A Firm That Specializes in Asbestos Litigation

Unlike personal injury attorneys who handle many different types of claims, firms that specialize in asbestos litigation have the expertise and resources to assist people diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. These law firms have access databases that can help determine the diagnosis of a patient based on their previous exposure to asbestos.

Occupational Exposure

Asbestos is made up of minerals which are resistant to corrosion, heat and abrasion. These fibers are utilized in products like insulation for pipes (steam lines, for example), floor tiles, building materials and automobile brakes and clutches. Occupational exposure occurs most often during construction, ship repairs and manufacturing of asbestos lawyer-containing products.

Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases may sue to seek damages from the companies that exposed them to the deadly substance. The amount of compensation resulting from a mesothelioma suit can be used to pay medical bills, lost wages and other costs associated with the disease.

In the United States, mesothelioma patients and their families may seek financial relief through lawsuits against dozens of asbestos manufacturers. These lawsuits hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for not disclosing the dangers of their asbestos lawyer products, and for causing people to be affected by mesothelioma or additional conditions.

Asbestos litigation is different from other personal injury claims due to the fact that it typically involves the same defendants and plaintiffs. It can also involve the same attorneys, law firms, and expert witnesses. It is therefore essential that asbestos-related injury victims hire an attorney who has experience in complex cases and who knows the background of mesothelioma lawsuits in the United States.

A key issue in asbestos litigation is determining the cause of an individual's asbestos lawsuit exposure. This could require a review of years of employment, Social Security and union records tax, and other records. The lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul can determine all potential sources of exposure and pursue claims against the responsible asbestos manufacturers.

Asbestos litigation has been going on in the United States since the 1960s. Asbestos manufacturers are now experiencing the consequences from this litigation, filing for bankruptcy and settling with victims. They've also created asbestos trust funds to compensate future victims. But, until this deadly carcinogen is completely eliminated mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases will continue to cause serious harm to people around the world. Our lawyers are committed to holding these asbestos-related companies accountable for their wrongful conduct.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a lethal form of cancer that afflicts the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It occurs when asbestos fibers get lodged in the lung's lining or abdomen and irritate cells. The cells then turn malignant and spread to other organs. It is uncommon for mesothelioma develop in those who have not had a previous history of exposure to asbestos. In a majority of cases it takes a long time after exposure for symptoms to appear.

Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, coughing, and breathing difficulties. A doctor will typically conduct an examination and may ask for imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to detect indications of mesothelioma. They may also recommend a biopsy to test for mesothelioma-like cells in a tissue sample.

The biopsy can be carried out using surgery or by removing a small amount of tissue or fluid from the region affected by the cancer. The biopsy is then examined under microscopes to determine the type of mesothelioma. There are two main mesothelioma types that are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is the most sensitive mesothelioma type and accounts for 70 - the 80% of diagnoses. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the rest of mesothelioma cases, and is more difficult to treat.

Lawyers can help victims receive compensation for medical expenses loss of wages, pain and suffering. They can also sue asbestos companies responsible for their wrongful conduct. They will review all evidence available and develop a legal strategy that will maximize the potential value of a claim.

The statute of limitations in every state determines the length of time victims have to bring a lawsuit against asbestos after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. In the majority of states, a victim's time limit begins when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma or in the case of wrongful death the date of death. Asbestos lawyers are well-versed in each state's laws and can advise clients on the most appropriate jurisdiction to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. They can also assist patients avoid making mistakes that could reduce the value of their claim. For instance, a mistake regarding the date of diagnosis can result in a loss of tens of thousands of dollars in compensation.

Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a legal requirement that sets a time limit within which lawsuits must be filed. A plaintiff loses the right pursue legal action after the statute of limitations runs out.

Since the late 1920s when workers began reporting asbestos-related ailments, asbestos litigation has continued. It is now the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, and it has impacted hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone. Over the years, the litigation has been shaped by changes in law, the development of a well-capitalized plaintiffs bar, heightened media focus on mass tort litigation and mesothelioma in particular, and the increasing use of technology like computers.

Lawsuits involving mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases should be filed on time to ensure that the statute of limitations hasn't expired. Each state has its own statute of limitations, and a mesothelioma lawyer can help victims understand what time frame applies in their specific situation. In the majority of instances, a victim's statute of limitations starts to expire when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.

A lawyer must have a wealth of experience dealing with asbestos cases since the statutes of limitations and other legal issues can make compensation difficult. An asbestos lawyer will carefully review the case of each client to determine whether it will impact a statute or other legal issues.

Additionally, a mesothelioma lawsuit will help pay victims and their families for medical expenses, lost income and emotional pain, which can add up quickly. A successful lawsuit can reduce financial burdens and improve quality of life.

Waters Kraus & Paul has expertise in the case of holding asbestos lawyer distributors, producers, and others accountable for the role they played in the development mesothelioma. Our attorneys have worked for asbestos-related victims in Utah, California and across the nation as well as those employed in shipyards and oil refineries. We hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for their negligence, and will ensure that the victims and their families receive the financial compensation they are due.