- What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal cancer which can strike your lungs, abdomen and heart.
- How do I get mesothelioma?
You can get mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral fiber which if inhaled, can settle in the lining of the lungs, stomach and heart and cause cancerous growth of cells.
- What should I do if I am diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like malignant mesothelioma?
If you are diagnosed with any asbestos related disease such as malignant mesothelioma, you should immediately see a doctor who can start prompt treatment for this cancer. You should also consult a mesothelioma attorney to see if legal action can be taken against the party responsible for asbestos exposure.
- Why do I need legal help if I get malignant mesothelioma?
You need legal help because a lawyer or mesothelioma attorney can help you get a fair compensation from the responsible party. Being an acclaimed cause of Mesothelioma which leads to death, asbestos is banned in the US and many other countries. Thus, if it was used intentionally, the people accountable for it are legally bound to pay the mesothelioma victims.
- Is there specific period of time for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Yes, individual states of US have laws which are known as Statues of Limitations. These laws specify the time limit these victims have during which they can take legal action against the asbestos industry.
- What expenses does this mesothelioma compensation cover?
This compensation can help you cover the escalading medical treatment bills which result from mesothelioma tests and treatment. They cannot give back your life but they can compensate for the mental as well as physical pain and anguish which you and your family goes through during this disease. It can also ensure the financial security of your family, after you are gone.
- I am not rich enough to afford an attorney. What shall I do if I want to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?
One good thing about filing a mesothelioma case is that the lawyers do not demand out-of-pocket fees for legal expenses. Under a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyers receive a percentage of your total recovery only if they win the case and secure a settlement for you. If they are not able to get you any compensation, they do not get anything. All the expenses of litigating your case will be deducted from the portion of recovery once you win compensation. This is good news for people who cannot afford a mesothelioma attorney.
- What kind of compensation can I expect from a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Due to unique nature of each case, every person is entitled to a different amount of compensation. Compensation depends on the nature of your disease, proof of exposure to asbestos, financial condition of the responsible company and laws and jurisdiction of the state and other important facts. An experienced attorney can help you secure a good amount of compensation keeping all these things in mind.
- What if I die during the case or before a settlement is reached?
In most of the cases, if you pass away before the court case is settled, your family can continue to fight on your behalf. The executor of your estate will act as the personal representative and receive compensation from your case. Family members of mesothelioma patients have the right to seek compensation for their personal loss.
- Can I settle my case out of court or will I have to go to trial?
Settling cases out of court is no unusual occurrence. There may be several defendants in your lawsuit depending on the asbestos products you were exposed to. Some defendants may agree to an out-of-court settlement under agreement with the law firm or others might settle on the ‘courthouse steps’ as it is said. In some cases, it is necessary to undergo a trial to receive a fair compensation.
- Why are mesothelioma lawyers successful in winning the case?
The main reason that mesothelioma lawyers are successful in winning the case and securing compensation for their clients is the irresponsibility of employers who exposed them to asbestos. If this asbestos exposure would have been avoided or workplace safety had been ensured, the patient would not be suffering from mesothelioma. Due to the blame which lies with the employer, the mesothelioma lawyers are able to justify the case in court and win. Also, mesothelioma law is strict and helps in getting a fair verdict in favor of its victims.
- How do I select the best mesothelioma attorney for fighting my case?
To fight your mesothelioma lawsuit and get the highest compensation, it is important that you get an experienced and reputable lawyer. Due to the increase in mesothelioma cases, there has been an influx of mesothelioma lawyers but you need to find a lawyer who can help you win your case.
- What should I look for in an expert mesothelioma lawyer?
An expert mesothelioma lawyer always prepares the case beforehand and conducts thorough research before filing it. S/he understands the complexities involved in such cases including asbestos related issues, time constraints to file the case and medical issues. It is important that the lawyer you have chosen pays equal importance to all issues to make sure that s/he is fully prepared to fight your case.
- What are the legal options available to victims of asbestos exposure?
If you were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis, lungs cancer or mesothelioma, you can file a legal claim against the manufacturers, seller and installers of asbestos products. The United States law fully supports the asbestos victims and helps them get fair compensation for their suffering.
- I don’t remember when or how I was exposed to asbestos? What can I do?
A majority of people diagnosed with Mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases cannot recall when or how they were exposed to asbestos. Your mesothelioma doctor or attorney can help in this context as you may not be familiar with the wide range of products and places where asbestos is used. Due to long latency period of the disease, you may forget where you were exposed to this deadly mineral.
- What are stages of the mesothelioma lawsuit?
There may be different stages to each case. However, some of them are common in all. They are:
- Initial sessions in which you contact your attorney, discuss your case and decide if you should file a legal claim. In this process your lawyer will gather the facts and other records which indicate your exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma
- Filing the complain is the next step where the case is filed in the court against the responsible party which can be manufacturers, sellers or suppliers of asbestos products
- Prosecuting the case is the third step when the court case is scheduled. Investigation is carried out which includes talking to co-workers, family members, acquiring documents and other important things which will be helpful in your case.
- As the case progresses, some defendants or the responsible industry may try to make an out of court settlement while offering compensation. This way a case is settled even before a trial begins.
- If an out-of-court settlement does not take place, the trial begins on the fixed date. During the trial, testimony and evidence is presented in the court to support the case and win compensation for the mesothelioma victim.
17. How can I help my attorney during the lawsuit and trial?
You can help your attorney by providing him/her with all your up to date and current medical report, you past employment records and answering all the questions correctly which may help him/her in winning the case.
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