A Firm That Specializes in Asbestos Litigation
Firms that specialize in asbestos litigation, versus personal injury attorneys who handle a variety of claims have the expertise and resources necessary to help those who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related ailments. These law firms have access to special databases that can assist in identifying the illness of a patient to the prior exposure to asbestos.
Exposure to Work
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring mineral fibers that are resistant to heat and corrosion. These fibers are used in various products, including insulation for pipes (steam lines for example), floor tiles, building materials and automobile brakes and clutches. Occupational exposure occurs most often during ship repairs, construction and the manufacturing of asbestos-containing products.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may sue to seek damages from the companies that exposed them to the deadly substance. The money resulting from a mesothelioma suit will help pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses associated with this disease.
In Redwood City asbestos lawyers United States, mesothelioma patients and their families may seek financial relief by suing dozens of asbestos manufacturers. These lawsuits hold asbestos manufacturers liable for failing disclose the dangers of their products and causing mesothelioma, among other conditions.
Asbestos litigation is different from other personal injury claims because it typically involves the same plaintiffs and defendants. It also involves the same law firms, attorneys and expert witnesses. This is why it is essential that people suffering from asbestos-related injuries hire an attorney who is familiar with these kinds of complicated cases as well as the long history of mesothelioma litigation in the United States.
In asbestos litigation, determining the cause for an individual's exposure to asbestos is crucial. This may require an review of records related to the years of employment, Social Security, unions, taxes, and other documents. Waters Kraus & Paul's lawyers can determine the possible sources of asbestos exposure and then pursue legal claims against the manufacturers.
Asbestos litigation is the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, dating to the 1960s. Asbestos producers are now experiencing the consequences from this litigation, filing for bankruptcy and making settlements with victims. They've also set up asbestos trust funds in order to pay future victims. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses, will continue to affect people around the world until this carcinogen that causes cancer has been completely banned. Our lawyers are determined to hold asbestos companies accountable for negligence.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, a deadly cancerous form that affects the lung lining and the abdomen, is a fatal disease. It forms when sharp asbestos fibers become trapped in the lining of the body and irritate the cells, which may then turn malignant and spread to other organs. It is uncommon mesothelioma is seen in those who have not had a history of prolonged exposure to asbestos. In a majority of cases it takes a long time after exposure for symptoms to appear.
Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. A doctor will conduct an examination of the body and prescribe imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scanners to check for signs of mesothelioma. They may also suggest the use of a biopsy in order to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells in the tissue sample.
The biopsy may be performed through surgery or by taking a small amount of tissue or fluid from the area affected by the cancer. The biopsy is then studied under microscopes to determine the type of mesothelioma. There are two types of mesothelioma, epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more responsive to treatment and makes around 70-80% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Sarcomatoid remains the mesothelioma that is not treated and is more difficult.
Lawyers can help victims get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost wages, suffering. They can also bring lawsuits against responsible asbestos companies to make them accountable for their negligence. They will examine all available evidence and prepare a legal strategy that will maximize the potential value of a claim.
The statute of limitations in each state determines how long victims have to pursue a lawsuit against asbestos after being diagnosed mesothelioma. In the majority of states the statute of limitations starts when a victim is diagnosed with mesothelioma or in the case of wrongful death claims in the event of the person's death. Asbestos attorneys are knowledgeable of the laws of each state and can guide their clients on the best way to file a suit for mesothelioma. They can also aid victims to avoid mistakes that could reduce the value of their claim. An error in the date of diagnosis, for example, can result in an unintentional loss of compensation of a number of thousands of dollars.
Statute of limitations
A statute of limitations is a legal requirement which specifies a certain time frame within which a claim or lawsuit must be filed. Once the statute of limitations runs out, a plaintiff will lose the right to pursue legal action, regardless of the merits of the case.
Asbestos litigation has been ongoing since the late 1920s when asbestos-related illnesses. It is now the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, and it has impacted hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone. The litigation has changed over time due to changes in law, the increase in the number of wealthy plaintiffs, increased media attention on mesothelioma and mass tort litigation, in particular, as well as the increasing use of computers.
Lawsuits for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses must be filed on time to ensure that the time limit 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 the majority of instances, a victim's time limit begins to run when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
A lawyer must have extensive experience in handling asbestos cases as the statutes of limitations and other legal issues can make it difficult to obtain compensation. A seasoned mesothelioma lawyer will spend the time to carefully analyze each client's situation to determine how it may affect a statute of limitation and other legal issues.
A mesothelioma case can pay victims and their family members for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. These expenses can quickly accumulate. A successful lawsuit will help alleviate financial hardships and improve the quality of life.
Waters Kraus & Paul has experience in making asbestos distributors, producers and others accountable for the role they played in the development of mesothelioma. Our lawyers have represented asbestos-related patients in Utah, California and across the country including those employed in shipyards and oil refineries. We hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for their negligence and will ensure that the families of victims receive the financial compensation that they deserve.