Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that has been linked to people who were exposed to asbestos. It’s one of the most aggressive forms of cancer with deadly symptoms, and it’s not curable. It can also be difficult for doctors to diagnose. In fact, most people won’t know they have mesothelioma until it’s too late. That might be because only 1 out of every 100 people who are diagnosed with this cancer survives for more than five years. Despite more than 50 countries around the world outlawing asbestos, it is still being used in many industries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there are thousands of people in the US today who have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma cancer can take at least 20 to 40 years before symptoms appear.
Furthermore, the number of mesothelioma claims is rising. It’s no surprise that people who have been exposed to asbestos are getting sick, but you may be surprised by how many people are filing for compensation. In the past decade, the number of claims has increased dramatically from just less than 4,000 in 2003 to over 6,000 in 2013. Mesothelioma is one of the most deadly Occupational Diseases. Asbestos-related diseases are common among those who worked with construction materials and shipyards.
If you have been diagnosed with this disease and want to file compensation, you can do so by hiring a mesothelioma lawyer. Given below are five things that you should know before filing a mesothelioma lawsuit:
1. Statue Of Limitation
Mesothelioma cancer usually develops within 10 to 40 years of asbestos exposure. The statute of limitations, which varies from state to state, usually gives you one to five years from being diagnosed with mesothelioma to filing a lawsuit. In state like California, you can only file a claim within 12 months of the date of diagnosis. If you have collected all the facts about your health and employment history, and your lawyer has an efficient office and an easily identifiable source of payment, such as an insurance company or an asbestos trust, you may get less money than one year after the filing date.
2. Mesothelioma Compensation Claim
Bankrupt asbestos companies have also set up asbestos trust funds, which are another type of mesothelioma claim that can provide the necessary compensation to victims. Mesothelioma claims help victims of asbestos exposure and their families receive financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost earnings, and other illness-related expenses. With the help of a highly qualified lawyer, patients and their families affected by asbestos-related cancer can be compensated for pain and suffering, as well as other damages, through so-called asbestos or mesothelioma compensation claim.
3. You can demand compensation from the Asbestos Manufacturer.
Those suffering from asbestos-related health problems, such as mesothelioma, may be eligible for financial compensation from the manufacturer of the asbestos-based product or other responsible parties. Compensation for mesothelioma can come from a variety of sources depending on the circumstances of the asbestos exposure, the type of claim filed, and the status of the companies responsible.
4. If you are a veteran, you can demand a Veteran Claim.
In addition to the award of a court verdict, compensation may be available through asbestos funds, settlements, or veterans’ claims. Once you decide to proceed with the case, your asbestos lawyers will consider various compensation options. This may include filing various types of compensation claims, resulting in compensation being paid by responsible companies, insurance companies, and even the VA if you are a mesothelioma veteran.
If you or your loved one suffers from Mesothelioma, and are looking for legal advice, we at Gaylord and Nantais have your back. At Gaylord & Nantais’ attorneys, we have more than 40 years of expertise in successfully representing people who have been hurt on the job. We have experience with claims in a variety of sectors and will do our utmost best to protect your rights.