Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Asbestos lawyers can hold the asbestos-related companies accountable through a lawsuit. These companies could include former employers or asbestos producers.

The companies were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure, but did not warn their employees. These lawsuits seek to compensate the companies for their workers as well as victims.

Most asbestos lawsuits settle before trial. Experienced attorneys are ready to bring your case to a jury trial in the event of a need.

Military Service

Mesothelioma is a rare and pervasive disease however, it can also be a concern for veterans who were exposed to asbestos serving in the military. Mesothelioma suits are filed against asbestos companies who are accountable and compensation can be awarded to pay for the cost of treatment.

Asbest was found in a variety of types of military equipment, including boilers, pipes, and engine rooms. Many kinds of military equipment, such as boilers, pipes, and engine rooms, contained asbestos. The Navy was the branch that had the most exposure to asbestos. This is the reason why a lot of Navy veterans have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

Asbestos victims are compensated in multiple ways, including VA benefits and legal settlements. Because mesothelioma is incurable, the condition can be classified as a total and lasting disability, which means veterans are qualified for VA disability payments.

Veterans can get compensation from the VA or legal settlements to pay for medical treatment and support their families and enjoy a comfortable life. Asbestos lawyers can aid veterans learn more about the benefits and assist in filing claims.

Lawyers can help their clients in filing asbestos lawsuits against the manufacturers of this deadly product. Many large corporations were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos and were able escape liability by filing for bankruptcy. However, the mesothelioma lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul hold these asbestos companies accountable.

Some mesothelioma cases end up in court, even though most settle. In a trial, the victims are brought before a judge and jury who can award more or less than an agreement. In one mesothelioma case which was settled by a jury, a jury awarded the victim's family $40 million in damages. This verdict is the highest ever awarded to an asbestos claim. The lawyers representing the victims must show that defendants were negligent and responsible for the victim's exposure to asbestos. This evidence is usually made through testimony and documents from witnesses who worked with the victim.

Bankruptcy

In addition to damages in the form of money and compensation for pain, victims and their families could be entitled to medical expenses and compensation. The process can take a long time. Typically, it takes two years or more between the time of diagnosis and when they receive compensation. It is therefore important to speak with mesothelioma lawyers as soon as you can.

Asbestos lawsuits are complex. They involve a variety of parties, including multiple trusts and a complicated series of legal procedures. The lawsuits are brought by mesothelioma patients or their estates against the companies that manufactured asbestos-related products. The companies were often aware of the link between asbestos and mesothelioma but continued to manufacture asbestos for a long time. In the end thousands of asbestos-related victims have been awarded damages.

Many of the companies producing asbestos-containing products have been forced to close due to the overwhelming number of lawsuits. This has led to the development of a legal profession dedicated exclusively to asbestos litigation.

Companies that remain in business may make bankruptcy filings to reduce their risk. The Texas Two-Step strategy is based on state law which allows companies with high liability to form a subsidiary with low assets. The company then reorganizes under Chapter 11 and transfers the assets and liabilities to the newly established subsidiary.

In many cases the new subsidiary is situated in a different country in order to avoid lawsuits regarding asbestos exposure that took place prior to the reorganization. This is the approach used in several high profile cases, such as J&J's reorganization of LTL Management, which faced 40,000 baby powder claims. Gordon's company represents a variety of clients who are currently using this strategy as well, including Georgia-Pacific Bestwall which is facing 60,000 claims.

The statute of limitations may complicate asbestos lawsuits. Mesothelioma typically develops 10 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. State laws, also known as statutes of limitations give victims between one and five years to make a claim. In the event of grievous death, the family members have one to three years from the date of the loved one's death to file a claim.

Settlements

The victims of asbestos-related diseases are often awarded significant settlements. In some cases, like the wrongful death suit brought by the family of an asbestos attorney pipefitter, the jury awarded settlements that reached millions of dollars. However, in other cases, victims accept a small amount. The main reason for this is that many businesses that used to manufacture and install asbestos are now shut down or bankrupt. Asbestos producers who declare bankruptcy are doing so under a court-approved process that requires they put aside a large amount of money to pay future victims. Trusts that are set up allow more claimants to be compensated, but the amounts are often much lower than what would have been given under the tort system.

The value of an asbestos case is contingent on the severity of the disease and the time it took to develop, and how a victim's life has been affected. The value of an asbestos case is also influenced by the amount of lost earnings, medical expenses and the extent to which a mesothelioma victim's pain and suffering can be quantified.

Most states have statutes that limit the period of time that mesothelioma sufferers or a related asbestos-related disease, can file a lawsuit against a defendant. The date that the plaintiff was diagnosed with mesothelioma usually is an indication of intent to start the clock for the statute of limitations.

Most mesothelioma cases are settled or disposed of by the courts because mesothelioma can be a lethal cancer that takes years to manifest symptoms. When mesothelioma victims die before their cases are settled and their estates are able to continue to pursue an asbestos lawsuit on their behalf.

Waters Kraus and Paul's lawyers represent clients from a wide range of industries throughout the United States and around the world who have suffered from asbestos exposure. We hold asbestos producers and their insurers accountable for their role in exposing victims the toxic chemical. We have represented mesothelioma victims' families in cases against companies that were located throughout the United States, Canada and the Middle East including Iran.

Trials

While going to trial is rare however, when it does happen, victims are able to receive multi-million-dollar verdicts. These awards may cover medical costs as well as lost wages and other damages resulting from asbestos exposure. A jury may also award punitive damage to penalize the responsible company for their behavior, and to deter others from putting customers or employees in danger.

Compensation from an asbestos suit can help families of mesothelioma victims get back on their feet following losing a loved one to the disease. Families are often forced to take time away from work to take care of mesothelioma patients and this results in a loss of income. Mesothelioma judgments and settlements can help pay for the cost and offer family members a financial plan for the future.

Asbestos-related lawsuits have been part of mass torts for years in the United US. The litigation has caused numerous companies to file for bankruptcy and has also led to the creation of asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. Research has proven that asbestos exposure leads to lung damage and diseases such as mesothelioma.

A mesothelioma lawyer is able to construct and negotiate cases to ensure clients receive the most lucrative amount. A lawyer with experience can guide clients through the advantages of settling cases versus going to trial. A lawyer can explain the impact of asbestos laws and other state statutes on a claim.

During the course of litigation attorneys and clients conduct a series of meetings called discovery. In this phase, attorneys collect evidence and details from defendants in order to prepare for trial. During this period, many defendants are willing to settle to avoid a damaging verdict.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer has the expertise and resources to hold asbestos manufacturers, distributors, and insurance companies accountable for their negligence. Waters Kraus & Paul attorneys have successfully held asbestos companies accountable for their negligence and secured substantial settlements for their clients. Call us now to discuss how we can help your family and get the justice you deserve. We represent asbestos-exposed people across the country. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can help you find the compensation you are due.