A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story
At just 35 years old, Julia Gundlach visited her doctor to discuss a bout of digestive symptoms. The routine appointment took a dark turn when imaging studies located a large mass in her pelvis. Doctors determined a life-shattering cause: peritoneal mesothelioma. Heartbreakingly, the young mother was given just 6 to 12 months to live.
Julia’s diagnosis was unexpected but didn’t come as a complete surprise—not long before, her father had passed away from asbestos-related lung cancer after working as an electrician for four decades. His duties constantly exposed him to the toxic fibers hidden within the building materials commonly used at the time.
“My father would come home from work, and I’d run up and hug him. He was covered in dust from a worksite. We didn’t know that that included asbestos dust,” stated Julia, who recalled her mother frequently shaking off the contaminated dust in their playroom.
Julia’s father’s occupational asbestos exposure caused his cancer diagnosis—and, inadvertently, her own. Julia had become one of the growing number of individuals who developed mesothelioma following secondhand asbestos exposure.
Though her care team wasn’t optimistic, Julia refused to give up. She battled through brutal chemotherapy sessions, multiple surgeries, and relentless insurance claim denials. Mounting medical bills left Julia in debt, prompting her to seek legal assistance from an experienced mesothelioma attorney.
Through her legal team, Julia learned that manufacturers long knew of the dangers of the asbestos-laced building supplies her father worked with. Indefensibly, they neglected to alert workers, causing Julia, her father, and so many like them to develop and suffer from asbestos-related conditions.
Julia’s lawyer explained her legal rights and encouraged her to seek justice. Determined to hold these companies accountable, Julia chose to file a lawsuit. Her case was successful, and she received compensation that helped with her medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Julia’s compensation allowed her to receive the treatment she needed, in part enabling her to defy expectations and soon be celebrating 20 years as a mesothelioma survivor.
What Are The Next Steps If You Want To Pursue A Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may have questions about how to file a lawsuit. Speaking with an asbestos attorney is the best way to seek the accountability you deserve.
An attorney will evaluate your case, identify filing deadlines, assist in gathering evidence, and help determine which legal path is right for you (a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death lawsuit, or mesothelioma trust fund claim). The good news is that most attorneys who work on these cases do not require payment upfront. Instead, they work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay a portion of your settlement or compensation if your case is successful.
Attorneys in the OCA network are available to answer any questions you have about the legal process and filing a lawsuit. Complete the form at the top of the page to be connected with an attorney in our network for a free case evaluation.
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