What information do I need to have available?

You can help speed the investigation process by having the following information and documents handy. However, do not postpone seeking a consultation with an attorney just to gather such information.

• Medical Reports confirming the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
  This might include one or more of the following reports:
  • Pathology report: Laboratory report on tests performed on tumor tissue taken from your biopsy. It is typically just a few pages in length. This is the report that often confirms a mesothelioma diagnosis.
  • Cytology report: Laboratory report on tests performed on liquid drained from your lung or abdominal cavity. You might have this instead of a pathology report.
  • Surgical Report: This provides your surgeon’s assessment of the surgery, and may also include pathology or cytology results.
  • If you have not had a biopsy or a fluid sample taken, a copy of a CAT scan or PET scan report would be helpful to your attorney.
• Information about your history of asbestos exposure, and any documentation you may have.
• Names of witnesses to your asbestos exposure. This may include names of co-workers at jobs where you were exposed to asbestos, or family members who may have worked with or around asbestos and brought it home on their clothing.
• Your will. Your attorney will need a copy of your will in the event you pass away before your case is resolved, in order to identify the executor of your estate.
• For family members seeking a claim on behalf of a deceased mesothelioma victim: a copy of the death certificate and autopsy report, if available.