Trusted Kentucky Mesothelioma Attorneys
You shouldn’t have to suffer from someone else’s negligence. The trial lawyers at our personal injury law firm, Satterley & Kelley PLLC, are here as your boots on the ground in serious injury from asbestos exposure, auto accidents, wrongful death & more. From our law office in Louisville, we represent clients throughout Kentucky.
Our Personal Injury Law Firm Focuses on Helping Those Who Need It Most:
- People suffering from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure on the job or as the result of household asbestos exposure.
- People injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers, drunk drivers and other types of negligence.
- People injured in slip and falls and other types of accidents caused by unsafe property conditions
- Seniors who suffer injuries as the result of nursing home neglect or abuse.
$35.7
MILLION
compensation for the family of a man diagnosed with asbestosis
$9.3
MILLION
compensation for a man who lost both legs while working at a railroad
$5.9
MILLION
compensation for the family of a man diagnosed with mesothelioma
$5.6
MILLION
for a family of a woman diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma
$5
MILLION
for a man who was diagnosed with a chronic toxic encephalopathy
Our Areas Of Service
Link to: Asbestos-Mesothelioma
Asbestos & Mesothelioma
We are the leading law firm in Kentucky for people who develop mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses.
Link to: Personal Injury
Personal Injury
We handle cases of serious personal injury caused property conditions, defective products and other types of negligence.
Link to: Car Accidents
Car Accidents
Our trial lawyers can help you recover the compensation you are due for injuries suffered in car, truck & motorcycle accidents.
How Our Trial
Lawyers Get Results
Our clients know they’re in good hands with the trial lawyers at Satterley & Kelley PLLC because we pride ourselves on getting results that serve our clients’ best interests, which we accomplish by using a combination of:
- Extensive preparation — We always prepare each case for trial so the other side knows we’re serious about getting our clients what they need to get back to their lives.
- Decades of experience — Each of our attorneys put their considerable tort law experience to work getting maximum settlements for our clients.
- Compassion and dedication — We truly care about our clients and listen to their stories and needs, which allows us to seek compensation that makes sense for them, not someone else.
- Experience and tenacity in the courtroom — We regularly try cases against Fortune 500 companies and have a list of case results that prove our tenacity even in challenging situations.
Meet Our Attorneys
Link to: Joseph D. Satterley
Joseph D. Satterley
Partner
Joseph D. Satterley has provided compassionate, assertive assistance to clients for more than 20 years.
Link to: Paul J. Kelley
Paul J. Kelley
Partner
Paul J. Kelley has been litigating asbestos cases on behalf of workers suffering from mesothelioma for more than 15 years.
Link to: Paul James Ivie
Paul J. Ivie
Associate
Since joining Satterley & Kelley in 2009, Paul J. Ivie has participated in every phase of high-level litigation.
Your Boots On The Ground In Kentucky
The sooner you call our lawyers, the sooner you will have boots on the ground: collecting evidence and protecting your interests. Call 855-385-9532 or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation.
Mesothelioma FAQs
How much asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma?
No set amount of asbestos exposure would make mesothelioma more likely. The risk of developing it is loosely related to how much asbestos you’re exposed to and for how long, reports the American Cancer Society (ACS).
If you were exposed to high levels starting earlier in life, for an extended period, you’re more likely to develop mesothelioma. But some people develop mesothelioma after relatively little exposure, while others have significant exposure but never get the disease.
It also may depend on the type of asbestos you inhale or ingest. There are two asbestos mineral families: serpentine (with curly fibers) and crocidolite (with needle-like fibers). Crocidolite is considered more dangerous, so a lesser exposure to these fibers may make mesothelioma more likely than a higher exposure to serpentine fibers. However, all fiber types cause mesothelioma and there is no known safe level, which is the stated position of numerous United States and International organizations.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
If you show mesothelioma symptoms, your doctor should conduct a physical exam and may order a chest X-ray or a computerized tomography (CT) scan of your abdomen or chest. Based on the results, a sample of the affected area must be examined to make a definitive finding, according to the Mayo Clinic.
There could be a needle biopsy, where a needle is inserted into you to remove tissue or a fluid sample. They could also be removed during surgery. A pathologist will review the samples with a microscope to determine if you have mesothelioma or another condition.
How do I file a mesothelioma claim?
Different claims vary on whether the victim is alive or deceased and whether the company responsible for the asbestos exposure has gone through bankruptcy proceedings or not.
- A personal injury/product liability lawsuit can be filed for someone alive seeking compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the company’s asbestos product if it doesn’t have bankruptcy protection
- A wrongful death case can be brought against a company without bankruptcy protection on behalf of the next of kin and or the deceased person’s estate (depending on state law) for compensation
- Whether the victim is alive or not and the next of kin seek compensation, they can file a claim with a trust fund if the company went through bankruptcy and ceased operation or continues doing business. This legal entity was created to pay for ongoing claims
Satterley & Kelley, PLLC helps individuals and families with mesothelioma claims.
Who is eligible for mesothelioma compensation?
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma could potentially receive compensation for the harm they suffered. Whether they get it depends on whether they can:
- Identify how and when they were exposed to asbestos
- Establish a connection to a product made by a company that can be sued or has a trust fund
This evidence may be difficult to develop because it may be decades between exposure and the diagnosis. Depending on state laws, if the person died of mesothelioma, next of kin and or the deceased’s estate may be eligible for compensation.
How to choose the best mesothelioma lawyer?
Key factors to think about when deciding who you should retain to help you with your mesothelioma claim include:
- Do they have experience? You want someone who knows the applicable laws and how courts interpret them, how to navigate court and trust fund procedures, has negotiated favorable settlements for clients, and has trial experience
- Do they have a record of success? Past success won’t guarantee it for your case, but your attorney should establish how they’ve helped prior clients with their mesothelioma claims
- Do they provide professional, personal service? How long will they respond to your phone call or email? Do they answer questions fully and explain issues so you can understand them? How easy is it to work with their staff?
- What are the costs? Most lawyers representing asbestos-related injury victims are paid a share of clients’ compensation. Are there additional expenses or fees you must pay?
You must also feel comfortable working with this attorney and be confident they will work in your best interests.
Is there treatment for mesothelioma?
Those with this condition often receive different types of treatments. They can include:
- Surgery to remove tumors and improve your quality of life
- Chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy to shrink or eliminate tumors
Which approach is right for you depends on the mesothelioma type and stage, your tolerance of side effects, and your overall health.
How long does it take to get a mesothelioma settlement?
It usually takes several months, but it could take weeks or years. Many factors determine how much time will pass between filing and resolving a mesothelioma claim, including:
- The strengths and weaknesses of your case
- How flexible the parties are when negotiating a settlement
- Whether a trust fund, company, or law firm’s negotiating philosophy is to make negotiations difficult and time-consuming
- How much is at stake? A company or trust fund may be reluctant to pay out a large sum of money
If your priority is a quick settlement, you’ll probably receive less compensation than if you’re willing to wait longer.
What is the average payout for mesothelioma claims?
The average settlement range is between $1 million and $1.5 million. Your settlement may be less or more, depending on the strength of your case and many other variables.
How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit take?
Nearly all lawsuits settle, and it usually takes a year to eighteen months for the parties to resolve their differences. But that varies in individual cases. If a case goes to trial, the outcome could take years, depending on the scope of the trial and whether appeals are taken after the verdict. This time delay is a significant reason why parties prefer to settle.
Can mesothelioma be cured?
There is no known cure for mesothelioma. Treatment goals are to extend a person’s life and improve their quality of life. There are different types of mesotheliomas. The most common is pleural mesothelioma (which affects the pleura, the lining of the chest cavity and lungs).
Those with localized pleural mesothelioma have about a 24% chance of surviving five years after diagnosis compared to those without the disease, according to the ACS. The five-year survival rate for all stages is 12%.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
The ACS reports that symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
- Pain in the lower back or side of the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Swollen arms and face
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the abdominal cavity and organs. Its symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
- Vomiting and nausea
- Constipation
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and suffer these symptoms, contact your physician.
What is the main cause of mesothelioma?
Asbestos fiber exposure causes mesothelioma. Virtually every person diagnosed with mesothelioma has had some known occupational or paraoccupational exposure to asbestos. Many people for whom had no known asbestos exposure, likely suffered exposure outside the normal types of exposure historically suffered. The overwhelming likelihood is that when a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it was caused by asbestos exposure.