Editing Evidence Preservation Guide (section)

== What Documents Build Your Case Foundation? ==

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| style="font-size:18px;" | ✅ '''Critical Insight'''
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| ''"Evidence preservation begins the moment you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis. Every day of delay can mean lost witnesses, destroyed documents, and missed opportunities for recovery."'' — '''Paul Danziger''', Founding Partner, [https://dandell.com/advocates/paul-danziger/ Danziger & De Llano]
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=== Medical Documentation Requirements ===

Medical documentation forms the cornerstone of any [https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-lawsuit/ mesothelioma claim], with '''pathology reports''' serving as the single most critical document. These reports must be signed by a board-certified physician and specifically confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis, including the [https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-types/ type and location] of cancer.

'''Essential Medical Records Include:'''
* '''Pathology reports''' - Signed diagnosis confirmation with type/location
* '''Imaging scans''' - CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, PET scans
* '''Biopsy results''' - Complete tissue sample analysis
* '''Blood studies''' - Biomarker tests and laboratory results
* '''Treatment records''' - Surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation documentation
* '''Prescription records''' - Medication history and dosages

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:15px 0;"
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! style="background:#1a365d; color:white; width:30%;" | Document Type
! style="background:#1a365d; color:white; width:35%;" | Purpose
! style="background:#1a365d; color:white; width:35%;" | How to Obtain
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| Pathology Report || Confirms mesothelioma diagnosis || Request from treating hospital
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| CT/MRI Scans || Documents disease progression || Radiology department records
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| Treatment Records || Proves medical necessity and costs || All treating facilities
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| Prescription History || Documents symptom management || Pharmacy records or insurance
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=== Employment Documentation ===

[https://mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/mesothelioma-work-history/ Employment records] prove where and when asbestos exposure occurred. '''Social Security earnings statements''' provide an official government record of all employers throughout a working career, often revealing forgotten employment periods crucial for identifying exposure sources.

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| style="font-size:18px;" | ⚠️ '''Important'''
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| '''Form SSA-7050''' costs $35-96 depending on certification needs. This single document often identifies employment periods victims had forgotten—sometimes revealing the most significant exposure sources.
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'''Key Employment Records:'''
* '''Social Security earnings statements''' - Complete employer history ($35-96)
* '''Union membership records''' - Work sites, safety committees, coworker contacts
* '''[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-veterans/ Military DD Form 214]''' - Service dates and occupational specialties
* '''Tax returns''' - W-2 forms showing employers and dates
* '''Personnel files''' - Performance reviews mentioning job duties
* '''Pension records''' - Employer contributions and employment verification

=== Product-Specific Documentation ===

Product documentation directly links exposure to [https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-companies/ liable manufacturers]. Historical safety data sheets document manufacturer knowledge of asbestos hazards, while product purchase records identify specific asbestos-containing materials used at job sites.

''"In our experience, the most successful cases involve detailed product identification across multiple job sites. We've observed that thorough documentation often reveals exposure to manufacturers the victim had never heard of."'' — '''Rod De Llano''', Founding Partner, [https://dandell.com/advocates/rod-de-llano/ Danziger & De Llano]