Asbestos Litigation
In courts all over the country asbestos litigation has been a significant issue. Asbestos exposure is proven to cause lung disease and damage by research.
It is essential for attorneys to know how to spot asbestos products in each case. This can be done by talking to co-workers, getting records, or analyzing samples taken from homes or workplaces.
Liability
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness you could be eligible for compensation. Compensation can cover lost wages, medical expenses as well as other expenses associated with mesothelioma. You can bring a lawsuit, or offer an offer of settlement to the defendants.
There are typically multiple defendants in a case involving asbestos because there are many mining companies that made asbestos and the manufacturers of products that contain asbestos. These businesses may also own or have control of asbestos-contaminated properties. Businesses that provided services to asbestos-using mines, manufacturers or acted in an employer capacity could be held accountable for injuries suffered by victims.
Asbestos lawsuits usually fall under the legal category of product liability law, which is based on state and common laws that allow damages to be awarded against the sellers of products when those products cause injuries. In a particular case, in a product liability lawsuit, it is alleged that the injuries were caused due to a flawed or a flawed design, and that the injured party was not adequately warned about the risks associated with using the products.
Defendants in asbestos cases often claim that they did not behave in a negligent way and that their products are safe, despite the fact that doctors have long recognized the use of asbestos-containing products is linked to different diseases. Companies that hid asbestos risks to make profits were accused of cover-up, and they attempted to deny claims and block workers from seeking an amount of compensation for their injuries.
A judge or jury may decide how to distribute the blame between defendants in cases where more than one defendant is found responsible for an asbestos-related injury. This process is called apportionment. The apportionment does not affect the amount of compensation that the plaintiff is entitled to from the defendants.
Damages
A lawsuit against a business which manufactured or sold asbestos could help victims receive compensation. This includes the cost of medical treatment for their illness as well as the loss of wages due to inability to work. Victims may also be eligible for punitive and compensatory damages.
The lawsuit asserts that the defendant acted negligently, meaning that it did not take reasonable steps to ensure the product was safe for its intended use. The lawsuit also alleges that the defendant knew asbestos was a risk and failed to inform consumers and workers about the dangers.
A person who has been a victim or the estates of people who have died from asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma are able to make an asbestos lawsuit. A person may bring a lawsuit for personal injury in order to obtain compensation for financial and other damages like emotional distress as well as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment the life. In addition, the surviving family members of someone who passed away from an asbestos-related illness can make a claim for wrongful death.
When an asbestos compensation-related case is filed and a settlement is reached, both sides exchange information in the process of discovery. The process can last for several months and may involve interviews with family members, coworkers, members, abatement workers, and others in order to identify potential defendants.
It is essential for plaintiffs to choose an experienced attorney handling their case due to of the complexity of asbestos litigation. The law firm a victim or their family chooses be aware of the unique complexities involved in asbestos litigation and should 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 well-known for our expertise in obtaining the highest compensation for clients.
If you have questions about filing an asbestos lawsuit, please contact us for a free consultation. We are dedicated to fighting for justice in the best interests of our clients. Our offices are located in Salt Lake City, Utah and Houston, Texas. We represent clients throughout the United States. Contact us via phone or email today to get started.
Settlements
When asbestos victims win their lawsuits, they are awarded compensation from companies who knew they exposed them to hazardous substances. The money is intended to help the family members of the victim with financial losses resulting from the asbestos exposure. Compensation may cover the cost of suffering and pain.
Asbestos cases are typically settled rather than going to trial. This is due to the fact that it’s more affordable and easier for the defendant companies to settle the case in this manner. Settlements also reduce the negative publicity that comes from a trial verdict. It is essential to choose an attorney for mesothelioma who has experience in obtaining maximum damages for their clients.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are a bit more complicated and require attorneys to conduct thorough research on their client’s work history as well as medical records, and asbestos exposure. They can help clients identify companies that could produce asbestos that could be responsible for their illness. Lawyers can then gather evidence to use in a mesothelioma lawsuit that is strong.
During pre-trial discovery and depositions, mesothelioma lawyers can uncover evidence of asbestos companies’ negligence. The evidence usually comes in the form internal memos, corporate documents, and testimony from former employees who worked with asbestos-containing materials. In many instances these documents, it is clear that asbestos manufacturers knew about the risks of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, but didn’t disclose this information to their workers or to the public.
Many states set time limitations, called statutes of limitations, on how long asbestos victims have to make a claim. The length of time varies from state-to-state, but generally range between one and two years. If the statute of limitation expires prior to the time a lawsuit for mesothelioma has been filed, the victim will lose their right to compensation.
The amount of money that patients can receive is contingent on the diagnosis of their asbestos-related disease and how severe their condition is, as well as other aspects. Attorneys look at treatment costs as well as other expenses in negotiations to ensure that patients have enough funds to pay their medical expenses. Asbestos victims might also be able to claim through trust funds set up for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Certain trusts have been depleted but others continue to pay out large payouts. In 2018, for instance the federal jury awarded $70 million to the family of an U.S. Navy machinist who developed mesothelioma after working with gaskets produced by John Crane Inc.
Trials
Asbestos victims who attend trial have a much better chance of receiving compensation than those who accept an offer to settle. Trials can resolve issues that aren’t easily resolved through settlement negotiations. For example, there may be differences in the calculation of damages and the possibility that a patient’s condition was caused by an exposure.
In a court of law, plaintiffs have to prove that they are entitled to damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, damage to property, pain and discomfort, and loss in consortium. In addition, the defendant has to prove that it is responsible for the asbestos-related injury. The trial process is often 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 process of trial and explain their legal rights before a judge in a public courtroom. A licensed lawyer can assist in identifying potential defendants. In contrast to car accident litigation where it is typically easy to identify the individuals involved, asbestos litigation are more complicated. This is particularly true if someone has been exposed to asbestos in multiple places and at different dates. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will interview witnesses, such as family members, coworkers and abatement workers, to create an inventory of products, employers, and the locations.
The cost of resolving asbestos claims eats up funds which could have been used to fund future cases. Furthermore, some claimants believe that settlements should be basing on actual injuries and they deserve more compensation.
Plaintiffs in asbestos cases can seek to dismiss claims through the process of summary judgment or by a finding of no exposure. These motions are, however, subject to an in-depth examination of the evidence and an expert’s opinion on whether the doses of asbestos measured by the plaintiff were not sufficient to cause mesothelioma. A mesothelioma lawyer can accelerate the process and prevent the case from becoming a part of the backlog in the courts.