Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Though the government has taken steps in recent years to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma remains a significant problem that costs people their lives and families their loved ones.
If you lost your spouse or parent due to mesothelioma, you can pursue compensation for your loss in a lawsuit. An informed mesothelioma wrongful death lawyer can help you research and prepare a legal claim. Our dedicated attorneys at Brayton Purcell L.L.P. stand ready to help you navigate the legal system in pursuit of a favorable outcome for you and your family.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is the only cause of mesothelioma. Any exposure to asbestos increases the risk for mesothelioma. Every repeated exposure further increases that risk. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause inflammation, scarring, and damage to cells in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the disease, develops in the pleura, the very thin membrane that surrounds the lungs. Although less common, mesothelioma can also occur in the abdomen, heart, and testicles.
Many people develop mesothelioma due to direct occupational exposure. Some jobs put people at greater risk of exposure to asbestos than others. These jobs include workers in:
- Old buildings
- Construction sites
- Shipyards
- Vehicle manufacturing or repair shops
- Industrial plants
- Oil refineries
- Power plants
People can also get mesothelioma from indirect exposure. Secondary asbestos exposure can come from contact with asbestos fibers on contaminated work clothes.
A hardworking wrongful death attorney can help a family determine where their loved one might have developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos-containing materials.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim
If a family loses their loved one to mesothelioma, a skilled attorney can help them look into filing a wrongful death claim.
Eligible Parties
A spouse, child, personal representative, and sometimes sibling or grandchild may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Statutory Time Limitations
As with most legal claims, family members do not have unlimited time to file wrongful death claims. They must file within the statutorily mandated time period, which can vary from state to state, but is often as early as one year after death.
Possible Damages
Families can pursue recovery for the loss of their loved one’s financial support and companionship and guidance, as well as their loved one’s funeral/burial costs. In some states, they can also seek recovery for their loved ones’ human suffering.
A knowledgeable attorney can advise a family of the eligibility requirements, statutory time limitations, and possible recoverable damages in their particular jurisdiction.
Let a Skilled Attorney Help You File a Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Action
Watching your loved one suffer and lose their life due to mesothelioma can bring unimaginable grief. Losing their financial support and contribution to the household income can also bring you financial troubles.
If your loved one died from mesothelioma, you could file a cause of action. Let a dedicated and compassionate mesothelioma wrongful death lawyer investigate and evaluate your claim. Call today.
