A Firm That Specializes in Asbestos Litigation
Firms that specialize in asbestos litigation, as opposed to personal injury attorneys who handle a variety of claims have the expertise and resources needed to aid those diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. These law firms have access to special databases that can help them link a patient's illness with the prior exposure to asbestos.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring mineral fibers that resist to heat and corrosion. These fibers are used in various products, including insulation for pipes (steam lines, for instance) floor tiles, building materials, automobile brakes and clutches. The most frequent exposure to asbestos is during work in construction or ship repair, as well as manufacturing asbestos-containing products.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses can file a suit to seek damages from companies that exposed them this dangerous substance. The money awarded in a mesothelioma case will cover medical expenses as well as lost wages and other costs related to this illness.
In the United States, mesothelioma victims and their families can seek financial relief from a variety of asbestos manufacturers through lawsuits. These lawsuits hold these companies accountable for not disclosing the dangers associated with asbestos products and in causing people to be affected by mesothelioma and additional conditions.
Asbestos litigation differs from other personal injury claims because it usually involves the same defendants and plaintiffs. It may also involve the same lawyers, law firms, and expert witnesses. This makes it essential that those suffering from asbestos-related injuries hire an attorney who is familiar with these kinds of cases and the long history of mesothelioma litigation in the United States.
In asbestos litigation, determining the reason for a person's exposure asbestos is vital. This could require a thorough examination of records pertaining to years of employment and Social Security, unions, taxes and other documents. The lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul can determine the sources of exposure and seek claims against responsible asbestos manufacturers.
Fayetteville asbestos lawsuit has been going on in the United States since the 1960s. Asbestos manufacturers are finally starting to feel the effects of this litigation by filing for bankruptcy, settling claims with victims and establishing asbestos trust funds to compensate future victims. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases will continue to harm people around the world until this dangerous carcinogen has been banned completely. Our lawyers are determined to hold asbestos companies accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a lethal type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It occurs when asbestos fibers lodge in the lung's lining or abdomen and cause irritation to cells. The cells then develop into malignant cells and spread to other organs. It is extremely rare that mesothelioma develops in those who have never been exposed to asbestos. In many cases, symptoms don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. A doctor will typically conduct a physical exam and order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to look for mesothelioma-related symptoms. They may also recommend biopsies to look for mesothelioma in a tissue sample.
The biopsy can be carried out with surgery or by removing a small amount of tissue or fluid from the region affected by the tumor. The biopsy is examined under a microscope to determine the mesothelioma type. There are two types of mesothelioma, epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is the more sensitive mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 80percent of diagnoses. Sarcomatoid is the remaining mesothelioma and is more difficult to treat.
Lawyers can help victims get compensation for their medical expenses loss of wages, suffering. They can also file a lawsuit against responsible asbestos companies to make them accountable for their negligence. They will look over the evidence and devise an appropriate legal strategy to maximize the value of your claim.
The statute of limitations in each state determines how long victims have to file an asbestos lawsuit after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. In the majority of states, a person's statute of limitations begins when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma, or in the case of wrongful death the date of death. Asbestos attorneys are familiar with the laws of each state and can advise their clients on where to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma. They can also assist victims avoid making mistakes that could lower the value of their case. A mistake in the date of diagnosis for instance, could cause a loss of compensation in the thousands of dollars.
Statute of limitations
A statute of limitations is a legal requirement that sets a specific time frame within which a lawsuit or claim must be filed. A plaintiff loses the right to file a legal claim once the statute of limitation expires.
Since the late 1920s when workers began to report asbestos-related illnesses, asbestos litigation has been ongoing. It has become the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, and it has impacted hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone. Over the years the litigation has been shaped by changes in law, the expansion of a well-capitalized plaintiff bar, heightened media focus on mesothelioma litigation and mass tort litigation in particular, and wider use of computer technology.
The mesothelioma lawsuit and other asbestos-related diseases should be filed in a timely fashion to ensure that the statute of limitations hasn't expired. Each state has its own statute of limitations, and a mesothelioma lawyer can help patients understand what time frame applies in their specific situation. In the majority of cases, the statute of limitations starts to run when a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease.
It is crucial for a lawyer to have vast experience dealing with asbestos lawsuits since the statute of limitations and other legal issues that are complex could make pursuing 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.
Moreover, a mesothelioma lawsuit can be used to compensate victims and their families for medical expenses as well as emotional stress which can mount up quickly. The compensation from a successful lawsuit can also reduce financial hardship and allow for a better quality of life.
Waters Kraus & Paul has experience in the case of holding asbestos distributors, producers, and others accountable for the role they played in the development mesothelioma. Our lawyers have represented asbestos-related patients in Utah, California and across the country including those employed in shipyards and oil refineries. We hold asbestos manufacturers responsible for their negligence, and we are committed to ensuring that victims and their loved ones receive the financial compensation they are due.