Mesothelioma Claims Can Hold Responsible Parties Accountable
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, most people are focused on their medical care. Treatments for this asbestos-related cancer include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, and tumor treating fields (TTFields), along with a host of palliative care options. Modern medical technology gives doctors a wide array of tools to fight mesothelioma, but those treatments come with a financial and physical cost. In many cases, a former employer or an asbestos product manufacturer may be liable for the asbestos exposure that caused your cancer.
Mesothelioma is directly linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos has been a known carcinogen since the 1960s, but companies failed to warn people of the dangers. From the 1930s through the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in construction materials and other products. Illness can take decades to develop, often striking people over 70, robbing them of their retirement and the chance to enjoy the fruits of a lifetime of labor.
Filing a lawsuit for mesothelioma claims is an effective way to hold companies responsible for the harm done through asbestos exposure. It’s also a way to be justly compensated for the expenses incurred during medical treatment and seek recompense for pain and suffering. At Vogelzang Law, we’re committed to assisting people affected by asbestos exposure. Our firm has helped more than 250 clients with their mesothelioma claims, and we have in-depth knowledge of the laws, regulations, and processes involved in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. Contact us today for details or to schedule a free case evaluation.
Who is Eligible to File Mesothelioma Claims?
It’s important to consult with a qualified attorney to confirm your eligibility to file a claim, but you may be eligible if:
- You’re a mesothelioma patient who can provide a doctor’s diagnosis of the disease.
- You’re the loved one of a person who died as a result of diagnosed mesothelioma.
- You have evidence of exposure, such as being assigned to work on a site that was known to contain asbestos.
- You file the lawsuit within the time limits, also called the statute of limitations.
The three primary types of claims for mesothelioma are personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits, and trust fund claims. Class action lawsuits are rarely used for mesothelioma cases, and although multidistrict litigation (MDL) has been used in the past for mesothelioma claims, it’s now seen as being amenable to asbestos companies.
How Much Does Filing a Lawsuit for Mesothelioma Cost?
Reputable mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency, meaning clients only pay if there’s a successful verdict or settlement. You don’t pay any money upfront. At Vogelzang Law, we provide free consultations, and we don’t collect any fees until after the settlement.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive?
Many factors can influence the amount of compensation received from a mesothelioma lawsuit. Victims may receive anywhere from a few thousand to millions of dollars. Factors like the person’s age, type of cancer, and number of dependents can affect the amount of compensation received.
This aggressive cancer appears in four forms: pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular. Most cases are pleural, which affects the outer lining of the lungs. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they lodge themselves into lung tissue, which can develop into disease later in life. Treatment for mesothelioma can become very expensive, even for patients who have insurance. Adequate compensation to cover these costs is important for the continued delivery of care and for peace of mind and your family’s financial health. The largest amount awarded for a mesothelioma case was $250 million through a trial verdict.
After you file a lawsuit, a settlement is often proposed. Settlements are reached to avoid going to trial or end a trial that’s already underway, although in some cases, settlements can even happen after a trial. Verdicts are the conclusions a judge or jury reaches through the trial process. Awarded dollar amounts are generally higher with a trial verdict, but there’s also a risk that the plaintiff will walk away with nothing if the verdict isn’t in their favor. Other forms of compensation aside from lawsuits may also be available, so it’s critical to work with a qualified mesothelioma lawyer to understand all the options available to you.
Can I File an Asbestos Claim After the Death of a Loved One?
Yes, if you meet eligibility guidelines, you may be able to file a lawsuit following the death of a loved one due to mesothelioma. You’ll have to produce documentation of a mesothelioma diagnosis and file the lawsuit within the applicable state’s time limits. When you work with Vogelzang Law, we’ll evaluate your specific circumstances and advise you on the best way to move forward.
How Long Will a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Take?
Time frames can vary greatly with any lawsuit, but mesothelioma cases can be expedited due to the disease’s aggressive nature. At Vogelzang Law, our cases are usually completed within 9 to 12 months.
Alternatives to Filing a Lawsuit
Lawsuits usually offer the best recourse for obtaining the maximum compensation for a mesothelioma case, but other avenues are available. In some cases, these can be pursued concurrently with a lawsuit:
- Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claim – Many asbestos companies were forced to file for bankruptcy and went out of business in the wake of many cases filed against them. Trust funds were established to pay out claims.
- VA Claim – Asbestos was used extensively in many military applications. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers these claims.
- Workers’ Compensation – A large percentage of asbestos exposure occurred on the job, and workers’ compensation may cover the costs of these mesothelioma cases.
A mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand all the options available to you.
Contact Vogelzang Law
At Vogelzang Law, we have a solid track record of holding corporations accountable for their negligence. If you or a loved one is suffering from a mesothelioma diagnosis, you deserve to be compensated to the fullest extent possible. Contact us today for more information or to request a free case evaluation.