10 Things We All Do Not Like About Asbestos Attorney
Asbestos Litigation
In the courts across the nation, asbestos litigation has been a major problem. Asbestos exposure has been proved to cause lung damage and lung disease by research.
An attorney must be able to recognize asbestos in each case. This can be accomplished by talking to colleagues, collecting documents, or analyzing samples taken from homes or workplaces.
Liability
You could be eligible for compensation if you or someone you care about is diagnosed with a health condition that is linked to asbestos. Compensation can help with lost wages medical costs, and other costs related to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illness. You can make a claim for compensation or a settlement offer from the defendants in the case.
In asbestos cases, there are usually several defendants since there are many mining companies that manufacture asbestos and manufacture products that contain asbestos. These businesses may also own or have control of asbestos-contaminated properties. Companies that provided services to asbestos-using mines, manufacturers or acted in the capacity of an employer may also be accountable for the injuries of victims.
Asbestos lawsuits usually fall under the legal category of law governing product liability, which is based on common and state laws that permit damages to be recouped from manufacturers of products if the products cause injuries. In a product liability suit it is claimed that injuries occurred due to faulty design or mismanufacture and that the person who was injured wasn't adequately warned about the dangers associated with the products.
In asbestos cases, defendants frequently claim that they weren't negligent and that their products are safe. This is in spite of the fact that doctors have known for years that asbestos-containing items are linked to a variety of diseases. Companies who concealed asbestos-related risks to make profits were accused of a cover-up. They tried to thwart claims and stop workers from claiming financial compensation for their injuries.
If more than one defendant is found responsible for the victim's asbestos-related injuries, a jury or judge could decide how to split the responsibility among the defendants in a process referred to as allocation. The apportionment of liability does not alter the amount that a plaintiff can receive in compensation from the defendants in the case.
Damages
A lawsuit against a company that produced or sold asbestos can aid victims in recovering compensation. This includes the cost for medical treatment and lost wages because of being unable to perform their job. Victims could also be awarded compensatory and punitive damages.
The lawsuit claims that the defendant acted negligently, meaning it did not use reasonable care to ensure that the product was safe for the intended use. It also is alleged that the defendant knew that asbestos was a danger and did not inform consumers and workers of the danger.
An asbestos-related lawsuit can be filed by a victim or estate of a person who has died from an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma. A person may start a lawsuit claiming personal injury in order to obtain compensation for economic and other damages, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of the life. Family members who have survived someone who died due to an asbestos-related disease can make a claim for wrongful death.
Once an asbestos case has been initiated, the parties share information through the process known as discovery. This process can last several months and could require interviews with family members, coworkers, members, abatement workers and others in order to identify potential defendants.
It is crucial that plaintiffs have an experienced attorney handling their case due to of the complexity of asbestos litigation. The law firm a victim or their family chooses to work with should have an understanding of the unique complexities involved in asbestos litigation and be recognized by insurers and defendants for its expertise in these cases.
Our lawyers are asbestos litigation experts with decades of experience representing asbestos victims and their families. We are known for our ability to get the maximum amount of compensation to our clients.
Contact us for a free consultation for any questions about filing a lawsuit against asbestos. We are committed to fighting for justice that is in the best interest of our clients. Our offices are located in Salt Lake City, Utah and Houston, Texas. We represent clients all over the nation. Call or email us today to begin.
Settlements
When asbestos victims win their lawsuits, they are awarded compensation from the companies which exposed them to harmful substances. The money is intended to assist the victim and their family in the event of financial losses due to the asbestos exposure. Compensation can help cover pain and suffering.
Asbestos lawsuits are often settled rather than going to trial. This is due to the fact that it is more cost-effective and easier for the defendant companies to settle the case this way. Settlements can also prevent the negative publicity that comes with a verdict at trial. It is essential to choose a mesothelioma lawyer who has years of experience in obtaining maximum damages on behalf of their clients.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are a bit more complicated and require attorneys to conduct extensive research into their client's past work history as well as medical records and asbestos exposure. They can assist clients in identifying potential asbestos-producing companies that may be responsible for their illness. The lawyers can then collect evidence to use in a mesothelioma-related case that is a solid one.
Mesothelioma lawyers may uncover evidence that asbestos companies were negligent during discovery and depositions. The evidence usually comes in the form internal memos, corporate documents and testimony from former employees who worked with asbestos-containing materials. In many cases, these documents show that asbestos-producing companies knew about the risks of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, but did not disclose the information to their employees or the general public.
A number of states have time limits which are known as statutes of limitation that define how long asbestos victims have to bring a lawsuit. These time periods vary from state-to-state, however, they are usually between one and two years. If the statute of limitations expires before a mesothelioma case is filed, the victims lose their rights to a fair settlement.
The amount victims can receive depends on the diagnosis of their asbestos-related disease the severity of their condition is, and other aspects. Attorneys take into account the cost of treatment and other expenses when negotiations to ensure that patients receive enough funds to cover medical expenses. Asbestos-related victims may also be able to claim through trust funds established for those diagnosed with mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases.
Some of these trusts have been empty, while others still pay substantial awards. In 2018, a federal court granted $70,000,000 to the family of an U.S. Navy machinist diagnosed with mesothelioma from working with gaskets made by John Crane Inc.
Trials
Asbestos sufferers who go to trial have a greater chance of receiving compensation than those who accept a settlement offer. Trials can resolve issues that aren't resolved through settlement negotiations. For instance, there are differences in the calculation of damages, and whether the condition of a victim is caused by a specific exposure.
In a court of law, plaintiffs have to prove that they are entitled to damages, including past and future medical costs as well as lost wages, damage to property as well as pain and discomfort and loss of consortium. In addition, the defendant must demonstrate that it is responsible for the asbestos-related injury. The process of trial can be lengthy. In the last 10 years mesothelioma cases, jury awards have risen significantly and have far exceeded the amount awarded by judges in settlement cases.
A mesothelioma attorney can help victims understand the steps to take in the court process and can explain their rights under the law in a public courtroom. A qualified lawyer can also assist in identifying potential defendants. Unlike car accident litigation, where it is often easy to identify the individuals involved, asbestos litigation can be more complicated. This is especially true if someone was exposed more than one kind of asbestos and in multiple locations. An experienced mesothelioma attorney is able to interview witnesses, such as coworkers or relatives, abatement workers and suppliers to create an extensive database of employers, products and locations.
There is a growing concern the cost of resolving claims from past asbestos victims has a negative impact on funds which could be used to fund future cases. Some claimants also believe that settlements aren't just based on injuries that actually occurred and should be compensated more.
The defendants can seek to dismiss asbestos claims using summary judgment, or a finding that there was no exposure. However the motions must be based on a thorough review of the evidence and a professional opinion that the doses measured of asbestos that the plaintiff was exposed to were insufficient to cause mesothelioma. A mesothelioma attorney can help accelerate the process and stop the case from becoming part of the backlog in the courts.