Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that asbestos exposure causes. It breaks lives and puts families under heavy emotional and financial stress.
However, victims and their families can find hope and justice through mesothelioma lawsuits, offering compensation.
This guide explains mesothelioma lawsuits in detail. It gives you the information you need to make smart choices.
We’ll cover types of lawsuits, the legal steps, who can sue, reasons to take legal action, and the benefits of getting compensation.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or their families can take legal action against companies responsible for their asbestos exposure through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by breathing in asbestos fibers.
Asbestos was previously common in products like insulation, building materials, brakes, and paints. But now, many countries have banned its use because asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen.
If you or someone you know has mesothelioma, you might qualify to file a lawsuit.
This legal step can help you get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other harm.
Types of Lawsuits
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Personal Injury Lawsuits: These lawsuits are filed by individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. The goal is to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
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Wrongful Death Lawsuits: If a mesothelioma patient passes away before filing a lawsuit, their family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for lost income, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.
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Class Action Lawsuits: In some cases, multiple mesothelioma patients may join together in a class action lawsuit against a common defendant. This can be advantageous for streamlining the legal process and reducing individual costs.
The Procedure of Filing Asbestos-Related Lawsuits
- Talk to a skilled mesothelioma lawyer to understand if you qualify and what claims you can make.
- Your lawyer will collect evidence like medical records, a job history, and witness statements to prove your asbestos exposure and link to mesothelioma.
- Your lawyer submits a formal complaint to the court detailing your claims and losses.
- Both sides share evidence and take depositions to gather facts.
- Usually, both parties try to settle outside of court to save time and money.
- If there’s no settlement, the case goes to trial, and a judge or jury decides who’s at fault and the compensation amount
Who can file a mesothelioma lawsuit?
- People diagnosed with mesothelioma can take legal action, no matter the stage or outlook.
- If a family member dies from mesothelioma, their relatives can sue for damages linked to the death.
- Those with asbestosis, a lung condition from asbestos, can sometimes sue later if they get mesothelioma.
Reasons to File Asbestos-Related Lawsuits
- Mesothelioma law firms often charge only if they win.
- Lawyers manage the details, so you can concentrate on your health.
- Mesothelioma cases might lead to big payouts, ensuring financial stability.
Seeking Legal Guidance
- A mesothelioma diagnosis changes your life, and the legal system might seem overwhelming.
- Talk to a skilled mesothelioma lawyer for guidance and support.
- You’re not alone.
- With good legal help and knowing your choices, you can seek justice and get the compensation you deserve.
Alternatives to Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Mesothelioma patients seeking financial compensation might not always find lawsuits the best choice. Thankfully, victims have other options.
Here are three alternatives:
- Asbestos Trust Funds: Courts have ordered some asbestos companies to set up bankruptcy trusts. These trusts hold over $30 billion to compensate those harmed by their asbestos products.
- VA Claims: One-third of mesothelioma patients are veterans. If they got mesothelioma from their time in the U.S. military, they might qualify for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- Government Programs: Patients with mesothelioma can seek financial help from programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).