A Firm That Specializes in Asbestos Litigation
Firms that specialize in asbestos litigation, as opposed to personal injury lawyers who deal with many different types of claims they have the expertise and resources needed to aid those suffering from asbestos-related diseases. They have access to specialized databases which will help them connect the patient's condition to the prior exposure to asbestos.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos is made up of minerals that are resistant to corrosion, heat and abrasion. These fibers are used in products like insulation for pipes (steam lines for example) flooring tiles, building materials, automotive brakes and clutches. Occupational exposure typically occurs during work in construction or ship repair, as well as manufacturing asbestos-containing products.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may file a suit to recover damages against companies that exposed them to this deadly substance. The money awarded in a mesothelioma case will cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses related to this illness.
In the United States, mesothelioma victims and their families can seek financial assistance from a myriad of asbestos producers through litigation. These lawsuits hold companies accountable for not disclosing the dangers associated with their asbestos products and in causing people to suffer from mesothelioma and other diseases.
Asbestos litigation is different from other personal injury lawsuits because it often involves the same plaintiffs and defendants. It may also involve the same law firms, attorneys and experts. It is therefore essential that asbestos-related injury victims hire a lawyer with expertise in complex cases and who understands the background of mesothelioma lawsuits in the United States.
In asbestos litigation, determining the source for a person's exposure asbestos is essential. This could require a thorough examination of records pertaining to years of employment and Social Security and unions, tax returns and other records. The lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul can identify all possible sources of exposure and pursue claims against the responsible asbestos producers.
Asbestos litigation has been going on in the United States since the 1960s. Asbestos producers are now beginning to feel the effects of this legal battle by filing for bankruptcy, settling with victims and establishing asbestos trust funds to pay future victims. Mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related diseases will continue to harm people across the globe until this deadly carcinogen has been completely banned. Our lawyers are determined to hold asbestos companies accountable for negligence.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, a deadly cancerous form that affects the lung linings and abdomen, is a deadly disease. It forms when asbestos fibers that are sharp become trapped in the lining of the body and irritate the cells, which then can turn malignant and grow to other organs. It is not common that mesothelioma develops in people who have never been exposed to asbestos. In many cases, the symptoms don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are difficulty breathing, coughing and chest pain. A doctor will usually perform physical examinations and order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to look for indications of mesothelioma. They may also recommend the use of a biopsy in order to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells in the tissue sample.
The biopsy procedure can be done through surgery or removal of small amounts of tissue or fluid in the region affected by cancer. The biopsy is examined under a microscope in order to determine the mesothelioma type. There are two types of mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more susceptible to treatment and accounts for up 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma makes up the rest of mesothelioma patients and is more difficult to treat.
Lawyers can assist victims in receiving compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also file a lawsuit against responsible asbestos companies to make them accountable for their actions. They will look over the evidence and formulate a legal strategy that will maximize the value of your claim.
The statute of limitations in every state determines the length of time victims have to file a lawsuit against asbestos after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. In many states, the statute of limitations is in effect when the victim is diagnosed with mesothelioma, or in the case of wrongful death claims, at the time of death. Asbestos lawyers are familiar with each state's laws and can assist clients in determining the best jurisdiction in which to file a mesothelioma claim. They can also help victims avoid making mistakes that could lower the value of their case. An error in the date of diagnosis, for instance, could cause a loss of compensation of a number of thousands of dollars.
Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitation is a legal rule that sets a time limit within which lawsuits must be filed. After the statute of limitations has expired the plaintiff loses the right to pursue legal action, regardless of the merits of the case.
Since the late 1920s, when workers began reporting asbestos-related illnesses, asbestos litigation has continued. It is now the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, and it has affected hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone. The litigation has evolved over the years due to changes in the law, the growth in the number of well-capitalized plaintiffs, the increasing media attention on mass tort litigation, mesothelioma particularly and the increased use of computers.
The mesothelioma lawsuit and other asbestos-related diseases must be filed in a timely fashion to ensure that the statute of limitations hasn't expired. Each state has its own statute of limitations and a mesothelioma lawyer can assist victims in understanding what deadlines apply to their specific situation. In the majority of cases, a victim's statute of limitations starts to run when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Brooklyn Park asbestos lawyers should have a lot of experience in handling asbestos cases as the statute of limitations and other legal issues can make it difficult to obtain compensation. An asbestos lawyer will carefully analyze the case of each client to determine whether it will impact a statute or other legal issues.
Moreover, a mesothelioma lawsuit can help compensate victims and their families for medical expenses as well as emotional pain which can mount up quickly. A successful lawsuit can help reduce financial hardships and improve the quality of life.
Waters Kraus & Paul is experienced in holding asbestos distributors, manufacturers and others accountable for their role in the development of mesothelioma. Our lawyers have represented clients exposed to asbestos in Utah and California, as well as across the country. This includes people who worked in shipyards or oil refineries. We hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for their negligence and are determined to ensure that victims and their loved ones receive the financial compensation they are due.