How Mesothelioma Affects Families: Supporting Loved Ones Decades After Asbestos Exposure
A mesothelioma diagnosis will change the life of the person diagnosed, but it will also have a profound effect on family members and loved ones. Because a diagnosis of asbestos-related disease often comes 10 to 40 years following exposure, it can blindside patients and their families. Many of these families are unprepared for the financial and emotional toll of asbestos-related cancers.
Financial Toll of Asbestos-Related Cancers
A Canadian study of the cost of mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers estimates the economic burden to be more than a million dollars per case. In the US, the cost is even higher. Families will face the burden of medical expenses, lost wages, permanent disability, or the potential loss of a family member. While trying to enjoy precious time with their loved ones, families often instead experience an economic crisis.
Emotional Toll of Asbestos-Related Cancers
Many family members are unprepared for how difficult it is to support a family member with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancers. Because the diagnosis of these conditions is often so far removed from asbestos exposure, the patient and family may be unprepared or even in denial. Many families find that the diagnosis happens when anticipating retirement and spending more time with extended family or new grandchildren. The reality of fighting aggressive cancer instead is often emotionally devastating.
Spouses
The person who feels the most shock after a mesothelioma diagnosis is often the spouse of the patient. The spouse may have concerns about their own health—there is some evidence that exposure to the clothes and skin of an asbestos worker increases the risk of the spouse developing mesothelioma. Even if the spouse is not affected directly by exposure to asbestos fibers, they will be profoundly affected in their role as a caregiver. The spouse may become anxious, depressed, or angry that their loved one is sick. They may feel inconsolable because of the possibility that mesothelioma will shorten their spouse’s life. It can be very beneficial for many spouses to seek professional mental health care.
Children
Even if your children are now adults, they may find it very difficult to cope with a parent’s diagnosis of mesothelioma. Adult children may feel overwhelmed and guilty for being unable to care for their parents. Younger children may fear abandonment and the loss of a caregiver parent. As time passes, adult children may be called on to make care decisions and should be included in decisions on healthcare and finances.
Parents
Some mesothelioma patients have elderly parents who are themselves dependent on a caregiver. These parents may be perfectly able to understand care decisions and may be anxious and depressed with the possibility of outliving their child.
How Madeksho Law Can Help
If your family is facing the financial and emotional toll of asbestos-related cancer, Madeksho Law can provide answers, inform you of your rights, and help with legal claims. Madeksho Law has a proven track record of securing over $400 million in compensation for our clients and their families since 1972. Even more importantly, we understand these cases and illnesses, and we can help direct your family to many vital sources of support. Madeksho Law is here to help during this challenging time. Contact Madeksho Law today at 888-910-MESO (6376) or via our website.
