A man who is a mesothelioma cancer survivor is one of 100 individuals who will be honored at Massachusetts General Hospital for his efforts to continue the fight against cancer.

A story appearing in telegram.com out of Worchester, Mass. highlights how Paul Pratt has gone above and be after his cancer diagnosis to help others by donating a portion of his asbestos lawsuit award to his doctors so the money can be used for mesothelioma research to help increase patient survival from new, innovative therapies.

Back in 2011, Pratt received a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma at Massachusetts General Hospital. This type of cancer affects the mesothelial lining that surrounds the stomach and other abdominal organs. This type of cancer is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

Pratt was exposed to asbestos through the course of his employment where he worked with electrical wiring systems. It wasn’t until many years later that he developed the cancer. “It doesn’t hit you for about 15 to 20 years,” Pratt told telegram.com. “I worked in the electrical construction industry for 30 years.”

Pratt is a union member with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 96 and was honored at Massachusetts General Cancer Center’s annual gala that took place on June 15. He is receiving the recognition because he donated funds received from his asbestos lawsuit award to his surgeon and oncologist in an effort to further treatment advancement for patients in a similar medical situation.

The article states that “[o]ne of the reasons Mr. Pratt chose to donate money to his doctors was because they showed him that they cared about his input and wanted to find innovative ways to treat the disease.”

Pratt’s treatment consisted of two major surgical operations and six months of chemotherapy. He also used some alternative treatments that he credits for his cancer survival, including drinking apple cider vinegar as well as participating in hot yoga classes. He encourages other cancer patients to do their own research. He hopes to be part of a study that will assess a trial drug known as pembrolizumab, and in the meantime he hopes to feel well enough soon so he can travel.

Additionally, Pratt states that he advises patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or cancers related to asbestos exposure to find a lawyer to assist in the process of seeking an asbestos lawsuit award.

Obtaining an Asbestos Lawsuit Award of Your Own

If you have developed mesothelioma after having been exposed to asbestos through your place of employment or otherwise, you may be eligible to take legal action against potentially responsible parties in order to recover damages for your injury.

Successful plaintiffs who receive an asbestos lawsuit award may be awarded damages relating to medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, emotional and physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship and more. Additionally, punitive damages may also be awarded in an amount to sufficiently punish those deemed responsible for the development of your disease.

An attorney experienced with the intricacies of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can advise you in a free consultation so you can understand the next steps toward receiving your own asbestos lawsuit award.