Asbestos Litigation
A large portion of asbestos litigation has been handled by courts across the country. Research has proven that asbestos exposure can cause lung damage and illness.
An attorney must be able recognize asbestos in every case. This can be accomplished by speaking with colleagues or obtaining records, as well as analyzing samples from homes or work sites.
Liability
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease you could be eligible for compensation. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages and other costs related to mesothelioma. You can either file a lawsuit or offer a settlement to the defendants.
There are typically multiple defendants in asbestos cases because there are many mining companies that made asbestos and manufacturers of the products that contained asbestos. These businesses may also own or have control of asbestos-contaminated properties. Additionally, businesses that provided services to mines, or manufacturers who used asbestos, or who acted as employers could be held liable for injuries to victims.
Asbestos suits are typically governed by laws governing product liability that are based on the laws of the state and common law which allow damages to be recovered from sellers of products when those products cause injuries. In a lawsuit involving product liability where the injuries occurred due to the design defect or manufacturing error and that the injured person was not adequately warned about the dangers associated with the products.
In asbestos cases, defendants often assert that they were not negligent and that their products are safe. This is despite the fact that doctors have long known that asbestos-containing items are linked to a myriad of illnesses. Companies that concealed asbestos-related dangers to increase profits were accused of cover-up, as they tried to block claims and keep workers from seeking an amount of compensation for their injuries.
A jury or judge can decide on how to split the burden of responsibility between defendants if more than one defendant has been identified as being responsible for an asbestos-related injury. This is known as apportionment. The apportionment process does not alter the amount of compensation the plaintiff can receive from the defendants.
Damages
A lawsuit against a company which manufactured or sold asbestos could assist victims to recover compensation. This includes the cost of medical treatment for their disease and lost earnings due to the inability to work. Victims may also receive punitive and compensatory damages.
The lawsuit alleges the defendant acted negligently, meaning that it did not take reasonable steps to ensure the product was safe for the intended use. The lawsuit also claims that the defendant knew asbestos was a risk and failed to inform consumers and workers about this risk.
A person who has been a victim or the estates of those who have passed away from asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma may make an asbestos lawsuit. An individual can make a personal injury claim to seek compensation for non-economic and economic damages, such as emotional distress and suffering, loss of enjoyment life as well as pain and suffering. Additionally, the surviving family members of a person who died from an asbestos-related disease may file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Once an asbestos case is initiated, the parties share information through an process known as discovery. This process can take some time and may require interviews with coworkers, family members, abatement workers, and others in order to identify potential defendants.
Due to the complicated nature of asbestos litigation it is imperative that plaintiffs get an experienced lawyer to handle their case. The law firm that a victim or their family selects should be aware of the unique complexities involved in asbestos litigation and should be recognized by defendants and insurance companies for its expertise in these cases.
The lawyers at LK are asbestos litigation experts with years of experience representing asbestos victims and their families. We are recognized for our ability to secure the maximum amount of compensation for our clients.
If you have questions about filing an asbestos lawsuit, contact us for a no-cost consultation. We are dedicated to fighting for justice that is in the best interest of our clients. Our offices are located Salt Lake City, Utah and Houston, Texas. We represent clients from all over the nation. Contact us by phone or email today to get started.
Settlements
If asbestos victims prevail in their lawsuits, they get compensation from companies that knowingly exposed them to dangerous substances. The money is meant to pay the victim and their family members for financial losses caused by asbestos exposure. Compensation may also cover suffering and pain.
Asbestos cases are often settled instead of going to trial because it is less expensive and easier for Vimeo defendant companies to settle the matter in this manner. Settlements also can help prevent the negative publicity that can come when a jury verdict is handed down. It is important to hire mesothelioma attorneys who have prior experience in obtaining the maximum amount of damages for their clients.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are complex and require attorneys to conduct extensive investigations into their client’s employment history as well as medical records and Vimeo asbestos exposure. They can assist clients in identifying potential asbestos-producing companies that may be responsible for their illness. Lawyers can then gather evidence to use in a mesothelioma-related case that is a solid one.
During pre-trial discovery and depositions mesothelioma lawyers are able to discover evidence of erwin asbestos lawsuit companies’ negligence. The evidence typically comes in the form internal memos, corporate documents, and testimony from former employees who worked with asbestos-containing substances. These documents often show that asbestos producers were aware of mesothelioma’s dangers, and other asbestos-related diseases but did not inform their employees or the general public.
Many states set time limits which are known as statutes of limitation that define how long an asbestos victim has to bring a lawsuit. The time frames vary from state to state, but typically range between one and two years. If the statute of limitations expires before a mesothelioma suit is filed, victims lose their rights to receive compensation.
The amount of compensation that victims will receive is based on the severity of their illness, their diagnosis and other factors. Attorneys look at treatment costs and other costs when they negotiate to ensure patients have enough money to pay their medical expenses. Asbestos-related victims may also be able to claim through trust funds that have been established to help those diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Some of these trusts have been closed, but others continue to pay out large payouts. For instance, in the year 2018 a federal jury awarded $70 million to the family of the family of a U.S. Navy machinist who contracted mesothelioma as a result of working with gaskets manufactured by John Crane Inc.
Trials
Asbestos-related victims who go to trial have a much better chance of receiving compensation than those who accept a settlement offer. Trials can resolve issues that are not resolved through settlement negotiations. For example, differences in the calculation of damages and whether the condition of a victim is due to a specific exposure.
In a court of law, plaintiffs need to prove they are entitled to damages, including future and past medical expenses, lost wages, damage to property as well as pain and discomfort and Vimeo loss in consortium. The defendant must also prove its responsibility for the asbestos-related injury. The trial process is typically lengthy. In the last 10 years mesothelioma jury awards cases have increased significantly and far exceeded the amount awarded to settlement cases by judges.
A mesothelioma lawyer can help victims understand the trial process, and can explain their legal right in a courtroom open to the public. A lawyer with experience can also help to identify potential defendants. In contrast to car accident litigation where it is typically easy to identify the responsible individuals involved, asbestos litigation can be more complicated. This is especially the case when someone was exposed more than one type of eagle asbestos lawsuit and in multiple places. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer is able to interview witnesses, such as relatives, coworkers, and abatement workers, to create an inventory of products, employers and locations.
The cost of resolving asbestos claims eats up funds that could be used to pay for future cases. Additionally, some claimants think that settlements aren’t just based on injuries that actually occurred and deserve more in compensation.
In asbestos cases, defendants can contest claims to dismiss them through summary judgment or a determination of no exposure. These motions require an exhaustive examination of the evidence and an expert’s opinion that the hurst asbestos attorney doses that were measured by the plaintiff were not sufficient to cause mesothelioma. A mesothelioma attorney can help accelerate the process and avoid the case from becoming a part of the backlog in the courts.