If you’ve developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you can file a claim against the responsible company. That said, the legal process can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. A mesothelioma attorney can offer comprehensive support.
Still feeling on the fence? Here’s how a mesothelioma attorney helps patients and victims navigate legal options and seek fair compensation:
They Identify Liable Parties
Mesothelioma cases aren’t exactly straightforward, especially the who’s responsible part. The symptoms of mesothelioma take decades (20 to 60 years) to develop.
This long latency period means that a person may not remember the specific incident or location where the exposure occurred decades earlier. Moreover, a patient might have been exposed to asbestos in multiple locations throughout their lives. All of this makes it difficult to pinpoint a single source of exposure.
This is why you need mesothelioma attorney assistance. An experienced attorney will build a detailed timeline to identify liable parties. This can include looking into your employment or military service, job duties, and places of residence.
Mesothelioma lawyers also maintain databases of asbestos-containing products, job sites, and corporate records. This helps them determine the liable company or companies.
They Gather Evidence
As hinted earlier, mesothelioma attorneys gather evidence for your case. They take the following steps:
Detailed exposure history: Attorneys map out every job site and product you encountered where asbestos fibers could be present.
Medical documentation: They gather medical evidence, such as doctors’ statements, chest X-rays, CT scans, and blood tests.
Witness statements: Mesothelioma attorneys will take statements from former colleagues, supervisors, or family members who can corroborate your exposure and conditions at the job site.
Expert statements: Experienced mesothelioma attorneys, such as those at ELSM Law, have established connections with medical and occupational experts. They will explain how specific asbestos products caused your disease and even highlight future medical needs.
They Explain Possible Legal Routes
When you file a mesothelioma claim, you might be eligible to file one or more claims. An attorney will assess the unique conditions of your case and determine which type of claim best applies to your situation. The following legal routes exist:
Personal injury lawsuit: It is filed against the company responsible for asbestos exposure. You typically have 1 to 3 years to file a claim from the date of your diagnosis. Personal injury mesothelioma lawsuits seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.
Trust fund claim: It is filed against a company that has gone bankrupt but has established a trust fund to compensate mesothelioma patients.
Wrongful death lawsuit: If you’ve lost a loved one due to mesothelioma, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Veterans benefit: If you were exposed to asbestos during military service, you can get compensated via VA disability benefits.
They Manage the Paperwork
Mesothelioma attorneys provide support throughout the litigation process. They will make sure your case is filed within the statute of limitations. Moreover, they will collect all the necessary documents, helping you and your family cope with mesothelioma’s impact.
