It’s the news no one ever wants to hear. The moment a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, your life will never be the same. You’ll be overwhelmed with questions about the prognosis of the disease and what this will mean to your family. It will help to get those answers and put a plan together to discuss what will happen next.
You won’t find a perfect script to read to your family. However, if you embrace transparency and are prepared to answer their questions, you’ll find the discussion goes much more smoothly.
The following guidelines offer suggestions to help you prepare for your conversation.
Preparing Yourself for the Conversation
Before you set up a family meeting, you need to allow yourself the time to process what you’ve been told. There is a lot that came at you all at once, and you’re still trying to unpack your mesothelioma treatment options and all the next medical terminology. The more you understand what is going on, the better off you’re going to be explain that to your family.
There is nothing wrong with making notes about the following key points:
The type of mesothelioma diagnosed (pleural, peritoneal, etc.)
- Recommended treatment plans
- Your immediate medical appointments
- Possible asbestos exposure history
- Available asbestos exposure legal options
Keep in mind that you don’t need to have all the answers for this first conversation, but your family will undoubtedly ask the same questions you first asked. Providing them with those answers will also help them process what is going on.
Choosing the Right Time and Setting
It is important that you choose the right time and setting for your talk. You want to avoid squeezing it in between other obligations. It is also important that you speak with your spouse and other adult family members before you discuss the situation with your kids.
It will help to have a united front.
As you begin the conversations, keep these tips in mind:
- Be direct, but calm
- Use simple explanations
- Allow for the silence
- Encourage questions
Your family will be taking their cues from you. If you’re calm, they can be calm, too.
Explaining Mesothelioma and Treatment Plans
Your family might have heard about mesothelioma but not know exactly what it is. You can explain that it is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos and that exposure could have happened on a job from years prior.
Additionally, your doctors will have presented you with a treatment plan that includes all the possible side effects of the various procedures and medications. You’ll want to share that with your family, so they know what is ahead. When you keep the focus on a plan of action, it tells your family that you’re not going through this alone. It will also give them an opportunity to support you, benefiting both of you.
Addressing Asbestos Exposure and Legal Rights
Aside from the medical aspects of a mesothelioma diagnosis, there are also the legal implications to discuss. There is a good chance that a review of your work history will reveal exactly where the asbestos exposure occurred. It also means you won’t be the first person to face that exposure.
Many of the companies that have been held accountable for asbestos exposure set up trust funds that you can make a personal injury claim against. Although it sounds simple, there are challenges that you’ll benefit from speaking with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.
Speaking with an attorney who specializes in these types of cases can help clarify your rights and options.
Get Support from the Frost Law Firm
One of the most difficult aspects of the conversation may involve discussing finances and long-term planning. Medical bills and potential income loss can add to the stress.
That’s why you want to bring in the Frost Law Firm as soon as possible. You shouldn’t attempt to navigate the legal complexities of pursuing a personal injury claim on your own.
Frost Law Firm has helped many clients and their families hold companies accountable and secure the maximum benefits allowed.
Whether we can secure compensation from an existing asbestos trust fund or need to file a civil lawsuit directly against the offending company, we’ll be fully prepared to represent you from start to finish.
Contact our office today to set up a free consultation. Let us help you protect your family’s future.
