Asbestos is responsible for almost 3,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. Exposure to asbestos particles has been proven to be the cause of mesothelioma, a devastating form of cancer. In malignant mesothelioma, cancer cells attack the sac lining of the chest, the lining of the abdominal cavity, or the lining around the heart. When these cells begin to divide, they spread indiscriminately throughout the body and a person may have only twenty-four months to live after the disease is diagnosed.
People working with asbestos, such as in factories, shipyards, or mines, are at major risk of contracting mesothelioma. When exposed persons inhale asbestos particles, fibers work their way into body tissues, and the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases increases. Over the years, as the cases of mesothelioma have risen, often attacking individuals in the prime of their life, personal injury attorneys specializing in mesothelioma lawsuits have taken on the task of fighting for the rights of victims.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma, or who may have been exposed to asbestos without adequate precautions, has the right to claim monetary compensation from his employers. Mesothelioma attorneys help victims and their families seek compensation for suffering, loss of income, or loss of life. Experienced attorneys can obtain settlements amounting to millions of dollars if the case goes to trial. An average out-of-court settlement could be in the range of $1 million, with the attorney's fee amounting to 40% of the amount.
In most states, there is a time limit, or statute of limitations, within which to file a lawsuit. A victim or his family must thus hire a skilful mesothelioma attorney as soon as the disease has been diagnosed to avoid ineligibility. A good attorney will require time to put together a solid case. If required, your attorney can hire a private investigator to discover where the exposure to asbestos took place, and identify the company responsible for the exposure.
Choosing a mesothelioma attorney should be done with care. It is advisable to hire one with experience in the field, and one who is willing to disclose facts about previous cases. Feel free to talk to several attorneys before you decide on one you feel comfortable with. The right attorney is essential to securing the financial security of your family.
