A Firm That Specializes in Asbestos Litigation
Unlike personal injury attorneys who deal with a variety of claims, firms that specialize in asbestos litigation have the expertise and resources to help people diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos. They have access to specific databases that will help them connect the patient's condition to the exposure they have had to asbestos prior to their diagnosis.
Workplace Exposure
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers that resist to heat and corrosion. Paterson asbestos lawsuit are found in a wide range of products like floor tiles, building material and automotive brakes and clutches. Occupational exposure occurs most often during ship repairs, construction and manufacturing of asbestos-containing products.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses can bring a lawsuit to recover damages from companies that exposed them to the dangerous substance. The compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit can cover medical costs as well as lost wages and other costs associated with this illness.
In the United States, mesothelioma patients and their families can seek financial relief through litigation from dozens of asbestos manufacturers. These lawsuits hold asbestos producers accountable for not disclosing the dangers of their products and causing mesothelioma, among other conditions.
Asbestos litigation is distinct from other personal injury cases due to the fact that it can involve many of the same defendants (companies which are being sued) and the same law firms representing plaintiffs and the same lawyers and expert witnesses. This is why it is essential that those suffering from asbestos-related injuries work with a lawyer who understands these kinds of complicated cases as well as the long history of mesothelioma lawsuits in the United States.
A key issue in asbestos litigation is determining the cause of a person's asbestos exposure. This could require a thorough examination of records pertaining to the years of employment, Social Security as well as unions, taxes, and other documents. The lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul can determine the sources of exposure and then seek claims against responsible asbestos manufacturers.
Asbestos litigation has been going on in the US since the 1960s. Asbestos producers are now beginning to feel the effects from this litigation, submitting for bankruptcy and settlements with victims. They have also established asbestos trust funds in order to pay future victims. But until this harmful carcinogen is completely eliminated mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses will continue to cause significant harm to people across the world. Our lawyers are committed to holding asbestos companies accountable for negligence.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a fatal cancerous type that affects the lung lining and the abdomen, is a fatal disease. It forms when sharp asbestos fibers become lodged in the lining and cause irritation to cells, which may then turn malignant and expand to other organs. It is uncommon for mesothelioma develop in people without a background of long-term exposure to asbestos. In many instances it takes years after exposure for the first signs to be evident.
Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, coughing, and breathing difficulties. A doctor will typically perform an examination and may order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to look for indications of mesothelioma. They may also suggest the use of a biopsy in order to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells in a tissue sample.
The biopsy procedure can be done by surgery or by removing small amounts of tissue or fluid in the area affected by tumor. The biopsy is analyzed under a microscope in order to determine the type mesothelioma. There are two types of mesothelioma - epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and makes up 70% to 80 percent of mesothelioma diagnosis. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma accounts for the majority of mesothelioma cases and is more difficult to treat.
Lawyers can help victims receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and suffering. They can also bring an asbestos lawsuit against responsible companies to make them accountable for their negligence. They will review all available evidence and prepare a legal strategy that will maximize the potential value of a 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 the majority of states, a person's statute of limitations starts when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma or in the case of wrongful deaths, the date of death. Asbestos lawyers are familiar with each state's laws and can provide advice to clients on the most appropriate jurisdiction to file a mesothelioma claim. They can also help victims avoid mistakes that could lower the value of their claim. For instance, a mistake on the date of diagnosis could result in a loss of thousands of dollars in compensation.
Statute of limitations
A statute of limitations is a legal rule that sets a specific time period within which a lawsuit or claim must be filed. A plaintiff is no longer able to take legal action once the statute of limitations expires.
Since the late 1920s, when workers began to report asbestos-related illnesses, asbestos litigation has been ongoing. It is the longest-running mass suit in U.S. History, and has affected thousands of people across the United States. Over the years, the litigation has been affected by changes in law, the development of a well-capitalized plaintiffs bar, increased media focus on mesothelioma and mass tort litigation in particular, and the increasing use of technology like computers.
Lawsuits for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses must be filed promptly to ensure that the statute of limitations has not expired. Each state has its own statute of limitations and mesothelioma lawyers can help patients understand what deadlines apply to their particular case. In most cases, the statute of limitations begins to expire after a victim is diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease.
It is important that an attorney has years of experience handling asbestos lawsuits because the statute of limitations as well as other legal issues could make pursuing compensation difficult. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will take the time to thoroughly examine each client's case to determine how it may impact a statute of limitations and other legal issues.
A mesothelioma suit can also compensate victims and family members for medical costs as well as lost income and emotional distress. These costs can quickly add up. A successful lawsuit can reduce financial burdens and improve quality of life.
Waters Kraus & Paul has expertise in the case of holding asbestos distributors, producers, and others accountable for the role they played in the development of mesothelioma. Our attorneys have worked for asbestos-related victims in Utah, California and across the nation as well as those employed in oil refineries and shipyards. We hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for their wrongful conduct and will ensure that victims and their families receive the financial compensation that they are entitled to.