, researchers have made significant progress in understanding this particularly devastating form of cancer, developing new treatment options and alternative therapies to help patients suffering from the disease.

Visit swmwlaw.com/mesothelioma to learn more about products made with asbestos, companies that used asbestos, signs and symptoms of mesothelioma and other resources.

Asbestos has been used for decades, and continues to kill thousands of innocent people every year.

MESOTHELIOMA FACTS

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TOP TREATMENT FACILITIES

RESEARCHING YOUR EXPOSURE, FINDING THE SOURCE

At SWMW Law, we’re passionate about getting justice for the victims of asbestos. We have decades of experience investigating these cases and will uncover how and when you were exposed, to ensure the right companies are held accountable. Because justice matters.

WHY DID ASBESTOS COMPANIES ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN?

As early as the 1930s, the dangers and toxicity of asbestos were well known, yet asbestos companies continued using it extensively. In the 1980s, many of these same companies lobbied successfully to overturn EPA rules that banned the importation and use of asbestos. As a result, asbestos still isn’t banned in the United States, as it is in most large countries. Asbestos companies willingly put profits ahead of the health and well-being of workers, their families and the public.

Instead of owning up to their responsibility, these companies and their insurers now spend millions trying to change laws to make it more difficult to file a lawsuit. That’s why at SWMW Law, we’re passionately driven to get justice for these victims, because people matter.

It can take 20 TO 50 YEARS FOR CANCER SYMPTOMS TO APPEAR after your first exposure.

As early as the 1930s, some companies knew asbestos was harmful but used it anyway.

ASBESTOS IS THE ONLY KNOWN CAUSE of mesothelioma.

There are billions of dollars in trusts set aside from mesothelioma and asbestos victims.

People can unfortunately be affected by being close to or living with someone who was regularly exposed to asbestos.

2,500 PEOPLE DIE from mesothelioma every year.

Several countries have banned asbestos use, but it’s still legal in the U.S.

Current or former smokers exposed to asbestos are 15 TO 50 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO GET LUNG CANCER.

There is no known cure for mesothelioma.


ASBESTOS BANKRUPTCY TRUSTSThere are billions of dollars set aside in the asbestos bankruptcy trust system for people diagnosed with mesothelioma and lung cancer. Some companies bought out their past and future asbestos liabilities using a seldom-used section in the bankruptcy laws, setting up trusts with insurance money, stocks and cash — to compensate people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma and lung cancer. Experienced asbestos firms like SWMW Law know how to maximize the payouts from these trusts.

CIVIL LITIGATIONIn addition to the bankruptcy trusts, additional damages for your pain and suffering can be pursued in court. Attorneys at SWMW Law have extensive asbestos litigation experience in courtrooms across the country. We know how to go after the responsible parties, moving quickly and decisively to file suit in the best jurisdictions for our clients’ cases. This helps ensure that we maximize your compensation.

SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANSIf you were exposed to asbestos while serving our country, you may be entitled to VA benefits in addition to any money you may win from a lawsuit against manufacturers. DISABILITY COMPENSATION

A monthly benefit based upon a veteran’s level of disability

DEPENDENCE AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION (DIC)A monthly benefit is paid to the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a service-related disability.

VA HEALTH CAREEligibility is based upon a series of priorities that include service-related disabilities and income levels.

For additional information on how we recover money owed to mesothelioma victims, visit swmwlaw.com/mesothelioma-information.

HOW WILL SWMW LAW RECOVER WHAT I’M OWED?

WHAT ARE MY LEGAL OPTIONS?

You and your family have a right to compensation for your medical bills, pharmacy bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scars and disfigurement from surgery, and if you’ve lost your loved one, their wrongful death. An experienced asbestos and mesothelioma legal and medical team like SWMW Law knows how to navigate the system in order to maximize and quickly recover this money owed to you and your family.

HOW IS SWMW LAW DIFFERENT?

Our founding partners started SWMW Law because they wanted to get away from the cookie-cutter approach their previous firms took to these cases. We take the time to get to know our clients, understand what’s at stake for their family and fight to get them justice. Many firms will take your case and then hand it off to another firm. Our experienced legal and medical team stays involved in your case from start to finish.

If you were exposed to asbestos, and then became sick as a result, you and your family have a right to make a claim for compensation.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF THE LEGAL PROCESS?

At SWMW Law, we know this is likely the first and only time our clients will interact with attorneys and legal proceedings. From the moment we meet until your case is finished or settled, we’ll guide you through the process. We’ll answer your questions, keep you updated on your case’s progress and be with you every step of the way. We want you to focus on your health and your family while we do the work.

DISCOVERYWE INVESTIGATE YOUR CASE, GATHERING IMPORTANT EVIDENCE.

FILEWE FILE THE CASE ON YOUR BEHALF.

COMMUNICATIONWE KEEP YOU UPDATED AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.

COMPENSATIONWE GET JUSTICE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS YOUR CLIENT?

You’ll pay nothing out of pocket.

We’ll get started on your case right away.

We’ll come to you, wherever you are in the U.S.

We’re only paid if your case is won or settled.

We’ll ask you and your family many questions to determine how and when you were exposed to asbestos.

We’ll keep you updated and always answer your phone calls and emails.

We’ll gather information about your work and medical history.

We’ll utilize our databases and millions of pages of asbestos company documents to build the strongest case for you.

We’ll fight tirelessly to maximize the compensation you’re owed.

We can sometimes secure settlement agreements on behalf of mesothelioma victims and their families within months of filing a case.


We know you likely have a lot of questions. Please contact our team anytime for a free consultation. Our experienced medical and legal team is also available to answer questions anytime. We want to hear your story. Call 877.205.4250 or email [email protected].


swmwlaw.com/our-lawyers

BEN SCHMICKLEMember

RYAN DICKHERBERPartner

MIKE BILBREYOf Counsel

STEVE WOHLFORDMember

LUKE DALTON Partner

MATT MORRISMember

MIKE BROCKLANDPartner

LAUREN WILLIAMSPartner

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

At SWMW Law, a partner is involved in your case from start to finish.

Our experienced team has dedicated themselves to holding corporations accountable for the pain and suffering they have caused. We’ve recovered more than $500 million for thousands of hard working families like yours, who were the victims of companies putting profits over people. We’ll fight to get justice for you and your family as quickly as possible and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Our skilled, caring team of professionals will be driven to get you and your family the justice you deserve. We’ll always be available to answer questions and keep you informed as your case progresses.

Every day, the SWMW Law team is passionately driven to help people harmed by asbestos and other dangerous products.


WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST

At SWMW Law, we’re proud of the money we’ve been able to recover for victims and their families. But we’re even more proud of the kind words they’ve said about our team.

From our first meeting, I knew we were in good hands with SWMW Law. Their knowledge of my situation, the hustle to get things moving and the protection of my privacy were outstanding. Everyone was so helpful. Thank you, SWMW Law." – RAY G.

I’m grateful I found SWMW Law, and not just because of the great result they got for me and my family. They truly listened and understood how the accident had affected our lives and earned our trust with their determination, plain honesty and good judgment.” – J.S.

Ben is a man that I trust, respect and want to represent me and my family. Down-to-earth person, confident, knowledgeable and someone not to be pushed around. Very pleased with the work he did for me and my family and owe him a great gratitude for his help.” – JIM A.

2019 $6+ million settlement INSULATOR MESOTHELIOMA

2018 $6.5+ million settlement PIPE-FITTER MESOTHELIOMA

$800,000 settlement BOILERMAKER LUNG CANCER

2017 $4+ million settlement BOILERMAKER MESOTHELIOMA

$3.75 million settlement ELECTRICIAN MESOTHELIOMA

2016 $750,000 settlement PIPE-FITTER LUNG CANCER

2015 $11.5 million verdict NAVY MACHINIST MESOTHELIOMA

2014 $6 million verdict STEAMFITTER MESOTHELIOMA

OUR WINNING TRACK RECORD

MESOTHELIOMA

ASBESTOS LUNG CANCER

DRUGS & MEDICAL DEVICES

CONSUMER LITIGATION

PERSONAL INJURY

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701 M A R K E T S T R E E TS U I T E 10 0 0S T. LO U I S , M O 6 3101

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Your Guide to Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lung Cancer...asbestos victims. People can unfortunately be affected by being close to or living with someone who was regularly exposed to asbestos