Although U.S. regulations on asbestos and asbestos exposure began in the 1970s, more than three decades later people are coming to the conclusion they need a mesothelioma lawyer. One result of the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma cancer is continued legal claims by patients who were made sick through no fault of their own. Companies and contractors for branches of the military that exposed workers to the toxic mineral are being held accountable.
As early as the 1930s, medical evidence linked asbestos exposure to lung disease and mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers, diseases that severely limit someone�s life expectancy. Although many companies that made or used asbestos knew about these health hazards, they continued to expose their workers and the public to them for several decades.
Veterans are in a high-risk group for developing mesothelioma because much of the U.S. military hardware in the 20th century was built with asbestos-laden products. Even now, up to 3,000 people are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease because of past negligence.
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Asbestos Exposure and Lawsuits
For almost a century, asbestos was one of the most commonly used construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding materials. It was also used in thousands of products and can still be found in houses, apartments buildings and other facilities built before the 1980s. Many members of the public and workers in a variety of jobs were exposed to asbestos.
Another reason for the high number of new cases: It can take up to 50 years after an exposure for patients to start showing symptoms of mesothelioma. That is why a construction worker, shipbuilder or plant employee exposed to asbestos in the 1960s or 1970s may only now be diagnosed with the disease. That is also why many companies were able to hide the fact they exposed employees and others to this toxic mineral.
Filing a Claim
The costs of mesothelioma can be overwhelming. They can include income loss, expensive treatments that may not be covered by health insurance, plus pain and suffering for you and for your family. Because the disease is preventable � and because it is usually caused by someone else�s negligence � legal options may be available to help regain these costs.
Mesothelioma lawyers focus their practice on knowledgeably and effectively bringing to justice companies that exposed employees and the public to asbestos products. A mesothelioma attorney can help you consider your options and file a claim against the company responsible for your asbestos-related illness. More than one company may be responsible. A mesothelioma attorney identifies all companies at fault.
Learn more about filing a claim
Learn more about filing a claim
Obtaining Compensation
Mesothelioma lawsuits have helped thousands of people receive financial assistance. A lawsuit can result in much-needed money to help reduce financial hardships during an illness and can also provide a more stable future for your loved ones. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you seek compensation for expenses related to illness caused by asbestos exposure, including the following:
Common expenses related to illness caused by asbestos exposure:- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Expenses not covered by insurance
- Travel expenses for medical treatments
- Pain and Suffering
- Funeral expenses
- Emotional support for your loved ones
- Emotional support for you
Every claim is different. A mesothelioma attorney can help explain what types of compensation are specific to your case. It is important to save all medical and financial records relating your illness so that your lawyer can have up-to-date information about your expenses.
You will be asked to show medical records and to answer questions about how you may have been exposed to asbestos, there is usually no reason to take part in other stages of the case. Lawyers know clients may be too tired to keep up with their lawsuit or attending a trial. For this reason, they handle every aspect of the case on your behalf.
Learn more about obtaining compensation
Learn more about obtaining compensation
Mesothelioma Lawsuits: Different Types
Asbestos litigation is regarded as the longest, most costly mass tort in U.S. history. Legal analysts calculate that there are more than 600,000 plaintiffs and more than 6,000 defendants and that the total outlay for the lawsuits could reach $200 billion.
Most mesothelioma lawsuits are between people who had direct exposure (also known as primary asbestos exposure) and the manufacturers of asbestos or products containing asbestos. However, workers and former workers of companies that knew they had asbestos issues are not the only ones with rights against asbestos manufacturers. Other groups of people did not work with asbestos but were exposed also may have rights. (This is known as secondary asbestos exposure.) For example, if you shared a workspace with others who handled asbestos or your spouse worked with asbestos, you may also have a claim. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you consider your options.
There are two types of asbestos injury cases. A lawsuit filed by an individual suffering with an asbestos-related illness is called a personal injury claim. A lawsuit filed by the family of someone who has passed away from an asbestos-related disease is called a wrongful death suit. Specific rights in these lawsuits depend on the county and state where the case is filed. A lawyer can explain your options and take care of filing a lawsuit.
More information on mesothelioma lawsuits
More information on mesothelioma lawsuits
Additional Mesothelioma Resources
Only a qualified asbestos or attorney can provide legal advice on whether you qualify to file a lawsuit or seek recovery through a bankruptcy trust. Asbestos.com offers basic assistance in understanding the mesothelioma litigation process and about finding a qualified mesothelioma lawyer. If you have questions about mesothelioma or the legal process, feel free to call one of our Patient Advocates in our Mesothelioma Center at (800) 615-2279 for guidance. The advocate can ensure that you get accurate information about any potential claim.
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