Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of your heart, stomach, or lungs due to prolonged exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing materials. However, this cancer type is comparatively rarer than others, affecting around 3,300 individuals in the US every year. That said, continuous asbestos exposure is the primary cause of most mesothelioma diagnoses. When left alone, asbestos doesn’t necessarily pose a health risk. However, when disturbed, its particles are realized into the air, they form a toxic dust cloud that can be easily digested or inhaled. Over time, these asbestos particles will deposit inside your lungs or stomach, leading to inflammation and eventually cancer.
Individuals who were unknowingly exposed to this carcinogenic mineral might be eligible for particular forms of compensation. Typically, there are three types of mesothelioma claims; wrongful death claims, personal injury claims, and VA (veterans affairs) claims. So, are you unsure which kind of mesothelioma lawsuit applies to your situation? Or are you gathering information for a loved one diagnosed with this disease? Hiring an attorney is the answer to both of these questions. Let us look at a few reasons it is worth hiring an attorney for your mesothelioma claim.
1. A Lawyer Has The Legal Knowledge Required To Deal With A Mesothelioma Case
A mesothelioma lawsuit is a lot different than a personal injury case. One of the most obvious reasons is that you might’ve been exposed to asbestos several years ago. Plus, you won’t know where this exposure happened. Not to mention, the company in question might have gone out of business. So, it won’t be easy to determine where and when you were exposed to asbestos. However, a knowledgeable, reputable mesothelioma lawyer or law firm will help you identify this when faced with such a situation. Your legal representation will require a history of the use of asbestos to determine if you have been exposed.
Moreover, your lawyer will also know where to pursue compensation from. For example, if the company you worked for has gone out of business, it might have set up a trust fund to compensate mesothelioma claims. In the end, working with a mesothelioma attorney will allow you to utilize their immense knowledge of such claims, especially if they have experience with such lawsuits.
2. A Lawyer Knows Everything About The Statute Of Limitations
You will also have to hire a lawyer who knows how to identify the statute of limitations for your case. This way, they can act accordingly and file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. A statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file your claim in court. Typically it can range anywhere from one to five years. For instance, in Texas, the statute of limitations is five years, meaning you have five years after your mesothelioma diagnosis to file your claim in court. If you don’t, you will lose your right to compensation. A mesothelioma attorney will act accordingly to ensure your lawsuit sees the light of day in court.
3. A Lawyer Has The Time And Resources To Investigate Your Case
A personal injury claim usually doesn’t require too much investigation. But, on the other hand, a mesothelioma claim requires tons of investigative work to prove it in court. Moreover, such an investigation can take a lot of time. However, your lawyer has the time and resources to gather evidence such as medical reports and records and expert opinions to ensure your mesothelioma diagnosis was a direct result of your employer’s negligence. In the end, you will find it challenging to build a strong case if you don’t hire a mesothelioma lawyer or law firm that has the right connections and resources.
4. A Lawyer Will Know How To Value Your Claim
One of the most challenging parts of any mesothelioma claim is identifying its worth. As a result, you will have to consider every type of damage you suffered from your diagnosis. Such a thing might include financial damages like medical expenses and non-financial ones such as physical and emotional pain and suffering. So, you will have to hire a knowledgeable lawyer who can consult with medical experts and perform a comprehensive analysis to value your damages and injuries accurately.
5. A Lawyer Will Help You Pursue Your Claim On A Contingency Basis
One of the main reasons people hesitate to contact a mesothelioma lawyer or law firm is that they are concerned about the amount of money they will have to spend. So, if you’re amongst these people, we have good news for you. You will have to pay your attorney or law firm on a contingency basis, meaning they won’t charge you until you receive compensation.
In the end, it would be wise to contact a lawyer or law firm as soon as you receive your diagnosis. Doing so will ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. After all, if you miss the deadline your state has set to file mesothelioma claims, there is a high chance the judge will dismiss your lawsuit. So, hurry up and hire a mesothelioma lawyer to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve!
