How to File an Asbestos Lawsuit
Each asbestos lawsuit is different but there are common elements that make a lawsuit successful. This includes evidence of the injury suffered by the victim and evidence of exposure to asbestos-containing products.
Asbestos claims must be filed in accordance with the laws of the state (also called statutes of limitation) and handled by a skilled lawyer. After a legal claim has been filed, victims are given a time of discovery during which they can research and gather details.
Work History
Asbestos is a hazard group of fibrous minerals. It was used as a building material and many people were exposed to it throughout their lives. It is believed to cause serious health issues, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
People who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases or mesothelioma as well as their loved ones may be qualified for compensation. Many victims or the relatives of mesothelioma sufferers file lawsuits against asbestos companies that negligently exposed them to this dangerous mineral.
To file an asbestos lawsuit, you should first consult with an attorney with experience. Lawyers who specialize in mesothelioma law have the experience to examine a patient's medical records, talk to potential witnesses and locate asbestos-related evidence. They are also able to identify any asbestos-related manufacturers and determine where to file the lawsuit.
It is important to note that the asbestos industry was aware about the dangers of asbestos in the 1930s and 1940s but they continued to use asbestos and even manufactured more of this harmful material. Asbestos, a fine mineral, can be inhaled as dust or swallowed. Once it is absorbed into the body, the needle-like fibres can lodge in tissues like the stomach or lungs. Lawyers for mesothelioma need to know the complete work history of the victim to determine the extent of exposure to asbestos and who is responsible.
Most asbestos companies that exposed their employees to asbestos are now out of business. The ones that did not have to close had to pay into an asbestos trust fund in order to assist victims and their families. Your lawyer will be able to determine the trust you should file your claim against and assist you to begin the process.
During the discovery phase of an asbestos case, your lawyer will share information with the attorney of the defendant. This could include requesting company records and conducting depositions. This can either make or break a mesothelioma case. If you are unable to reach an acceptable settlement with your attorney, the case can be brought to trial.
Medical Records
If you've been diagnosed of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness your attorney will have to look over your medical records. This information is crucial to proving your asbestos exposure and the connection between exposure and the illness.
Asbestos victims are often diagnosed years after their initial exposure to the substance. That is why it is crucial to seek legal assistance right away. A mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced will ensure that your claim is filed within the timeframe of limitations and that you have all the necessary documentation to support your claims.
During the asbestos lawsuit procedure, your lawyer will review your medical records and other documents in order to determine which companies are responsible for your mesothelioma (or other asbestos-related illnesses). They will also have to determine the extent to which you were affected by the material. In many instances, this will require speaking with your doctor or other health professionals who have access to your health history and may be able to provide an explanation of your exposure.
Mesothelioma lawyers must gather evidence to show that asbestos companies knew they caused asbestos exposure and that they did not act in a responsible manner. This includes company records and mesothelioma evidence from witnesses. The process of finding evidence can take a while since both parties exchange information. You or your loved one might be required to give an oral deposition in which you will be questioned about your relationship with asbestos and your employment background.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating. However filing a lawsuit could be the best option to recover compensation for emotional and physical injuries. Many asbestos lawsuits are filed each year to recover compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, contact a mesothelioma law firm for a free consultation and case review. The attorneys at The Mesothelioma Center can connect victims with top-rated mesothelioma lawyers for a free initial case review and free consultation. Thousands of Americans have benefited from their representation in asbestos cases.
Expert Witnesses
If you appear in court your mesothelioma lawyer will be able to have expert witnesses testify on your behalf. These experts are doctors, engineers and other specialists with a vast knowledge of asbestos. They will testify about the ways that exposure to asbestos could have led to your illness. They could include radiologists, pathologists and pulmonologists.
Your asbestos lawyers will select these experts with care. They must be reputable for honesty, which will increase their credibility in the eyes of the jury. They must also have enough experience in asbestos litigation to anticipate questions from defense attorneys and present their case as efficiently as possible.
Duty and cause are the two major elements in a lawsuit involving the failure to warn asbestos. Fact witnesses can only testify about facts, but experts can provide opinions and conclusions based on their expertise or experience. Expert witnesses often aid plaintiffs in proving their case by showing a link between the defendant's product and the illness of the victim.
An expert witness could, for instance provide evidence that asbestos-exposed Navy ship worker had an irreparable lung scar and a greater 50% chance of dying of mesothelioma. The expert witness needs to be knowledgeable about ship construction and maintenance during the time the man was working on them, and also the kinds of asbestos that were used on them. This expert could be an industrial hygienist who is familiar with asbestos exposure and its effects on the body.
Asbestos patients often claim that the negligence of the manufacturer is the cause of their condition. They might claim that a company didn't take enough steps to protect workers, or that they knew about the dangers, but did not warn workers.
While a lot of asbestos companies have a long tradition of manufacturing and selling asbestos-related products, the law is evolving in this area. The New York Supreme Court ruled on April 26, 2022 that expert testimony in a case must prove both the existence of an asbestos-containing substance as well as its causal relationship to a negative health impact.
Court Cases
Asbestos fibers can get stuck in your stomach and lungs when you are exposed to them. You may suffer from an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma or pleural effusion. If you experience these symptoms you may bring a lawsuit against the companies who exposed you to asbestos in order to claim compensation.
The time limit - the deadline within which you can file a lawsuit – varies from state to state. It usually begins when you receive mesothelioma-related diagnosis or learn that a loved one has passed away from an asbestos-related disease. It is recommended to file a claim as soon you can to avoid delays.
You'll need to provide supporting documentation, such as medical bills and employment documents, treatment records and test results. You might be required to appear in a deposition, or another type of court proceeding.
Asbestos lawyers typically utilize the data and evidence that their clients gather to make a convincing case for compensation. The amount you can receive will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of mesothelioma you have, the state where you file a suit and your particular work background.
Since asbestos-related diseases can take time to manifest, mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases are typically diagnosed years or decades after the exposure that caused them. As a result insurance companies began trying to avoid liability by challenging the validity of the historical insurance policies that covered asbestos exposure. This was referred to as "selection defense."
The insurers claimed that workers were forced to rely on the guidelines levels of asbestos exposure provided by employers, and that these levels were safe. This was a sly attempt to avoid liability, and the Court upheld the insurers at the House of Lords.
This decision led to the settlement of a number of asbestos cases outside of court. The majority of asbestos lawyer claims are settled out of court today.