A Firm That Specializes in Asbestos Litigation
Contrary to personal injury lawyers who handle many different types of claims, law firms that specialize in asbestos litigation have the knowledge and resources to assist people diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos. These law firms have access to specialized databases that can help them connect a patient's diagnosis to the previous exposure to asbestos.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos is made up of a collection of mineral fibers which are resistant to corrosion, heat and abrasion. These fibers are used in products like insulation for pipes (steam lines, for example), floor tiles, building materials, automotive brakes and clutches. Occupational exposure typically occurs when working in construction or ship repair, as well as manufacturing asbestos-containing products.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can bring a lawsuit to seek damages from companies that exposed them this deadly substance. The compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit can cover medical costs along with lost wages and other expenses related to this illness.
In the United States, mesothelioma patients and their families could seek financial relief through lawsuits against hundreds of asbestos manufacturers. These lawsuits hold companies accountable for their failure to disclose the dangers of their asbestos products, and for causing people to suffer from mesothelioma and other conditions.
Asbestos litigation is unique from other personal injury cases because it may involve many of the same defendants (companies who are sued) and the same law firms that represent plaintiffs as well as the same lawyers and experts. This makes it essential that individuals with asbestos-related injuries hire an attorney who is knowledgeable of these kinds of cases and the long history of mesothelioma lawsuits in the United States.
A key issue in asbestos litigation is determining the source of an individual's exposure to asbestos. This may require an examination of records pertaining to the years of employment, Social Security, unions, taxes and other records. Waters Kraus and Paul's lawyers can pinpoint the possible asbestos-related sources and then seek legal action against asbestos manufacturers.
Asbestos litigation has been ongoing in the US since the 1960s. Asbestos producers are now beginning to feel the impact of this legal battle by filing for bankruptcy, settling claims with victims and creating asbestos trust funds to compensate future victims. Mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related illnesses, will continue to cause harm to people across the globe until this deadly carcinogen has been banned completely. Our lawyers are dedicated to holding asbestos companies accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a fatal type of cancer that affects the lung lining or abdomen. It forms when asbestos fibers that are sharp become lodged in the lining and cause irritation to cells, which then can turn malignant and spread to other organs. It is extremely rare mesothelioma is seen in those who have not had a background of long-term exposure to asbestos. In asbestos litigation history , symptoms don't manifest until years after asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. A doctor will perform an examination of the body and prescribe imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scanners to check for mesothelioma-related symptoms. They may also recommend a biopsied to test for mesothelioma in a sample of tissue.
The biopsy may be performed with surgery or by taking a small amount of fluid or tissue from the area affected by the tumor. The biopsy is analyzed under a microscope to determine the type of mesothelioma. There are two kinds of mesothelioma, epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is the most responsive type of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70% to 80% diagnoses. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the rest of mesothelioma cases and is more difficult to treat.
Lawyers can help victims get compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. They can also sue asbestos companies accountable for their negligence. They will analyze the evidence and formulate a legal strategy to maximize the value of your claim.
The statute of limitations in each state determines the time victims must file a lawsuit against asbestos after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. In the majority of states, a person's statute of limitations starts when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma or in the case of wrongful deaths, the date of death. Asbestos lawyers are well-versed in the laws of each state and can advise clients on the most appropriate jurisdiction to file a mesothelioma claim. They can also help victims avoid mistakes that can reduce the value of their case. For instance, a lapse on the date of diagnosis could result in a loss of thousands of dollars in compensation.
Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitation is a legal rule which defines a deadline within which lawsuits must be filed. Once the statute of limitations has expired the plaintiff loses the right to pursue legal action regardless of the merits of the case.
Since the 1920s, when workers began reporting asbestos-related illnesses 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. Throughout the years the litigation has been shaped by changes in law, the growth of a well-capitalized plaintiffs bar, the increased media interest in mass tort litigation and mesothelioma particularly, and the increased use of computers.
To ensure that the statutes of limitation have not expired, mesothelioma claims and other asbestos-related illnesses should be filed as soon as is possible. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist victims to understand the time frames that apply to their specific situation. In most cases, a person's time limit begins to expire when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
A lawyer should have a lot of experience handling asbestos cases because the statutes of limitations and other legal issues can make it difficult to obtain compensation. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will take the time to thoroughly examine each client's case to determine how it may impact a statute of limitations and other legal questions.
Furthermore, a mesothelioma suit can be used to compensate victims and their families for medical expenses as well as lost income and emotional pain that can accumulate quickly. The money derived from a successful suit can also reduce financial hardship and improve quality of life.
Waters Kraus & Paul is experienced in holding asbestos manufacturers, distributors and others accountable for their role in the development of mesothelioma. Our lawyers have represented clients exposed to asbestos in Utah, California and across the nation, including those who were employed in oil refineries and shipyards. We hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for their negligence, and will ensure that victims and their loved ones receive the financial compensation they deserve.