Asbestos exposure causes deadly diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease can pursue legal action against those responsible. To do this, there will need to be evidence. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help guide you through the process and collect the information you need.
Patients should gather all medical records pertaining to their illness, including testing that was done to reach a diagnosis and any treatment they received. Early symptoms of mesothelioma can mimic other respiratory illnesses, and patients may be treated for something else before the real cause is discovered. These records can help put together a complete timeline of the disease’s progression. If you are filing a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who died from an asbestos-related disease, you should also include records of funeral or burial expenses.
Proving Asbestos Exposure
There are many ways that a person might be exposed to asbestos, and finding the source is key to a successful mesothelioma lawsuit. One of the most common types of asbestos exposure is workplace exposure. Workers in some industries, such as construction, shipbuilding, oil refining, manufacturing, aviation, automotive mechanics, plumbing, electrical, maritime, and the military, have historically had to handle asbestos products regularly, resulting in possible exposure. Asbestos has been heavily regulated since the 1980s, when the link between asbestos and deadly disease was already widely recognized for many years. Workers handling asbestos today must follow strict safety guidelines.
Your lawyer will compile records of your employment history, including employment contracts, pay stubs, and documents related to work sites. In many cases, they will also secure statements from coworkers or other witnesses who can confirm your work history. These statements can fill in the blanks about job duties and specifics of the site, establishing a clearer link between the job and asbestos. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma will also have to produce service records, as well as records of any treatment they received through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For decades, many buildings were constructed using asbestos materials. As a versatile, durable, and heat- and flame-resistant material, asbestos was included in a variety of construction materials, such as drywall, insulation, cement products, adhesives, paints, floor and ceiling tiles, roof shingles, and more. The building records may contain a list of the materials used in the construction. Asbestos dust often gets released when buildings are renovated or remodeled, so records of any work done will be needed as well.
Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Will Guide You Through Your Asbestos Lawsuit
Filing a claim for an asbestos disease such as mesothelioma or lung cancer can be a confusing process, but our experienced Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law are here to help. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call 877-743-4652 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.