Mesothelioma is often caused by exposure to asbestos. You have legal options if a company negligently exposed you to asbestos through your work or defective products. You may be qualified to file a mesothelioma claim against the liable party responsible for your illness. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help.
Key Considerations for Mesothelioma Cases
People suffering from mesothelioma and their loved ones may qualify to file a legal claim. This can help you recover the compensation you deserve from responsible parties, such as asbestos product manufacturers or the asbestos company accountable for your condition. Dealing with mesothelioma costs more than just money; the right mesothelioma lawyer will understand this.
Finding the right law firm to support your mesothelioma lawsuit can be daunting. The right attorney will guide you through the legal process of your mesothelioma case. They will help you lodge an appropriate asbestos claim and help you recover the financial compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
You may still have legal recourse if your loved one has passed due to illness caused by asbestos exposure. You may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can best advise you of your options.
There are several issues to consider when filing a mesothelioma case. These considerations can range from your exposure to asbestos to your statute of limitations. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you navigate these issues.
1. Exposure to Asbestos
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified asbestos as a known human carcinogen or a cancer-causing substance in humans.
There are many environments that could expose you to asbestos, including:
- Your home
- Your work
- Your Community
When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers can be inhaled and get trapped in the lungs, where it can stay for a long time. This can cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to breathing issues and other serious health problems, such as:
- A diagnosis of mesothelioma
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Epithelioid mesothelioma
- Pleural effusion
2. Negligent Companies Responsible
Several parties may hold or share responsibility for exposing you or your loved one to dangerous levels of asbestos. Many people suffering from mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos through their occupations. Some jobs pose a higher risk of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.
Different types of asbestos exposure include:
- Occupational exposure occurs when workers are exposed to asbestos at their job site.
- Hazardous product exposure occurs when workers are exposed to asbestos-containing products.
- Secondary exposure occurs when people encounter others who have been exposed to asbestos.
It is scary to think you could become exposed to asbestos through your work. Even worse is the idea that you may unknowingly open your family and loved ones up to the risk of secondary exposure simply by spending time with them. However, cases like this unfortunately exist.
In some cases, the negligent company may have been aware of the risks or should have been aware of the risks of asbestos exposure. When companies are aware of the risks yet continue to place their employees in dangerous situations, they act negligently. Courts are likely to find negligent companies are liable for your asbestos-related damages and may order the liable company to compensate you for your losses.
Some companies have a history of asbestos exposure, such as:
Many more American companies use asbestos and fail to take the proper precautions to protect their employees. For example, more than $30 billion has been set aside by various companies that have exposed their employees to asbestos. This money has been gathered into asbestos and mesothelioma trust funds to ensure victims receive compensation.
If the negligent company you work for files for bankruptcy, they are protected from lawsuits. However, you may be eligible to receive compensation through an existing trust fund. A mesothelioma cancer lawyer can help you determine your optimal legal recourse.
3. Initial Diagnosis
Your initial diagnosis is important to consider when contemplating a mesothelioma case. If you were diagnosed with asbestos-exposure-related mesothelioma, you might be eligible for compensation.
Depending upon the specifics of your case, your best legal option may be to file an asbestos lawsuit against the negligent party responsible for your illness. However, sometimes the wisest course of action is to pursue compensation via a mesothelioma and asbestos trust fund created to help victims of asbestos exposure.
4. Medical History
Your mesothelioma lawyer will need to know your medical history as part of your case review and legal preparation. You should be prepared to discuss your medical history, asbestos exposure, and work history. If you have official medical documents related to your case, it is helpful for you to bring them to your attorney. Otherwise, your mesothelioma cancer lawyer can help you recover any documents needed for your legal claim.
5. The Statute of Limitations
Depending on your state, the statute of limitations for your case may vary. A statute of limitations is a legal deadline. You must file your asbestos claim before the statute of limitations expires, or you could be time-barred from pursuing a lawsuit. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you determine your case's relevant statute of limitations.
Average Settlements for Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Filing a lawsuit can be stressful if you do not have the right legal team supporting you. Many people want to know what size settlement they can expect before they proceed with their legal case. This is entirely understandable. Many mesothelioma lawsuits never make it through court, as the companies choose to settle out of court and end the process early.
A mesothelioma average settlement can vary depending on the case factors. However, like other legal settlements made out of court, mesothelioma settlements are private. Even if one party spoke to the press and claimed a certain amount, no one can verify that number through the public record.
However, it is typical to see mesothelioma settlements range from several hundred thousand dollars to millions of dollars. A recent court verdict awarded the family of a deceased mesothelioma victim $15 million for his asbestos exposure.
Find an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
If you or a loved one were wrongly exposed to asbestos, resulting in serious injuries, speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney. You might be eligible to receive compensation for your illness and suffering. The legal team at Ratzan Weissman & Boldt is a nationwide practice, helping victims of asbestos exposure around the U.S. to seek justice and the compensation they deserve. Contact Ratzan Weissman & Boldt today to discuss your mesothelioma case.