A Firm That Specializes in Asbestos Litigation
In contrast to personal injury lawyers who handle a variety of claims, companies that specialize in asbestos litigation have the experience and resources to assist people diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. These law firms have access databases that allow them to determine the diagnosis of a patient based on their previous exposure to asbestos.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring mineral fibers that are impervious to corrosion and heat. These fibers are used in various products, including insulation for pipes (steam lines, for instance), floor tiles, building materials, and automotive brakes and clutches. Exposure to asbestos typically occurs when working in construction or ship repair, as well as manufacturing asbestos-containing products.
People who are diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses can file a lawsuit to seek damages from the companies that exposed them to the deadly substance. The money resulting from a mesothelioma suit can help cover medical bills as well as lost wages, among other expenses associated with the disease.
In the United States, mesothelioma victims and their families can seek financial assistance from dozens of different asbestos producers through litigation. These lawsuits hold asbestos producers liable for failing disclose the dangers associated with their products, resulting in mesothelioma and other cancers.
Asbestos litigation is distinct from other personal injury cases since it can involve a lot of the same defendants (companies which are sued) as well as the same law firms representing plaintiffs and the same lawyers and expert witnesses. This is why it is essential that those suffering from asbestos-related injuries seek out an attorney who is familiar with these kinds of complicated cases and the lengthy history of mesothelioma lawsuits in the United States.
A key issue in asbestos litigation is determining the cause of an individual's asbestos exposure. This could require a thorough investigation of documents relating to employment history, Social Security and unions, tax returns and other records. The lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul can identify all possible sources of exposure, and then take action against the responsible asbestos producers.
Asbestos litigation has been going on in the Americas since the 1960s. Asbestos manufacturers are beginning to feel the consequences of this legal battle by filing for bankruptcy, making settlements with victims and creating asbestos trust funds to compensate future victims. Mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases, will continue to cause harm to people all over the world until this dangerous carcinogen has been completely banned. Our lawyers are determined to hold asbestos companies accountable for negligence.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a fatal type of cancer that affects the lung's lining or abdomen. It develops when asbestos fibers are sharp and get lodged in the lining and cause irritation to the cells which may then turn malignant and spread to other organs. It is uncommon for mesothelioma develop in people who have no previous history of exposure to asbestos. In many cases, the symptoms do not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. A doctor will perform a physical examination and order imaging tests like X-rays or CT scanners to look for signs of mesothelioma. They may also suggest biopsies to look for mesothelioma in a sample of tissue.
The biopsy can be done using surgery or by removing a small amount of fluid or tissue from the region affected by the cancer. The biopsy is then examined under a microscope to determine the type of mesothelioma. There are two types of mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is the more sensitive mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to the 80% of diagnoses. Sarcomatoid is the remaining mesothelioma and is more difficult to treat.
Lawyers can assist victims with getting compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. They can also file a lawsuit against responsible asbestos companies to hold them accountable for their actions. They will look over all evidence available and develop an legal strategy that will maximize the potential value of a claim.
The statute of limitations in every state determines the length of time victims must pursue an asbestos lawsuit after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. In the majority of states, the statute of limitations starts when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma, or in the case of wrongful death the date of death. Asbestos lawyers are familiar with the laws of each state and can assist clients in determining the best place to file a mesothelioma suit. They can also help patients avoid making mistakes that could lower the value of their case. An error in the date of diagnosis, for example, can cause a loss of compensation of thousands of dollars.
Statute of limitations
A statute of limitations is a legal rule that specifies a time frame within which the lawsuit or claim must be filed. When the statute of limitations has expired the plaintiff loses the right to pursue legal action, regardless of the merits of the case.
Since the late 1920s, when workers began to report asbestos-related illnesses, asbestos litigation has continued. It is the longest-running mass suit in U.S. History, and has affected hundreds of thousand of people within the United States. The litigation has changed in the past due to changes in the law, the increase in the number of well-capitalized plaintiffs, the increased attention of the media on mesothelioma, a mass tort particularly and the wider use of computers.
To ensure that the statutes of limitation have not expired, mesothelioma claims and other asbestos-related diseases should be filed as soon as possible. Suffolk asbestos lawsuit has its own statute of limitations and mesothelioma lawyers can assist victims in understanding what deadlines apply to their specific situation. In most cases, a person's time limit begins to run when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
A lawyer must have extensive experience in handling asbestos cases as the statutes of limitations as well as other legal issues can make compensation difficult. A mesothelioma attorney will thoroughly analyze the case of each client to determine if it can affect a statute or other legal questions.
A mesothelioma suit can also compensate victims and their relatives for medical costs as well as lost income and emotional stress. These costs can quickly accumulate. Compensation from a successful lawsuit can also alleviate financial strain and improve quality of life.
Waters Kraus & Paul is experienced in holding asbestos manufacturers, distributors and others accountable for their role in mesothelioma's development. Our attorneys have worked for asbestos-related victims in Utah, California and across the nation as well as those employed in oil refineries and shipyards. We hold asbestos manufacturers responsible for their negligence, and we will ensure that the victims and their families receive the financial compensation they deserve.