Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Asbestos lawyers can hold the companies accountable for exposure through an action. These companies could include past employers or asbestos manufacturers.

These companies were aware the asbestos risks but failed to inform their employees. These lawsuits seek compensation from the companies for their employees and victims.

Most asbestos lawsuits settle before trial. Professionally trained attorneys are prepared to bring your case to a jury trial, in the event of a need.

Military Service

Mesothelioma, a rare but fatal disease can affect veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their military service. Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed against the asbestos companies responsible, and compensation can help cover the cost of treatment.

Military personnel were exposed to asbestos while in the service, especially when working on ships and in shipyards. This is due to the fact that a variety of military equipment had asbestos, including boilers, pipes, and engine rooms. The Navy was the branch with the most exposure to asbestos. This is the reason why a lot of Navy veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos-related victims are compensated through a variety of avenues, including VA benefits legal settlements, trust funds. Since mesothelioma is classified as an incurable disease veterans are able to be eligible for VA disability payments.

The amount of compensation veterans receive from the VA and legal settlements can aid in the payment of their medical expenses and provide financial support to their families and allow them to live a comfortable life. Asbestos lawyers can assist veterans understand how these benefits work and assist with filing claims.

Lawyers can help their clients in filing asbestos lawsuits against the makers of this deadly product. Many large corporations were aware of the dangers of asbestos lawyer, but chose to file for bankruptcy to avoid being held accountable. However, the mesothelioma lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul hold asbestos companies accountable.

Although the majority of cases result in a settlement, a handful of mesothelioma lawsuits end up going to trial. In a trial, the victims are presented before a jury and judge which could award more or less money than a settlement. In one mesothelioma trial which was settled by a jury, a jury awarded the victim's family $40 million in damages. This verdict is the highest ever for an asbestos case. The attorneys for the victims must prove that defendants were negligent and responsible for the victim being exposed to asbestos. This proof is usually provided by documents and testimony of witnesses who worked with victims.

Bankruptcy

In addition to monetary damages and compensation for pain, victims and their families may also be entitled to medical expenses and compensation. However the process could be long. It typically takes two years or longer between the diagnosis of the victim and when they are awarded compensation. Therefore, it is important to contact mesothelioma lawyers as early as you can.

Asbestos lawsuits are a complex matter. They involve multiple parties including multiple trusts as well as a complicated series of legal processes. The lawsuits are filed by mesothelioma sufferers or their estates. The companies were usually aware of the connection between asbestos and mesothelioma but continued to produce the product for decades. Because of this, thousands asbestos victims have received compensation.

A staggering number of lawsuits have led to the demise of many companies that produce asbestos-containing products. This has led to the formation of a legal sector dedicated exclusively to asbestos lawyer litigation.

Companies that are not in business tend to limit their risk through bankruptcy filings. The Texas Two-Step strategy is based on state law that allows companies with high liabilities to form a subsidiary with low assets. The company then reorganizes the company through Chapter 11 and moves the assets and liabilities into the newly created subsidiary.

Often the new subsidiary will be located in a different country to avoid lawsuits related to asbestos exposure that occurred prior to the restructuring. This strategy has been utilized in a number of high-profile cases like J&J's restructuring of LTL Management which faced 40,000 claims for baby powder. Gordon's company represents a variety of clients that are currently utilizing this strategy, including Georgia-Pacific Bestwall which faces 60,000 claims.

Asbestos lawsuits can be complicated due to the statutes of limitations. Mesothelioma typically develops 10 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. State laws, also referred to as statutes or limitations give victims between one and five years to file suit. In the event of wrongful death, family members have one to three years from the date of the deceased loved one's death to file an action.

Settlements

Many times, asbestos-related diseases result in substantial settlements. In some cases, like the wrongful death suit brought by the family an asbestos pipefitter, the jury awarded settlements that reached millions of dollars. In many cases, victims receive very little compensation. The main reason for this is that many businesses which once manufactured and used asbestos are now closed or bankrupt. Asbestos companies that are filing for bankruptcy do so under an approved court process that requires they set aside large funds to pay future victims. These trusts do allow for more claimants to be compensated but the amounts are often substantially lower than what could have been awarded in a tort case.

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

Most states have statutes that limit the time period within which mesothelioma sufferers or any other asbestos-related injury, can bring a lawsuit against the defendant. The date that the plaintiff was diagnosed with mesothelioma is typically an effective notice that begins the clock for the time period of limitation.

The majority of mesothelioma cases settle or resolvable by the courts because mesothelioma is a fatal cancer that can take years before it begins to manifest symptoms. However, if mesothelioma patients do die before their case reaches an agreement the estates of their deceased can continue pursuing an asbestos lawsuit in order to obtain compensation on their behalf.

Waters Kraus & Paul represents clients from diverse industries across the United States and abroad who have been exposed to asbestos. We hold asbestos producers and their insurers accountable for their part in exposing victims to this dangerous chemical. We have represented mesothelioma victims' families in court cases against companies that were located throughout the United States, Canada and the Middle East including Iran.

Trials

Although trial is not common but when it does happen victims are able to receive multi-million-dollar verdicts. These awards may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses that result from asbestos exposure. A jury may also award punitive damages to penalize the responsible company for their actions, and to deter others from putting customers or employees at risk.

A compensation from an asbestos lawsuit can help families of mesothelioma patients get back on their feet after losing a loved to the disease. Families are often forced to miss time from work in order to care for mesothelioma patients which can result in loss of income. Mesothelioma settlements and judgements can cover these expenses and ensure that family members have a an income and financial future to look forward to.

Asbestos-related lawsuits are among the longest-running mass torts in U.S. history. The lawsuits have led to numerous companies to declare bankruptcy and has also led to the creation of asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. Research has shown that asbestos exposure leads to lung damage and illnesses such as mesothelioma.

A mesothelioma attorney can build and argue an argument to ensure that clients get the most money. An experienced lawyer can also advise clients on the pros and cons of settling a case versus going to trial. An attorney can explain the effect of asbestos laws as well as the different state laws on claims.

During the process of litigation attorneys and their clients conduct a series of interviews called discovery. In this phase, attorneys collect evidence and other information from defendants to prepare for trial. A lot of defendants be settled during this phase to avoid a potentially damaging jury verdict.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer has the expertise and resources necessary to hold responsible asbestos distributors, manufacturers and insurance companies accountable for their wrongful actions. Lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul have held numerous asbestos companies accountable and won substantial settlements for their clients. Call us now to discuss how we can help your family members and ensure that you receive the justice that you deserve. We represent people across the country who were exposed to asbestos. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease We can help you find the compensation you are due.