Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Asbestos lawyers may hold asbestos-related companies accountable through the filing of a lawsuit. These companies could include former employers or asbestos producers.
These companies were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure, but they failed to warn their employees. These lawsuits seek to compensate the victims and their families.
Most asbestos lawsuits settle before trial. Professionally trained attorneys are prepared to take your case to a trial before a jury, in the event of a need.
Military Service
Mesothelioma is a rare and pervasive disease, but it can affect veterans who were exposed to asbestos serving in the military. Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed against asbestos-related companies who are accountable, and compensation may be awarded to cover the costs of treatment.
Asbest was found in a variety of kinds of military equipment, including boilers, pipes, and engine rooms. Many types of military equipment, like boilers pipes, boilers and engine rooms included asbestos. The Navy was the part of the military with the greatest exposure to asbestos. This is the reason that a large number of Navy veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Asbestos-related victims are compensated in various ways In addition, they receive VA benefits and legal settlements. Since mesothelioma can be treated, it is categorized as a permanent and total disability, meaning that veterans are qualified to receive VA disability benefits.
Veterans can be eligible for compensation from the VA or legal settlements to pay for medical expenses as well as support their families and live a comfortable lifestyle. Asbestos lawyers can aid veterans learn more about the benefits and assist with filing claims.
Lawyers can assist their clients file asbestos lawsuits against the makers of the deadly substance. Many large companies were aware of the dangers of asbestos, but chose to file for bankruptcy to avoid liability. Waters Kraus and Paul's mesothelioma attorneys hold asbestos companies accountable.
Although the majority of cases result in settlements, a few mesothelioma lawsuits wind with a trial. In a trial, the plaintiffs are presented before a judge and a jury who can award more or lesser money than the amount of a settlement. In one mesothelioma-related case, a jury awarded the family of the victim $40 million in damages. This is the highest verdict ever given in asbestos cases. The attorneys representing the victims must prove that defendants were negligent and responsible for the victim's exposure to asbestos. This evidence is usually supported by the documents and testimony of witnesses who were working with victims.
Bankruptcy
In addition to the financial damages, families of victims can also be awarded medical expenses and compensation for suffering and pain. The process can take a long time. Typically, it takes two years or longer between the time of diagnosis and the time they receive compensation. This is why it is crucial to seek out a qualified mesothelioma lawyer as soon as you are able.
Asbestos lawsuits can be a bit complicated. The lawsuits are complicated that involve multiple parties and trusts. The lawsuits are brought by mesothelioma victims or their estates. The companies were often aware of the connection between mesothelioma and asbestos but continued to manufacture the product for decades. As a result thousands of asbestos-related victims have been awarded damages.
A staggering number of lawsuits have led to the bankruptcy of numerous companies that manufacture asbestos-containing products. This has created an entirely legal sector that focuses on asbestos litigation.
Companies that are in business often declare bankruptcy to reduce their risk. The strategy, known as the Texas Two-Step, is based on a state law that allows companies with significant liabilities to establish a new subsidiary that has only a few assets. The company then reorganizes the company through Chapter 11 and moves the assets and liabilities into the newly formed subsidiary.
In many instances the new subsidiary is in a different country in order to avoid lawsuits regarding asbestos exposure that occurred prior to the reorganization. This strategy has been used in several high profile cases, including J&J's reorganization of LTL Management, which faced the possibility of 40,000 baby powder claims. Gordon's firm represents a number clients currently using this strategy, including Georgia-Pacific Bestwall which is facing 60,000 claims.
Asbestos lawsuits can be complicated due to the statutes of limitations. Mesothelioma generally develops between 10 and 40 years after exposure to asbestos. State laws, also known as statutes of limitation give victims between one and five years to file a lawsuit. In the case a wrongful death family has a period of one to three years to file a lawsuit from the date the loved one passed away.
Settlements
Often, asbestos-related illnesses result in substantial settlements. In certain cases, such as the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of an asbestos pipefitter, the jury awarded settlements that reached millions of dollars. However, in other cases, the victims accept a small amount. This is because a lot of the companies that once produced asbestos and then installed it have shut down or declared bankruptcy. Asbestos companies that file for bankruptcy must follow a process that has been approved by the court which requires them to set aside huge sums of money to pay future victims. Trusts allow more claimants to receive compensation however the amount is usually substantially lower than what could have been awarded in a tort case.
The value of an asbestos claim is contingent on the severity of the condition, the length of time it took the victim to develop the illness and the severity of the suffering of the victim. The dollar value is also determined by the amount of medical expenses, lost wages and the extent of the suffering of the victim.
Many states have statutes that limit the time period within which a victim of mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related injury, may bring an action against a defendant. The date the plaintiff was diagnosed with mesothelioma usually is an indication of intent to start the clock for the time period of limitation.
Since mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer, and it takes a long time for symptoms to manifest in mesothelioma patients, most claims don't go to trial and are settled with a settlement or award from the court. However, if mesothelioma patients do die before reaching a resolution and their estates are able to continue to pursue an asbestos lawsuit to collect compensation on their behalf.
Waters Kraus & Paul represents clients from various industries across the United States and abroad who have been exposed to asbestos attorney. We hold asbestos producers and their insurers accountable for their part in exposing victims to this dangerous chemical. We have represented families of mesothelioma patients in cases against companies located throughout the United States and Canada, as well as the Middle East, including Iran.
Trials
If a trial occurs the victims could be awarded verdicts in the millions. These awards can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses that result from asbestos exposure. A jury can also award punitive damages to penalize the responsible companies for their behavior and to deter other firms from putting their employees or customers in danger.
An asbestos lawsuit may help families of mesothelioma patients recover after losing a loved one to the disease. Families often need to take time off from work to take care of a mesothelioma patient, resulting in a loss of income. Mesothelioma settlements and judgments could pay for these costs and ensure that family members have an income and financial future to look forward to.
Asbestos lawsuits are some of the longest-running mass torts in U.S. history. The litigation has resulted in dozens of companies declaring bankruptcy, and asbestos trust funds have been created to pay victims. Research has shown that exposure to asbestos can cause lung damage and diseases like mesothelioma.
A mesothelioma lawyer can create and argue an argument to ensure that clients get the most money. A knowledgeable lawyer can provide advice to clients on the pros and cons of settling a claim as opposed to going to trial. A lawyer can explain the implications of asbestos laws and different state laws on claims.
During the litigation attorneys and clients conduct a series interviews known as discovery. During this stage, attorneys collect evidence and details from defendants to prepare for trial. During this period, many defendants will agree to settle to avoid a potentially damaging verdict.
A mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced has the knowledge and resources to hold accountable asbestos manufacturers, distributors and insurance companies accountable for their negligence. Lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul have held asbestos companies accountable and secured significant settlements for their clients. Contact us today to find out more about how we can assist you and your family members get the justice you deserve. We represent people across the country who were exposed to asbestos attorneys. We can help you get the compensation you deserve if you or someone you love has contracted an asbestos-related condition.