If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be wondering whether you have a valid asbestos lawsuit claim and what you should do in order to recover damages for your condition. While the following should not be considered either medical or legal advice, Attorney Group provide the following suggestions to those who have experienced adverse or life-threatening complications following asbestos exposure. Each case is different, so in order to determine if you have a valid asbestos lawsuit claim or if you have any questions about filing a lawsuit, contact Attorney Group today.
Asbestos Overview
Exposure to asbestos may increase an individual’s risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare but serious cancer that affects the heart, abdominal cavity and membrane around the lungs. Statistics show that, in the U.S., over 3,000 mesothelioma diagnoses are made each year. However, symptoms of the condition are not always readily apparent, victims may not show any indication of the condition until 20 to 50 years following the exposure.
Those in the following occupations may be at risk for asbestos exposure:
- Railway workers
- Pipe fitters
- Navy shipyard workers
- Miners
- Car mechanics
- Furnace or boiler technicians
- Construction workers
What to Do
If you feel that you may have an asbestos lawsuit claim, there are several steps that you can take to help you in preparation for your preliminary meeting with your lawyers:
- Obtain a clear diagnosis. It is imperative to consult with your healthcare provider and receive a mesothelioma diagnosis that may or may not include a tissue biopsy. You may also wish to obtain a copy of your diagnostic documents or your medical records to provide to your lawyers.
- Prepare a will. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is crucial to designate a law firm in a document that will be in charge of representing your case. Although few enjoy preparing these end-of-life documents, the executor of your will may eventually need the information you supply; it is better to specify the name of your attorney up-front rather than have your surviving family members attempt to find their own legal counsel.
- Write down where and when you believe that you were exposed to asbestos. If possible, start with the first date and provide the last date; illustrating long-term exposure may help to solidify your case and can be crucial evidence in your asbestos lawsuit claim.
- Note the name of your employer. Regardless of whether you worked as an employee or an independent contractor, document the name, location and contact information of the employer or any other parties with whom you came into contact over the course of your employment.
- Mention co-workers. In some instances, fellow workers may have had knowledge of potentially hazardous conditions pertaining to asbestos, particularly if they were to perform separate jobs.
- Contact a mesothelioma lawyer who has experience in handling asbestos lawsuit claims. If you have not yet done so, bring your evidence and documentation to your lawyers so that they can better determine whether you have a valid claim.
- Ask the lawyers to prepare an affidavit. To preserve your asbestos lawsuit claim, an affidavit may be necessary. Each piece of evidence and documentation will be filed together and will help to solidify your claim.
If you are considering filing a claim on behalf of a loved one, the steps largely remain the same. However, you may only have between one and three years from the date of the death to pursue a claim, so it is often better to seek legal counsel sooner rather than later if you or other surviving family members are considering attempting to recover monetary damages for your loss.
Contact Attorney Group to Learn More
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or if you feel that you have a valid asbestos lawsuit claim, contact the affiliated lawyers at Attorney Group today. We provide free, no-obligation case evaluations to those who have developed this cancer following long-term or repeated asbestos exposure, and we will work to help you to seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
