Mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, has a long latency period, but once it develops, it rapidly attacks the body. Often, symptoms do not appear immediately and a diagnosis of mesothelioma is discovered in the later stages of the illness. In these cases, patients may be too ill to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit against the negligent parties, or they may have filed a claim, but are too ill to continue.
On behalf of the patient, family members and loved ones can take legal action to pursue potential compensation from the economic and non-economic consequences of exposure. Mesothelioma lawyers will work closely with those involved to gather information and pursue a claim. If you or a loved one is in this situation, time is of the essence, so the following items will guide you in the right direction.
Important When Helping Your Loved One
Statute of Limitations – this is the period of time a person has to file a lawsuit. For mesothelioma lawsuits the statute of limitations will vary by state and sometimes by case. Therefore, it is crucial that you act immediately when filing a claim, not only to ensure you are within your legal timeframe of rights, but you are able to gather needed information from the patient. Mesothelioma lawyers are experienced and knowledgeable on each state’s statutes and will guide you accordingly.
Facts & Evidence – When pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit on behalf of a seriously ill patient, it is important that you gather all of the facts and present the evidence to the lawyer. Speak with your loved one to determine the approximate time frame of asbestos exposure, the companies responsible for the negligence, and names and numbers of coworkers that could provide additional details. Any information that you can provide the lawyer will help to expedite the case. Enlist family members and friends to help, especially when the patient is too ill to assist.
Locate a Mesothelioma Lawyer – Networking and research are useful resources to find the right lawyer for your loved one. For decades, experienced mesothelioma lawyers have recovered billions of dollars for victims of asbestos exposure. A general personal injury lawyer will not have the experience, time, or medical resources to handle your case.
Some helpful tips when searching for a mesothelioma lawyer:
- Focus on those firms that have been involved since the 1970s when asbestos lawsuits were first coming to trial. Their lawyers have years of research, medical articles, and case documents to assist the case.
- Contact those close to you for recommendations, possibly former coworkers of your loved one, who may have already filed a claim through a law firm specializing in asbestos-related cases. Word of mouth will give you the most honest review of any lawyer you are considering.
The most important thing to keep in mind is you must act quickly. Mesothelioma lawyers are familiar with the sensitivity of time in these cases and they will act accordingly to pursue compensation for your loved one.