Attorney
Chronic illnesses can take an emotional toll on a family, because unlike other circumstances, severe medical issues are very difficult to overcome. One example in this case is mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer that only affects about one in 110,000 people.
It targets the internal lining of the body and often occurs as a result of exposure to asbestos. While it’s not as common, it can have long-lasting effects on the person struggling from the condition, as well as their family. Let’s look at the financial impact on families dealing with mesothelioma.
What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, high fever at night, and swollen fingertips.
The microscopic fiber structure easily enters the lungs, where it sticks and damages the lungs with time.
According to statistics, 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S., and 2,500 deaths happen from this type of Cancer every year.
According to the Alabama mesothelioma attorneys at My Mesothelioma, there are four types of Mesothelioma cancer:
- Pleural
- Peritoneal
- Pericardial
- Testicular
The Financial Impact on Dealing with Mesothelioma Cancer
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, the last thing you want to think about is the financial burden it can lead to, but for many families, this is a reality.
Skipping Bills
Cancer treatment is painful enough, but it can put a family under such financial strain that they have to choose between paying for healthcare and paying utility bills.
Struggle to Buy Food
When you’re the main source of income for the family and are diagnosed with cancer, it has a major impact on your lifestyle. In these situations, things can go downhill fast as you may start struggling to buy food. When most of your money goes towards expensive mesothelioma treatment, then it’s obvious that the family will have trouble making ends meet.
Begin to Avoid Appointments
In this situation, some patients may decide to skip treatment altogether to pay for other costs. After all, medical treatment isn’t cheap, with many specialists charging exorbitant visiting fees. Some patients may give up on the idea of treatment entirely because it seems so expensive and out of reach. As a result, some people start skipping treatments, while others stop going to the doctor entirely.
They think that whatever money that family has left should go towards household expenses instead of their mesothelioma treatment. This could be linked to feelings of guilt that they can no longer provide for their family and feeling like they’re a burden. Another reason is that you’re considering filing a lawsuit and will undergo treatment after receiving rightful compensation.
However, this can be detrimental in the long run. If you or your family plans to file a suit against former or current employers, don’t wait to seek treatment. It’s important that you see your doctor regularly and make it to all your appointments.
Unemployment
Naturally, when you need weekly chemotherapy as part of mesothelioma treatment, you’re less likely to find a job that can accommodate your schedule. Not to mention, your deteriorating health can make it very difficult to keep any job, regardless of its flexibility.
Loss of Productivity
In addition to being unemployed during the course of your treatment, developing mesothelioma can lead to a loss of productivity down the line. Even if you do recover, studies show that cancer survivors are less likely to secure jobs. And if you don’t, your family will have lost a source of future income and financial stability.
