A Firm That Specializes in Asbestos Litigation
Contrary to personal injury lawyers who handle many different types of claims, firms that specialize in asbestos litigation have the knowledge and resources to aid those diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. These law firms have access databases that allow them to determine the diagnosis of a patient based on their prior exposure to asbestos.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos is a grouping of mineral fibers that are resistant to heat, corrosion and abrasion. These fibers can be found in a wide range of products such as floor tiles, building material and automobile brakes and clutches. The most frequent exposure to asbestos is during construction work or ship repair, as well as manufacturing asbestos-containing products.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses can sue to claim damages against the companies that exposed them to this deadly substance. The money resulting from a mesothelioma suit can be used to pay medical bills, lost wages and other costs associated with this illness.
In the United States, mesothelioma victims and their families can seek financial relief from a variety of asbestos producers through litigation. These lawsuits hold companies accountable for not disclosing the dangers associated with their asbestos products, and for causing people to be affected by mesothelioma or additional conditions.
Asbestos litigation differs from other personal injury claims due to the fact that it usually involves the same defendants and plaintiffs. It can also involve the same law firms, attorneys and experts. It is crucial that asbestos-related injury victims employ a lawyer with experience in complex cases, and who is familiar with the mesothelioma litigation history in the United States.
In asbestos litigation, determining the source for an individual's exposure to asbestos is vital. This may require a thorough review of years of employment and Social Security and union records tax, and other records. Waters Kraus & Paul's lawyers can determine the asbestos exposure sources and then seek legal action against asbestos manufacturers.
Asbestos litigation is the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, dating back to the 1960s. Asbestos producers are now beginning to feel the effects of this lawsuit, filing for bankruptcy and settlements with victims. They have also established asbestos trust funds to compensate future victims. Mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related illnesses, will continue to cause harm to people all over the world until this dangerous carcinogen is completely banned. Our lawyers are committed to holding asbestos companies accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer that affects the lung's lining or abdomen. It develops when sharp asbestos fibers become lodged in the lining and cause irritation to the cells which then can turn malignant and spread to other organs. It is extremely rare that mesothelioma develops in people who have not been exposed to asbestos. In many instances, it takes decades after exposure for the first signs to be evident.
Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. A doctor will typically conduct an examination and may ask for imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to look for mesothelioma-related symptoms. They may also recommend the use of a biopsy in order to confirm mesothelioma tumor cells in the tissue sample.
The biopsy can be carried out with surgery or by the removal of a small amount fluid or tissue from the area affected by the 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 considered to be the most responsive type of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 - 80% diagnoses. Sarcomatoid remains the mesothelioma that is not treated and is more difficult to treat.
Lawyers can help victims get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost wages, pain and suffering. They can also sue asbestos companies for their wrongful conduct. Santa Fe asbestos attorneys will analyze the evidence and devise a legal strategy that will 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 the majority of 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 knowledgeable of each state's laws and can assist clients in determining the best place to file a mesothelioma suit. They can also aid victims to avoid mistakes that could reduce the value of their claim. For example, 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 law that sets a specific time period within which a lawsuit or claim must be filed. When the statute of limitations has expired the plaintiff loses the right to pursue legal action regardless of the merits of the case.
Asbestos litigation has been going on since the late 1920s when asbestos-related ailments. It is the longest-running mass litigation in U.S. History, and has affected hundreds of thousands of people in just the United States. Over the years the litigation has been affected by changes in law, the development of a well-capitalized plaintiffs bar, heightened media interest in mass tort litigation and mesothelioma in particular, and the increasing use of technology like computers.
To ensure that the statutes of limitations have not expired, mesothelioma lawsuits as well as other asbestos-related illnesses should be filed as soon as they can. An attorney for mesothelioma can help victims understand the time frames that apply to their specific situation. In most cases the statute of limitations starts to run when a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease.
It is important for a lawyer to have extensive experience in handling asbestos lawsuits because the statute of limitations as well as other legal issues that are complex could make pursuing compensation difficult. A mesothelioma attorney will thoroughly examine the case of every client to determine whether it will be a violation of a statute or any other legal issues.
A mesothelioma suit can also pay victims and their family members for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional stress. These expenses can quickly mount up. The money derived from a successful suit can also ease financial burdens and allow for a better quality of life.
Waters Kraus & Paul is adept at holding asbestos distributors, manufacturers and others accountable for their role in the development of mesothelioma. Our attorneys have worked for asbestos-related patients in Utah, California and across the nation as well as those employed in oil refineries and shipyards. We hold asbestos manufacturers responsible for their negligence, and are determined to ensure that victims and their loved ones receive the financial compensation they are due.