A Firm That Specializes in Asbestos Litigation

In contrast to personal injury lawyers who deal with a variety of claims, law firms that specialize in asbestos litigation have the knowledge and resources to help people diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. These law firms have access specific databases that can help them link the patient's condition to the exposure they have had to asbestos prior to their diagnosis.

Exposure to Work

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring mineral fibers that resist to heat and corrosion. These fibers are utilized in products like insulation for pipes (steam lines for example), floor tiles, building materials, and automotive brakes and clutches. The most frequent exposure to asbestos is during construction, ship repairs and manufacturing of asbestos-containing products.

People who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may sue to recover damages from companies who exposed them to this dangerous substance. The amount of compensation resulting from a mesothelioma suit can be used to pay medical bills as well as lost wages and other expenses related to the disease.

In the United States, mesothelioma victims and their families can seek financial relief from a myriad of asbestos lawsuits producers through litigation. These lawsuits hold these companies liable for failing to disclose the dangers of their asbestos products, and for causing people to be affected by mesothelioma or other conditions.

Asbestos litigation differs from other personal injury lawsuits because it often involves the same defendants and plaintiffs. It may also involve the same law firms, attorneys, and experts. This is why it is essential that individuals with asbestos-related injuries work with a lawyer who understands these types of complex cases as well as the long history of mesothelioma litigation in the United States.

In asbestos litigation, determining the source for a person's exposure to asbestos is essential. This may require a thorough review of the years of employment and Social Security and union records, tax and other records. The lawyers at Waters Kraus & Paul can determine all potential sources of exposure, and then seek claims against responsible asbestos manufacturers.

Asbestos litigation is the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, dating back to the 1960s. Asbestos producers are now beginning to feel the impact from this litigation, filing for bankruptcy and making settlements with victims. They've also created asbestos attorneys trust funds in order to compensate future victims. However, until this dangerous carcinogen is completely banned, mesothelioma and the other asbestos-related diseases will continue to cause severe harm to people across the world. Our lawyers are dedicated to holding asbestos companies accountable for their negligence.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a fatal cancerous type that affects the linings of the lungs and abdomen, is a deadly disease. It forms when asbestos fibers that are sharp become lodged in the lining and cause irritation to the cells which can then become malignant and grow to other organs. It is not common that mesothelioma develops in people who have never been exposed to asbestos. In many cases, symptoms are not evident until decades after exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms of mesothelioma include difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest pain. A doctor will typically conduct a physical exam and ask for imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to check for indications of mesothelioma. They may also suggest the use of a biopsy to determine mesothelioma in a sample of tissue.

The biopsy can be done using surgery or by taking a small amount of tissue or fluid from the region affected by the tumor. The biopsy is then examined under a microscope to determine the type of mesothelioma. There are two mesothelioma types: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is considered to be the most responsive type of mesothelioma and accounts for 70 to 80% diagnoses. Sarcomatoid is the last mesothelioma and is more difficult.

Lawyers can help victims get compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. They can also sue asbestos companies for their wrongful conduct. They will review the evidence available and create an legal strategy that will maximize the value of a lawsuit.

The statute of limitations in each state determines how long victims have to pursue an asbestos lawsuit after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. In most states the statute of limitations is in effect when the victim is diagnosed with mesothelioma in wrongful death cases it is at the time of the person's death. Asbestos lawyers are well-versed in the laws of every state and can advise clients on the best place to file a mesothelioma suit. They can also assist victims avoid mistakes that can lower the value of their case. For instance, a lapse regarding the date of diagnosis could result in a loss of tens of thousands of dollars in compensation.

Statute of limitations

A statute of limitation is a legal rule which sets a time limit within which a lawsuit has to be filed. A plaintiff loses the right take legal action once the statute of limitation expires.

Asbestos litigation has been going on since the late 1920s when workers first reported asbestos-related ailments. It has become the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, and it has affected hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone. The litigation has changed over time due to changes in the law, the growth in the number of well-capitalized plaintiffs, the increasing media attention on mesothelioma and mass tort litigation, in particular and the increased use of computers.

Lawsuits for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases should be filed in a timely fashion to ensure that the time limit has not expired. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist victims in understanding the time limitations applicable to their particular situation. In most cases the statute of limitations begins to run when a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related illness.

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

A mesothelioma suit can also pay victims and their relatives for medical costs as well as lost income and emotional stress. These costs can quickly accumulate. A successful lawsuit can help reduce financial hardships and improve the quality of life.

Waters Kraus & Paul has experience in holding asbestos producers, distributors and others accountable for the role they played in the development mesothelioma. Our attorneys have worked for asbestos-related patients in Utah, California and across the country including those employed in shipyards and oil refineries. We hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for their negligence and are committed to ensuring the families of victims receive the financial compensation that they are entitled to.