Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer. Asbestos exposure is the only cause of mesothelioma. If a doctor has recently diagnosed you or your loved one with mesothelioma, you have legal rights. You should be able to pursue financial compensation in a personal injury lawsuit from the companies that manufactured and distributed the asbestos products. Also, you might also be eligible to seek workers’ compensation benefits.
A knowledgeable firm of attorneys can help you determine your eligibility for a mesothelioma lawsuit. Contact Brayton Purcell L.L.P. to get started.
How Mesothelioma Lawsuits Work
Although many people have suffered from asbestos-related exposures, all courts treat mesothelioma lawsuits as individual claims rather than large class-action suits. Injured parties can file a lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers and distributors in state courts, or federal courts, as well as file worker’s compensation claims and asbestos bankruptcy trust claims.
Time is of the essence in mesothelioma lawsuits. Because many exposures to asbestos took place long ago, finding evidence can be a challenge. It is essential to have an experienced team of lawyers who know what to look for and where to search.
Importantly, different states have different statutes of limitations that impose strict timeframes on mesothelioma lawsuits concerning their eligibility. The statute of limitations begins running when a patient receives a diagnosis or dies. Claimants need to file a claim within the statutory timeframe, or a court will likely dismiss their suit.
A seasoned attorney can help a claimant determine the appropriate jurisdiction in which to file a claim. If the asbestos product manufacturer is no longer in business due to bankruptcy, a lawyer can help the claimant pursue a bankruptcy trust claim. An attorney could also help an employee who sustained exposure to mesothelioma at their workplace file a workers’ compensation claim to recover their rightful benefits.
Possible Types of Recoverable Benefits in a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
A seasoned attorney can help a mesothelioma patient determine their eligibility to file a suit that would compensate them for their past and future medical costs. An attorney can also help them pursue recovery to compensate for any lost wages and future lost anticipated lifetime income. They can also seek monetary compensation for their human suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and many other intangible losses. In many jurisdictions, a diligent attorney can help a claimant pursue punitive damages to punish the asbestos manufacturers or distributors for their intentional or reckless wrongdoing.
Since mesothelioma is unfortunately always fatal, a compassionate attorney can help a decedent’s family seek damages in a wrongful death suit.
Call an Attorney to Learn About Your Eligibility for a Mesothelioma Claim
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can upend your life. You might face a challenging, uphill battle. You should not have to worry about money while facing these circumstances. Mesothelioma patients or their families can often file suits and claims to obtain sufficient compensation to cover medical costs and other expenses.
Reach out to an experienced attorney to determine your eligibility for a mesothelioma lawsuit. If you received a medical diagnosis of mesothelioma you usually are eligible for compensation.
An attorney can help you better understand your legal options. Contact us today.
