A Firm That Specializes in Asbestos Litigation
Firms that specialize in asbestos litigation, versus personal injury lawyers who deal with various types of cases, have the experience and resources necessary to help those diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. These law firms have access databases that allow them to connect a patient's diagnosis with their previous exposure to asbestos.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers that are impervious to corrosion and heat. These fibers are used in products like insulation for pipes (steam lines, for instance) flooring tiles, building materials and automotive brakes and clutches. Occupational exposure occurs most often during construction, ship repairs and manufacturing of asbestos-containing products.
People who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can sue to recover damages from companies who exposed them to this deadly substance. Compensation from a mesothelioma suit can cover medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses related to the disease.
In the United States, mesothelioma victims and their families can seek financial relief from a myriad of asbestos producers through litigation. These lawsuits hold asbestos manufacturers liable for failing disclose the dangers associated with their products and causing mesothelioma among other diseases.
Asbestos litigation is unique from other personal injury cases because it can involve many of the same defendants (companies which are being sued) as well as the same law firms that represent plaintiffs and the same lawyers and experts. This is why it is essential that people suffering from asbestos-related injuries work with an attorney who is knowledgeable of these kinds of complicated cases as well as the long history of mesothelioma litigation in the United States.
One of the most important aspects in asbestos litigation is determining the cause of an individual's asbestos exposure. This could require a review of years of employment as well as Social Security and union records tax, and other records. The lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul can determine the sources of exposure and then take action against the responsible asbestos manufacturers.
Asbestos litigation is the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, dating to the 1960s. Asbestos manufacturers are beginning to feel the consequences of this legal battle 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 cause harm to people around the world until this carcinogen that causes cancer has been completely banned. Our lawyers are dedicated to holding these asbestos-related companies accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a lethal type of cancer that affects the lung lining or abdomen. It forms when sharp asbestos fibers become lodged in the lining and irritate the cells, which then can turn malignant and spread to other organs. It is rare mesothelioma is seen in people 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 perform an examination of the body and prescribe imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scanners to look for mesothelioma-related symptoms. They may also recommend the use of a biopsy in order to confirm mesothelioma-like cells in a tissue sample.
The biopsy can be carried out through surgery or removal of small amounts of tissue or fluid in the region affected by tumor. The biopsy is examined under a microscope to determine the mesothelioma type. There are two major types of mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. asbestoslitigationgroup is the most mesothelioma that is able to be treated and is responsible for 70 to 80% diagnoses. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma accounts for the rest of mesothelioma patients and is more difficult to treat.
Lawyers can assist victims to receive compensation for medical expenses loss of wages, suffering. They can also bring an asbestos lawsuit against responsible companies to make them accountable for their actions. They will examine all evidence available and develop an legal strategy that will maximize the value of a claim.
The statute of limitations in every state determines the length of time victims must file an asbestos lawsuit after being diagnosed mesothelioma. In many states, the statute of limitations begins when a victim is diagnosed with mesothelioma or, in wrongful death claims it is at the time of the death. Asbestos lawyers are well-versed in each state's laws and can assist clients in determining the best jurisdiction in which to file a mesothelioma claim. They can also assist patients avoid making mistakes that may reduce the value of their claim. A mistake in the date of diagnosis for example, can result in a loss of compensation of a number of thousands of dollars.
Statute of limitations
A statute of limitations is a legal rule that establishes a time frame within which a lawsuit must be filed. A plaintiff loses the right to take legal action once the statute of limitation expires.
Since the late 1920s when workers began reporting asbestos-related ailments, asbestos litigation has continued. It is the longest-running mass suit in U.S. History, and has affected hundreds of thousands of people within the United States. Over the years, the litigation has been changed by changes in law, the growth of a well-capitalized plaintiff bar, heightened media focus on mass tort litigation and mesothelioma in particular, and the increasing use of computer technology.
To ensure that the statutes of limitations have not expired, mesothelioma claims and other asbestos-related illnesses should be filed as soon as possible. A mesothelioma attorney can help victims understand the time limitations that apply to their specific situation. In the majority of cases, a person's time limit begins to run when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
It is important for a lawyer to have extensive experience in handling asbestos lawsuits as the statute of limitations and other legal issues that are complex can make it difficult to pursue compensation. A seasoned mesothelioma lawyer will take the time to fully examine each client's case to determine how it may affect a statute of limitations and other legal issues.
A mesothelioma case can compensate victims and family members for medical costs as well as lost income and emotional stress. These expenses can quickly accumulate. Compensation from a successful lawsuit could also alleviate financial strain and help improve 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 attorneys have represented clients exposed to asbestos in Utah and California as well as across the country. This includes those who worked in shipyards or oil refineries. We hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for their negligence and are determined to ensure the families of victims receive the financial compensation that they are entitled to.