One of the most important times in your life when you may need a lawyer is when you have been wronged by an employer. In certain industries and trades, it's not uncommon for employers to be at fault if their workers have been exposed to dangerous substances that lead to a diagnosis of serious health conditions. In cases like this, victims should contact a lawyer to get justice and compensation from the at-fault party, to avoid having to pay for expensive treatment and medical care out of pocket.
In 2020, asbestos imports in the United States increased significantly. According to the U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries report, almost 300 metric tons of raw chrysotile asbestos was imported into the U.S. last year. That’s almost double the amount imported in 2019.
Considering that asbestos is a toxic mineral that is the primary cause of one of the most deadly forms of cancer, this increase is particularly concerning. While the mineral has been banned in many countries, it is still legal to use in the United States, although many industries, including construction, have banned its use.
Across the country, exposure to asbestos leads to the diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer in nearly 3,000 patients each year. The prognosis for this condition is usually devastating: Nearly just as many people that are diagnosed with the cancer each year also die from it. That’s because the typical life expectancy after diagnosis is just 12 to 24 months.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may need to contact a lawyer to get advice on whether or not you have cause to receive compensation for your medical bills or to secure the financial security of your family’s future.
An experienced lawyer can help you figure out whether a mesothelioma lawsuit is the right move for you. There are multiple types of mesothelioma lawsuits:
- Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit
In these cases, the victim is still living and seeking compensation from the company behind the asbestos-containing product manufacturers. Your awarded compensation will be based on several factors, including the age of the victim, the number of dependents, the cost of medical treatments, and pain and suffering. - Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The victim in these cases is typically the loved ones of individuals who lost a family member because of mesothelioma. These cases are typically filed by the estate representative. - Mesothelioma Class-Action Lawsuits
In a class-action mesothelioma lawsuit, victims of mesothelioma can file a lawsuit together and if their case is successful, they all receive the same amount of compensation.
When cases are successful, victims will be awarded compensation. A mesothelioma lawsuit that reaches an out-of-court settlement typically awards $1 million to $1.4 million.
If you are a victim of mesothelioma, do not hesitate to reach out to an attorney to learn more about your options. An experienced attorney will typically not charge your for a consultation and will only charge for their services if your case is successful.
