Filing Asbestos Claims With a Mesothelioma Law Firm
A reputable mesothelioma law firm can help a patient or loved one make an asbestos claim within the state's statute of limitations. In addition an attorney can ensure that bankruptcy trusts are prioritized and pay claims in a timely manner.
The asbestos-related victims of asbestos can also pursue VA benefits in addition to mesothelioma compensation claims. The VA offers both financial support and treatment options.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is one of the most toxic groups of minerals. It was used as an additive in the manufacture of construction materials and automobile components because it was inexpensive and fire-proof, as well as insulation. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to fatal diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
In the 1980s, various kinds of products contained asbestos. These included insulation, roofing, siding shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, vermiculite-containing garden products, textured paints, and heat-resistant fabrics. Thousands of people died from asbestos exposure each year.
Since the time, asbestos has been phased-out due to medical evidence linking the mineral with various illnesses. A trust fund could help those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, for instance. chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.
The most prevalent and serious complication caused by asbestos is a breathing disorder, also known as asbestosis. This condition is characterized by shortness of breathe and persistent coughing. The lungs get scarred by fibrous tissue and cannot easily take in oxygen.
Asbestosis may also cause chest pains and tightening of the throat. Nodules can form in the lung tissue, and are hard bumps. The symptoms may not manifest for 10 to 40 years following asbestos exposure.
If you suspect that you may have been exposed asbestos at work, at home or in your local community, it is important to speak with an accredited professional. The professional will be able to analyze for asbestos and then handle the substance. Attempting to sample, repair or remove asbestos on one's own could result in a dangerous health and safety risk.
It is vital to remember that asbestos removal must be done by a licensed professional. It is not to be handled, tested, or disturbed by anyone other than a certified professional. There are many qualified professionals who can perform asbestos removal or encapsulation safely and effectively. Be sure to verify credentials and accreditations prior hiring a professional to confirm that they are certified. Ask for the names of references and estimates from previous clients. Also, make sure that the professional has a good background and experience with asbestos removal and the encapsulation process.
How Do I Let Asbestos Enter and Leave My Body?
Inhalation is the main way asbestos is introduced into the human body. When asbestos fibers are disturbed they break down into microscopic particles that become airborne. If someone breathes in these fibers, they may be absorbed into the lungs, where they may persist for a long time and cause serious health issues. These include mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as other diseases that affect lungs.
Asbestos-related diseases can have long latency periods, which means it may be decades before symptoms appear and a diagnosis is established. This is why it is crucial for patients to be able recall their work history and supply their medical records to help them prove their exposure. Mesothelioma treatment can also adversely affect the memory of patients and make it difficult to remember specific dates of exposure.
Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses are costly to treat. It is essential that patients receive financial assistance from mesothelioma settlements as well as other financial aid. This includes disability and medical coverage that helps pay for treatment or provide income for a patient who is unable work.
Many people diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease pursue multiple types of claims to receive the appropriate compensation. Sokolove Law's attorneys can help clients determine which claim is most appropriate for their specific circumstances, and then submit it on their behalf.
The asbestos legal team will be able, once the lawsuit has been filed or a claim made to make sure that all the required documentation is provided. This includes medical records and employment history, as in any other relevant evidence.
Spouses, children and other family members of mesothelioma victims can also make a claim for mesothelioma on their behalf if the patient has passed away. The estates of mesothelioma patients who have died may also file wrongful death lawsuits or continue legal claims against asbestos-related companies that are responsible.
What can I prove to show that I Was Exposed to Asbestos?
You must prove your diagnosis of mesothelioma, or another condition related to it, in order to file an asbestos claim or lawsuit. Typically, this will involve providing medical records that prove the diagnosis and show that there is a connection between your asbestos exposure and the illness.
This could include pathology and imaging scans like MRIs, CTs, and Xrays. These documents must be signed by a board-certified physician. Your attorney may work with mesothelioma specialists in reviewing the evidence, and ensure that it meets all legal requirements.
In many cases, asbestos-related diseases are not identified until symptoms such as chest pains or difficulty breathing begin to appear. In some instances it could be decades after the initial exposure. It is therefore vital for people who have worked with asbestos to visit an ophthalmologist regularly and report any changes in their health.
If you are a veteran suffering from an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma you could be eligible for veterans benefits. However, you'll be required to prove your exposure to asbestos in order to support your VA claim. Lakewood asbestos lawyer can include purchase orders and other documents that demonstrate the asbestos products employed at your previous workplaces, and also personal testimony from witnesses that can substantiate your claim.
It may also be beneficial to speak with an established mesothelioma law firm that has access to large databases of current and bankrupt companies that were responsible for exposure to asbestos to their employees. Your attorney can use these resources to locate the company responsible for your asbestos exposure.
You should choose an attorney who has experience representing asbestos victims and their family members. This experience will help an attorney to comprehend the legal process and how it works. They can handle the details of your case, while you and your family focus on getting better.
What kinds of companies could be legally held accountable for an asbestos claim or lawsuit?
A company that manufactured or sold asbestos-containing products could be held liable in an asbestos lawsuit. This includes companies that manufacture joint compound and floor tile insulation and shingles, caulking as well as roofing and siding materials. It can also include producers of pipe fittings, gaskets and boilers. The companies that sold their products to construction firms, or to those who used the materials on their websites or in their plants can be held accountable.
Trust funds were set up to compensate current and future plaintiffs. Many companies that produced asbestos-containing products filed for bankruptcy. The law allows victims to sue companies that may have caused their asbestos exposure and injury when they can prove defendants' negligence.
Patients suffering from asbestos-related illnesses can sue the companies responsible for compensatory damages, including the value of the injuries they have suffered. These damages could include compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses loss of wages, and many more. Victims may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These damages are meant to punish the defendant for their negligence and to discourage others from doing the same.
To start a mesothelioma lawsuit the victim must provide evidence of exposure to asbestos, and the diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. A specialized lawyer can help you gather the evidence. For instance, the person who is being sued must have a medical report of a diagnosis made by a board-certified doctor, and an examination report that provides the description of malignant tissues or cells. The victim should also have a thorough background of their work, including the duration and types of their exposure to asbestos-containing products and/or facilities.
The legal process can be complex when a mesothelioma sufferer or their family files an action, claim or lawsuit. In most states, the statute of limitations requires that legal action is taken within a specific time frame after the victim's knowledge or should have been aware of their exposure to asbestos and/or the developing an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma. In New York State for example, mesothelioma cases must be filed within 3 years from the time the victim learned or should have learned about their exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma.