Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive and terminal cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos contains long, thin crystalline fibers that, when inhaled or ingested, become trapped in the body’s tissues and accumulate over time, causing scarring, inflammation, cell damage, and deadly cancer. Asbestos is especially damaging to the lungs, resulting in mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other diseases.
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure and resulting disease. Mesothelioma lawsuits seek financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses due to asbestos exposure illnesses.
Many mesothelioma lawsuits settle out of court due to the companies’ level of negligence and the aggressiveness of mesothelioma. Accepting a settlement provides victims quicker access to money for medical and living expenses, financial stability, and justice without the stress of appearing in court.
Am I Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
If you or an immediate family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. When victims die as a result of their illness, their immediate family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation. In many cases, victims will get compensation from asbestos trust funds. An estimated $30 billion is still available in trust funds from over 100 companies to compensate asbestos victims and their families.
How Do I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
Filing a lawsuit can be overwhelming, particularly ones involving medical conditions due to toxic exposure, such as mesothelioma. If you believe your illness was caused by asbestos exposure, you may have grounds to hold the responsible parties accountable by filing a lawsuit through the following process:
- Consult a lawyer: Mesothelioma lawsuits are complex and may involve multiple responsible parties. It is wise to retain legal assistance before filing. Experienced asbestos lawyers have the knowledge and resources to secure a settlement quickly, saving you time and money.
- Gather evidence: Lawsuits require ample evidence to support your claims regarding your illness. Your lawyer will locate and gather supporting evidence, such as:
- Employment records
- Medical records
- Military records, if applicable
- Expert testimony, such as medical, scientific, or industry experts
- File the lawsuit: Once your lawyer has compiled the evidence and necessary information, your lawsuit will be filed against all parties responsible for your illness in the appropriate court.
- Discovery: During discovery, both parties will provide evidence, disclose information supporting their claims, and depose witnesses, experts, and the parties named in the lawsuit. The process can take several months, depending on the circumstances of the case and the amount of information provided.
- Negotiate a settlement: Once discovery is complete, your lawyer may negotiate with the opposing counsel for maximum compensation for your injuries and illness.
Is There a Deadline to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is two years from the date of diagnosis. One must file a lawsuit within years of diagnosis or be forever prohibited from doing so.
Our Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Help Clients Seek Justice for Asbestos Diseases
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos disease, speak with our experienced Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law. Call 877-743-4652 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.