asbestos lawyersShould I File a Mesothelioma Claim?

Mesothelioma claims provide financial assistance for patients and families who have costly medical bills, caregiving expenses, and other life-changing losses due to a devastating asbestos-related mesothelioma diagnosis.

Mesothelioma is cancer that develops in the tissues lining the lungs and other organs. Asbestos exposure is known to cause mesothelioma. Most mesothelioma patients were asbestos-exposed on the job or during their time in the military.

The companies that produced products made of asbestos understood there were health risks but failed to make workers and consumers aware. Decades later, people are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma and other severe asbestos diseases, which can take years to develop.

Why Hire a Mesothelioma Attorney?

An experienced and knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can seek out evidence to help prove which company or companies should be held responsible for the harm you and your loved ones are now suffering. To receive a favorable outcome in a mesothelioma claim, a patient may need to show which company(s) is responsible for the asbestos exposure.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can track down blueprints of the factory or shipyard where the exposure occurred to confirm where and what type of asbestos materials were used. The attorney may also research records showing which companies supplied the asbestos materials to the job site so that they can be added to the claim as well. Legal counsel may even talk to former co-workers about what they remember regarding asbestos exposure.

What Are the Options for Filing a Claim?

There are several options for mesothelioma patients and their families to file claims for benefits or compensation. An asbestos lawyer can explain your options and help you with:

Personal Injury Claims

Mesothelioma patients can file personal injury claims against the company(s) responsible for their exposure. These claims seek financial compensation for:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering

You’ll likely want to choose an attorney who has extensive courtroom experience in the event an out of court settlement cannot be reached or is not acceptable. An experienced trial lawyer can see your claim through to a verdict.

Wrongful Death Claims

Mesothelioma is often fatal. If you have lost a loved one to asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims can help families recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Lost support and services

Although money doesn’t make up for losing a loved one, a wrongful death claim can help ease any financial burdens left for families to handle.

Veterans’ Benefits Claims

Asbestos products were typically used in the Navy and several other branches of military service. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma generally are eligible for monthly VA benefits.

Social Security Disability Claims

A patient diagnosed with mesothelioma before retirement age may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

People exposed to asbestos at work who had to leave the job due to their mesothelioma diagnosis can generally file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

If you want to learn more about these and more mesothelioma-related claims and the compensation you or a loved one may be entitled to receive, contact a mesothelioma attorney and schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.