Mesothelioma cancer has no known cure and can cause serious financial and emotional hardships. When you or a loved one find yourself diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to know that you’re likely entitled to compensation from the employer who exposed you to asbestos and is likely responsible for your mesothelioma cancer. To help you navigate this difficult process and time, here are the main legal options you must know about as a mesothelioma patient:
Understanding a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Mesothelioma references tumors that develop within the body’s mesothelium, tissues that cover certain cavities and hollows around important organs. When most people hear “mesothelioma,” however, they are thinking of mesothelioma cancer, which is related to asbestos exposure. When someone is exposed to mesothelioma fiber and dust for prolonged periods, it can cause the mesothelium tissue in your body to become severely damaged, leading to DNA and cell damage that leads to cancer.
Because there is no cure for mesothelioma cancer, it can be a tragic diagnosis. For many years, some industries failed to properly protect their workers from asbestos exposure or lied about the potential of asbestos exposure. For those that were affected by mesothelioma cancer due to years of prolonged asbestos exposure, finding a lawyer who deals with asbestos exposure lawsuits is an absolute must.
How Can I Get Mesothelioma Compensation?
The unchecked corporate greed that caused many American workers to develop mesothelioma cancer must be answered by lawsuits and compensation for the victims of asbestos exposure. Many of these workers never had a single clue as to how deadly and dangerous asbestos was, but the companies that exposed them often did (and they must be held responsible for their reckless actions).
What Professions are Commonly at Risk of Mesothelioma?
Because mesothelioma cancer is typically gained due to decades of prolonged asbestos exposure on job sites, people within certain industries are much more likely to receive a diagnosis (and therefore, should be vigilant about watching for any symptoms that might appear). According to the World Health Organization, there are several industries whose workers are at especially high risk of developing mesothelioma cancer:
-Construction
-Milling
-Mining
-Mechanics
-Shipbuilding
-Military
Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Lawsuits are the most useful way to get the restitution that you deserve after a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis. However, there are multiple types of mesothelioma lawsuits that you might find yourself involved in. There are two primary types you should be aware of:
Personal Injury Lawsuit: If the patient diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer is still living, they will need to file a personal injury lawsuit. In these cases, the victim will file a claim on their behalf, and against the party that’s responsible for their mesothelioma cancer affliction.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit: When a loved one has passed away due to mesothelioma cancer, surviving family members or legal representatives can file a wrongful death lawsuit to secure compensation.
What is the Asbestos Trust Fund?
Unfortunately, many people (both living victims and family members of deceased victims), have little-to-no resources available to deal with lawsuits related to their mesothelioma cancer. Thankfully, the Asbestos Trust Fund is set up to help victims of asbestos exposure. Additionally, some asbestos manufacturing companies have already gone bankrupt, and under many court systems, they cannot be sued for any further wrongdoing. That being said, these companies have been ordered to create trust funds to help compensate their victims and the families of said victims. These trust funds can also be used to help finance end-of-life care for sick mesothelioma patients.
What Does a Typical Mesothelioma Case Process Look Like?
Typically, a mesothelioma case looks slightly different than your typical personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. There are five primary stages of the case process that you should be prepared for:
1. Consultation
2. Preparation
3. Filling
4. Negotiations
5. Settlement (or Trial)
Thankfully, most mesothelioma lawsuits are handled by attorneys who have the experience to represent you and get you the compensation you deserve, without having to involve you in the vast majority of this process. This way, you’re able to take care of yourself during this difficult time and do not need to take on extra stress and harm by being constantly surrounded by the legal battle at hand.
You Deserve Compensation
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer is a life-altering situation, and one that can put yourself, and your family members at risk of extreme financial and emotional hardship. By finding a lawyer who can represent you, you can get the compensation that you rightfully deserve. If you suspect that you qualify for a mesothelioma/asbestos exposure lawsuit, you need to contact a relevant professional legal firm immediately.
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