Mesothelioma and Wrongful Death Claims
A mesothelioma claim is a legal proceeding that lets the victims or their families seek compensation from companies responsible for asbestos exposure. The defendants may deal with the victims out of court or contest the claim, which could result in the filing of a trial lawsuit.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help you determine the type of claim that is appropriate, gather all the necessary details and bring the case to an effective conclusion. The amount of compensation can be varying. Settlements and verdicts average millions of dollars.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops on the tissues of organs like the stomach or lungs. Exposure to asbestos, which is a naturally occurring mineral, can cause the disease. Asbestos was a time when it was widely employed in a variety of products and [Redirect-307] in buildings. Although it is now banned, many people who were exposed to asbestos decades ago still suffer from mesothelioma. The disease can take from 20 to 60 years or more to develop following exposure. Scientists aren’t sure what causes the disease. However, they believe that asbestos fibers penetrate the lining of the lung and cause cells to multiply uncontrollably.
The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the results of a biopsy and the stage of cancer. The cancer is not curable, but it is treatable with chemotherapy and surgery. The most common forms of mesothelioma comprise peritoneal as well as pleural mesothelioma. These types are associated with asbestos exposure in the workplace. It can also affect the pericardium (lining of the heart) and the testicles.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may be severe or mild, and they may come and disappear. It is difficult to identify because they can mimic other diseases and illnesses. Early testing is crucial to catching the disease in its early stages. Inform your doctor if have ever had exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in various industries such as shipbuilding and the military. The material is heat resistant and is extremely durable making it an ideal ingredient for construction and manufacturing materials. It was used to make insulation, brakes, and shingles among other things. When these products are removed the microscopic fibers of asbestos can be released into the air. Asbestos exposure can be long-lasting and can include both the crocidolite as well as the Chrysotile.
After exposure, mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 50 years later. It usually affects the lung’s lining (pleura) but can also affect the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and in rare instances, the heart and the testicles. It is most common in men aged 55 and over and are four times more likely to be diagnosed than women. It is believed that this is due to the fact that most men have had jobs which have been associated with asbestos exposure, such as electrical work, construction as well as auto repair or army service.
Lung cancer
Around 32,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. It is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers which can cause DNA damage and cause tumor growth. This can occur in several ways, including inflammation or chemical interference as well as physical interference with cellular processes. There are two major types of lung cancer: small-cell and non-small-cell. Small-cell lung cancer is more likely to grow quickly and spread. This type is more tolerant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Non-small cell lung cancer is slower and more inactive, however it can still expand. Both cancers can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
A chest X-ray is the most common method to detect lung cancer. This scan may show an isolated pulmonary nodule or multiple nodules, an enlarged mediastinum, atelectasis, unproven parenchymal infiltrates, or cavitary lesions. If these findings are discovered then the doctor may recommend additional tests. A biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment plan.
Once the diagnosis has been confirmed and the victim is confirmed, the victim and his family may bring a lawsuit in order to claim damages from the company responsible for their exposure. A settlement or verdict by a jury could provide compensation for medical expenses and other losses. A reputable mesothelioma lawyer can assist the victim, or their family members to file a trust fund or personal injury claim.
Mesothelioma sufferers must prove their exposure history in order to be eligible for an asbestos lawsuit or trust fund claim. A top mesothelioma attorney will evaluate each individual case of a victim and recommend the best legal options. The lawyers at Sokolove Law can assist victims and their families collect evidence to support the mesothelioma suit or trust fund claim.
A mesothelioma suit could result in a substantial settlement from the asbestos company that was responsible for the victim’s exposure. However, it is important to know that most mesothelioma claims settle before reaching the trial stage. This is because both parties involved in the lawsuit can imagine what a trial could look like and are more likely to agree on an agreement in order to avoid an expensive trial.
Wrongful death
Wrongful death is a kind of legal claim that allows an estate to file an action on behalf of someone who has died due to the wrongdoing of a third party. If Paul was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, and his treatment was negligent, then his estate could file a wrongful-death claim against the medical professionals who performed the procedure. The estate will seek damages for the loss of companionship, suffering, and medical expenses incurred because of the negligence. The Mahoning County Probate Court has adopted special rules for handling asbestos related claims for wrongful deaths. They require several steps to ensure that money designated for beneficiaries is properly distributed.
Statute of limitations
When asbestos exposure victims are seeking compensation the statute of limitations can impact their cases. Statutes of limitations are laws that limit the time allowed to make a claim. For asbestos claims, these statutes vary by state and kind of case. They are designed to encourage speedy proceedings and allow courts to review evidence and witness testimony before witnesses’ memories begin to fade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can assist patients learn about the statutes of limitations for their specific states. They can also assist in navigating the process of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. Mesothelioma patients typically are able to file personal injury and/or wrongful death lawsuits against companies who are responsible for their exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos lawsuits are filed in civil court, and the time period for these cases varies from state to state. Personal injury and wrongful-death lawsuits which involve asbestos are usually filed when a victim is diagnosed with asbestosis or learns that a loved one died due to asbestos. The statute of limitations may begin earlier if the victim knew, or ought to have known that they were exposed.
The fact that symptoms of asbestos exposure can often take years to manifest, complicates the statute of limitations in mesothelioma cases. This long latency period has led to different statutes of limitations for asbestos lawsuits. Some states recognize the discovery rule, which allows the statute of limitations to begin on the date the diagnosis was made rather than the date that the asbestos exposure occurred.
It is crucial that victims consult an experienced asbestos attorney as soon as possible to ensure their time limit isn’t close to expiring. This will ensure that the victims receive the money they deserve. If the time for filing a claim has expired, a mesothelioma lawyer can assist in pursuing other avenues to recover compensation, such as trust fund and class action lawsuits.