If you were recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, you might be considering your options for treatment. Whether your goal is to increase your life expectancy, relieve painful symptoms, or both, you will likely find that treatment is expensive. Before you consider going without medical care because you can’t afford it, you should look for ways to get the money you need for treatment.
For many mesothelioma patients, the answer is to pursue compensation from the asbestos companies liable for asbestos exposure. After all, you wouldn’t be suffering from mesothelioma if you hadn’t been exposed to dangerous asbestos. Fortunately, you have the right to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party, but you’ll need to check some important details first. Learn what makes a valid mesothelioma lawsuit, and then contact experienced mesothelioma lawyers for skilled representation during your case.
What Do I Need to Prove During a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
When you bring a mesothelioma lawsuit against an asbestos company, you are alleging that they should be financially responsible for your losses because they’re at fault for your medical condition. This means you must prove that you have this condition and that their actions caused it.
To do this, you need to gather your medical records to show that you were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Next, you must find evidence of your work history to show that you were exposed to asbestos materials at work.
For example, if you worked in a building or at a jobsite that contained asbestos, you must have documentation that states the name of your employer, their location, and when you worked for them. This information will confirm that you were exposed to asbestos. Similarly, if you lived in a building that contained asbestos, you need documentation proving where you lived and when you lived there to confirm that asbestos was present.
Evidence of your mesothelioma diagnosis and asbestos exposure will strengthen your personal injury lawsuit. Once you have this, you should also gather your medical bills and proof of any other expenses to determine the compensation you’re owed. A skilled mesothelioma lawyer will help collect these documents so you don’t have to do this alone while dealing with symptoms of mesothelioma.
Can I Initiate a Lawsuit on Behalf of a Family Member?
When you file a legal claim as a mesothelioma victim, you’ll file a personal injury lawsuit. But what if you lost a close family member to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease? In that case, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf. This will provide you with the compensation you need to afford their hospital bills and funeral costs.
If you relied on their income, you can likely pursue compensation for lost wages, as you should not have to struggle to pay the bills while you grieve your loss. Depending on your case, you may also be eligible for loss of companionship and other non-economic damages. A skilled wrongful death lawyer will tell you which damages you’re entitled to after losing your loved one.
Note that you typically must be the spouse, parent, or child of the mesothelioma victim to file a wrongful death case for them. Estate representatives can also file this type of lawsuit on behalf of the victim’s estate. Your mesothelioma attorney will let you know if you qualify to initiate this type of lawsuit.
When Can I Take Legal Action?
If you’re considering filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, don’t wait too long to make a decision. All states have statutes of limitations on personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. This can range from one to three years after your diagnosis or loved one’s death, depending on your state and the type of case you file. A trusted lawyer can tell you if you’re within the statute of limitations for your lawsuit.
If you don’t know a lawyer you can trust for legal answers, contact Frost Law Firm. We have helped countless clients across the country file mesothelioma lawsuits for themselves and their family members. We know what it takes to create a strong case capable of winning the compensation you deserve, so call us at 866-FROST-WINS for legal help.