Mesothelioma is a rare and devastating form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma death is heartbreaking, robbing loved ones of family and friendship, and causing needless suffering.
If you lost a loved one to mesothelioma, you can hold those responsible accountable by filing a mesothelioma wrongful death claim. A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action brought by the surviving family members or the estate of a deceased individual when the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party causes someone’s death.
The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to seek compensation for the damages and losses suffered because of the death.
If you have lost a loved one to mesothelioma, an experienced Chicago mesothelioma lawyer from Vogelzang Law can help you determine if you may have a claim.
Our lawyers have two decades of experience handling mesothelioma cases connected to asbestos exposure. An experienced attorney can establish a link between mesothelioma and the source of asbestos exposure and, from there, navigate the complicated mesothelioma claims process.
Can I File a Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Claim?
You (or the estate) may file a mesothelioma claim after the death of a loved one. This is known as a wrongful death claim or a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit.
Start by consulting an experienced mesothelioma attorney who focuses on asbestos-related cases. Our mesothelioma lawyers at Vogelzang Law have more than 20 years of experience working with mesothelioma patients and their families on these cases. We can determine if you have a valid claim.
Provide our attorneys with all relevant information, including medical records, work history, and details about asbestos exposure leading to the deceased’s mesothelioma and eventual death.
Your lawyer will work to identify the companies or individuals responsible for the asbestos exposure that led to the mesothelioma and death. You may then file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate or surviving family members.
This legal action seeks compensation for the damages resulting from mesothelioma and wrongful death. The case may proceed to negotiations for a settlement or to trial if the parties cannot agree on compensation. Your attorney will guide you through this process.
If successful, compensation may cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and damages for the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased and the surviving family members.
Consult a qualified attorney who can provide personalized advice based on the specific circumstances of your case. You need legal representation to pursue a successful claim on behalf of the deceased and their family due to the complexity of a mesothelioma wrongful death claim.
Why Should You File a Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Claim?
Surviving family members or a deceased’s estate typically files a wrongful death claim when the deceased person’s death resulted from someone else’s wrongful actions, such as marketing a dangerous product containing asbestos.
A wrongful death lawsuit seeks compensation for damages, including but not limited to:
- Medical expenses related to the injury or illness that led to death.
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of financial support and future earnings.
- Loss of companionship and emotional distress.
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct).
Filing a mesothelioma wrongful death claim can achieve justice and accountability. Successful mesothelioma lawsuits can deter companies from negligently exposing other people to asbestos. It sends a message that we will not tolerate dangerous products or unsafe work environments that cause asbestos-related illnesses. It encourages safer practices and asbestos abatement.
Why Choose Vogelzang Law for Your Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Claim?
At Vogelzang Law, mesothelioma holds a deeply personal significance. Our firm was founded by Nicholas Vogelzang, whose father, Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, MD, FASCO, FACP, was a renowned oncologist in Chicago.
Dr. Vogelzang made a groundbreaking contribution to the treatment of mesothelioma, developing the first life-extending therapy: a combination of chemotherapy drugs, pemetrexed and cisplatin.
Dr. Vogelzang was also a founding board member of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, dedicated to supporting patients and caregivers and funding research in the field.
Because of our background, Vogelzang Law possesses a unique understanding of the personal hardships accompanying a mesothelioma diagnosis. Mesothelioma patients and their families endure a devastating health crisis through no fault of their own. To us, each client is not merely a diagnosis but a person deserving of both justice and dignity.
Who May Be Liable for a Mesothelioma Wrongful Death?
Determining liability in a mesothelioma wrongful death case requires a thorough investigation into the deceased’s history of asbestos exposure, including the specific sources and circumstances.
These may include:
- Employers: Employers who exposed the deceased to asbestos during their employment may be held liable if they failed to provide a safe work environment, adequate protective gear, or warnings about asbestos dangers.
- Manufacturers: Companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products may be held liable if their products were a source of asbestos exposure for the deceased. This includes manufacturers of construction materials, insulation, automotive products, and more.
- Property owners: Owners of properties containing asbestos-containing materials who failed to properly maintain or remove the asbestos may be liable if exposure occurred on their premises.
- Contractors and subcontractors: Companies responsible for renovation, demolition, or construction work that disturbed asbestos-containing materials may be held responsible if proper safety precautions were not taken.
- Product suppliers: Suppliers of asbestos-containing materials or products to a workplace may be held liable if they did not provide adequate warnings or safety instructions.
- Government entities: In some cases, government agencies or organizations may be held responsible if they knowingly exposed individuals to asbestos, such as in military or public infrastructure projects.
Some companies responsible for asbestos-related harm have established trust funds as part of bankruptcy settlements. These trust funds may be a source of compensation for mesothelioma victims and their families. The legal team at Vogelzang Law has over 20 years of experience working with families to secure a mesothelioma wrongful death settlement.
If You Think You May Have a Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Claim, Contact Vogelzang Law Today
If you lost a loved one to mesothelioma following asbestos exposure, we take your potential wrongful death claim seriously. At Vogelzang Law, our competent Chicago mesothelioma & asbestos lawyers have helped over 250 clients and secured more than $200 million in verdicts and settlements.
We can partner with you every step of the way, from consultation to potential litigation, to ensure your case is in the best hands possible.
Our primary offices are in Chicago and Grand Rapids, Michigan, and we handle mesothelioma claims nationwide. Call us at (312) 466-1669 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a consultation. There is no cost for the consultation or to file your lawsuit.
