Why You Need a Mesothelioma Lawyer – If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, finding a lawyer is likely not the first thing on your mind. And that’s understandable. There’s a lot to process, and your health and family should always come first.
However, working with an experienced and compassionate mesothelioma attorney can actually take some of the pressure off you and your family. Mesothelioma is an entirely preventable disease, and a knowledgeable lawyer can pursue compensation from the asbestos company(s) that are responsible for your diagnosis. This much-needed compensation can cover:
- Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and biopsies
- Doctor visits and hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Chemotherapy and radiation treatment
- Medications
- Costs of in-home caregivers, assisted-living or nursing home support
- Travel expenses to treatment facilities
- Child care expenses
- Lost wages
- Costs to families
- Payments for physical and mental pain and suffering
You should not have to worry about how your family can afford to cope with such a preventable cancer. Compensation is available. Contact our partners at Mesothelioma Help today to learn about your legal rights and connect with a respected mesothelioma lawyer who can walk you through what to expect.
What to Look for in a Mesothelioma Attorney
Choosing the right mesothelioma attorney to handle your case is essential. Asbestos claims are a special area of law that require highly experienced attorneys. Your attorney will need to have the knowledge and the resources to build an airtight case demonstrating that an asbestos company (or companies) is responsible for the losses you have suffered.
When deciding on a law firm to pursue your claim, you should look for:
- Proven results in handling mesothelioma and other asbestos disease cases
- In-depth knowledge about the many asbestos companies and the various job sites where their asbestos materials were used
- Comprehensive understanding of the medical issues associated with mesothelioma and the connections to help you find the best treatment
- Extensive network of respected medical professionals and other expert witnesses who can testify in your claim
- Commitment to helping you pursue every possible source of compensation, including government benefits such as veterans’ benefits and Social Security Disability benefits
- Compassionate bedside manner and a genuine concern for you and your family’s well-being
- Emphasis on regular communication so you and your family never have to wonder what is happening with your case
All reputable mesothelioma lawyers take cases on a contingency basis, which means that you only pay if they recover money in your claim. You should also receive a free initial consultation, during which you can ask questions about the lawyer’s level of experience and evaluate the firm’s commitment to customer service.
At the end of the day, once you choose a qualified mesothelioma lawyer, you should be able to leave everything related to your claim in their capable hands.
Financial Compensation Options Your Lawyer May Explore
Asbestos is the only known cause of the devastating cancer mesothelioma. Companies that manufactured and sold asbestos products understood the health hazards for decades but failed to warn workers or consumers.
As your lawyer investigates your claim, he or she will review your work history or service history to identify where and when you were exposed to asbestos. The lawyer will then work to identify which company(s) was responsible for manufacturing the product(s) that caused your cancer. Depending on what the attorney uncovers, you may be entitled to compensation through:
Asbestos Bankruptcy Funds. Because some asbestos companies have gone out of business or filed for bankruptcy, special trust funds were set up to compensate victims and their families. Filing for compensation from an asbestos bankruptcy fund is different from filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, but your lawyer will still need to prove that the trust is liable to you.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits and Settlements. In cases where the responsible company is still in business, your attorney will file a mesothelioma lawsuit to demand the compensation you deserve. Although many companies will be willing to negotiate a settlement, it is important that your attorney is an experienced asbestos litigator who is prepared to take your case to trial if that is necessary.
In addition to compensation from the party(s) responsible for your asbestos exposure, you may also be eligible for benefits that could help you cover treatment costs and other expenses. Your mesothelioma attorney can determine whether you are eligible for:
Veterans’ Benefits. Mesothelioma patients who were exposed to asbestos materials during their time in the service may be eligible for VA benefits. A law firm that is focused on mesothelioma cases should be able to handle your VA claim and should not charge you to do so if it is also taking care of your asbestos lawsuit or bankruptcy trust fund claim.
Social Security Disability Benefits. Mesothelioma patients who are diagnosed before retirement age may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. In order to secure these benefits, your lawyer will need to provide thorough documentation of your asbestos cancer.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits. Mesothelioma is recognized as an occupational illness. So if you are forced to leave work due to your illness, you may be able to pursue workers’ compensation benefits.
Mesothelioma treatments can cost patients and their families hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. So it is important that you put your trust in an experienced asbestos attorney who will be extremely thorough in identifying all your options for compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Mesothelioma Claim?
Each state has a different time limit (statute of limitations) for how long you have to file a mesothelioma claim. Because mesothelioma can take 15 to 60 years to develop, this time frame begins with diagnosis, not with when you were exposed to asbestos.
Family members also have a limited amount of time to pursue a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or recently lost a loved one to an asbestos disease, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Get the Help You Need Today
Most people do not think of themselves as “the type” to sue. But the truth is: You and your family need money to afford treatment, ongoing care, and all the other expenses associated with mesothelioma. Protect your family’s financial future by speaking with a knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney today.
Contact our partners at Mesothelioma Help to discuss your legal options.
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