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. These law firms have access to specialized databases which can assist in identifying the illness of a patient to their prior exposure to asbestos.
Workplace Exposure
Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring mineral fibers that are resistant to corrosion and heat. These fibers are used in various products, including insulation for pipes (steam lines for example) floor tiles, building materials, automobile brakes and clutches. Occupational exposure typically occurs during construction work, ship repair and manufacturing asbestos-containing products.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses can sue to recover damages from businesses who exposed them to this dangerous substance. The money awarded in a mesothelioma case will cover medical expenses as well as lost wages and other costs related to the disease.
In the United States, mesothelioma patients and their families can seek financial relief by suing many asbestos producers. These lawsuits hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for not disclosing the dangers of their products, resulting in mesothelioma among other diseases.
Asbestos litigation differs from other personal injury claims because it often involves the same plaintiffs and defendants. It may also involve the same law firms, attorneys and expert witnesses. It is therefore essential that asbestos-related injuries victims choose an attorney with expertise in complex cases and who is familiar with the background of mesothelioma lawsuits in the United States.
In asbestos litigation, determining the cause for a person's exposure asbestos is crucial. This could require a review of years of employment as well as Social Security and union records, tax and other records. Waters Kraus & Paul's lawyers can determine the asbestos exposure sources and then make legal claims against manufacturers.
Asbestos litigation is the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, dating back to the 1960s. Asbestos manufacturers are finally starting to feel the impact of this legal battle by filing for bankruptcy, settling claims with victims and setting up asbestos trust funds to pay future victims. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses, will continue to harm people around the world until this dangerous carcinogen has been banned completely. Our lawyers are committed to holding asbestos companies accountable for negligence.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It develops when asbestos fibers lodge in the lining of the lungs or abdomen and cause irritation to cells. These cells can then turn malignant and spread to other organs. It is extremely rare mesothelioma is seen in people without a background of long-term exposure to asbestos. In many instances it takes a long time after exposure before symptoms be evident.
Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. A doctor will perform a physical examination and order imaging tests such as Xrays or CT scanners to look for signs of mesothelioma. They may also recommend a biopsied to test for mesothelioma within a tissue sample.
The biopsy can be performed through surgery or removal of small amounts of tissue or fluid in the area affected by cancer. The biopsy is examined under a microscope to determine the type of mesothelioma. There are two types of mesothelioma, epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most susceptible to treatment and accounts for around 70-80% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma makes up the rest of mesothelioma cases and is more difficult to treat.
Lawyers can assist victims to receive compensation for medical expenses loss of wages, pain and suffering. They can also sue asbestos companies responsible for their negligence. They will analyze the evidence and develop a legal strategy to maximize the value of your claim.
The statute of limitations in every state determines the length of time victims must bring an asbestos lawsuit after being diagnosed mesothelioma. In most states, the statute of limitations begins when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma, or in the case of wrongful death the date of death. Asbestos lawyers are familiar with the laws of each state and can assist clients in determining the most appropriate jurisdiction to file a mesothelioma claim. They can also assist victims avoid mistakes that can reduce the value of their case. For instance, a mistake regarding the date of diagnosis can result in a loss of tens of thousands of dollars in compensation.
Statute of limitations
A statute of limitations is a legal requirement that sets a specific period of time within which the lawsuit or claim must be filed. When the statute of limitations expires, a plaintiff will lose the right to pursue legal action, regardless of the merits of the case.
Asbestos litigation has been going on since the 1920s, when asbestos-related ailments. It is the longest-running mass litigation in U.S. History, and has affected hundreds of thousands of people within the United States. The litigation has changed in the past due to changes in the law, the rise in the number of wealthy plaintiffs, the increased attention of the media on mesothelioma and mass tort litigation, in particular, as well as 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 has not expired. Each state has its own statute of limitations and mesothelioma lawyers can help victims understand the timeframe that applies to their particular case. In most cases, a person's statute of limitations starts to run after they've been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Baltimore asbestos lawyer is crucial for a lawyer to have years of experience handling asbestos lawsuits as the statute of limitations as well as other complex legal issues can make it difficult to pursue compensation. A mesothelioma attorney will thoroughly review the case of each client to determine if it could impact a statute or other legal issues.
A mesothelioma case can compensate victims and family members for medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress. These expenses can quickly add up. The compensation from a successful lawsuit can also ease financial burdens and help improve quality of life.
Waters Kraus & Paul is familiar with holding asbestos distributors, manufacturers and others accountable for their roles in the development of mesothelioma. Our attorneys have represented asbestos-related victims in Utah, California and across the nation, including those who were employed in shipyards and oil refineries. We hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for their negligence, and are committed to ensuring that the victims and their loved ones receive the financial compensation they are due.