Why All The Fuss Asbestos Class Action Litigation
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The Process of Asbestos Class Action Litigation
Consult an asbestos lawyer immediately following a diagnosis of mesothelioma is possible. These attorneys can provide guidance throughout the entire process including submitting an asbestos lawsuit.
Mesothelioma lawyers understand that class action litigation differs from traditional personal injury claims. These lawsuits need to meet strict legal requirements and a thorough investigation will be required.
Statute of Limitations
Asbestos exposure can have numerous negative effects on the health of those affected. The most frequent symptoms are mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Each of these conditions is fatal. Asbestos-related ailments are typically compensated for. The statute of limitations, also known as the time frame that a victim has to make a claim, can vary. It is important to consult with an asbestos lawyer before the statute runs out.
In general the statute of limitations "clock" starts to run at the point when a plaintiff knew or should have known that their injury was caused by asbestos exposure. Most people will find out when they are diagnosed mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease. Sometimes, a person may suffer from an additional asbestos-related illness after the time they first developed an asbestosis or other disease. In these instances the statute of limitations for that additional condition will start to run on its own regardless of whether it occurs past the deadline for filing an asbestosis lawsuit.
Many companies involved in the asbestos industry declared bankruptcy because of the enormous liability they faced for their reckless business practices. The companies were required to create trust funds to pay future claims to asbestos victim. The funds are limited on the number of asbestos victims who are eligible for compensation.
The statute of limitation for asbestos cases will vary between states, but in most states the limit is two to three years after diagnosis. The time frame can be affected by other factors like the length of time a person was exposed to asbestos, if they relocated between states, and what type of work they performed.
An asbestos lawyer can sometimes extend the statutes of limitations depending on the specific circumstances of the case. This is referred to as a statute-of-repose and allows those who are seeking to file an asbestos lawsuit after the deadline for filing claims has expired. In some cases it is possible for a claimant to need an extension if they have not been able to get important documents that prove asbestos exposure.
Discovery Phase
In the discovery phase, both teams present what evidence they have. This can include photographs, documents and historical records that prove the defendants were exposed to asbestos and are responsible for your mesothelioma. This information can be shared with the other team and could aid your lawyer in determining if there is enough common ground for a settlement. If there isn't a deal and the case is not settled, it could be brought to trial, where both sides will present their cases to a jury or judge.
The legal process for asbestos lawsuits is complicated and long-winded, as it can take years between exposure and diagnosis of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. Each case is unique however the fundamental legal procedures are the same. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can help you and your family in understanding the complex legal system. They will collaborate with an entire team of legal professionals including paralegals, lawyers investigators, medical experts, and investigators.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them, including the lungs, the heart and abdomen. It is triggered by exposure to asbestos which was widely used in the United States during World War II and the postwar boom in construction. The majority of people who develop mesothelioma are exposed to multiple asbestos-related products. Because asbestos exposure is so widespread, mesothelioma lawsuits usually involve claims for class action.
Asbestos litigation is complex because it requires the victims to prove that their injuries are due to asbestos exposure and that the companies were negligent in exposing them. The most important thing to do in a claim involving asbestos is to find a qualified mesothelioma law firm. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can examine your exposure history and identify the businesses responsible for your illness. They can also assist you to in filing a lawsuit against appropriate defendants.
Mesothelioma compensation can vary depending on the case, but the majority of victims receive compensation for their past and present medical expenses, lost wages, future prognosis and outlook for life as well as emotional distress and suffering. Compensation can also include the costs of wrongful death. A mesothelioma lawyer will go over the specifics of your case in a complimentary, no-obligation case review.
Settlements
Asbestos exposure can lead to many illnesses, including mesothelioma. Legal representation is essential for those who have been identified as mesothelioma patients to seek justice against the parties responsible for their injuries. The asbestos companies are accountable for their negligence and must compensate the victims and their families.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed by those who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, homes, military bases, or even at home. The victims are entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages (if they were unable to work) as well as suffering and pain. Asbestos victims and their families must know how much their case is worth prior to accepting a settlement offer from any business.
During the discovery stage of a class-action asbestos lawsuit, both sides gather facts and documents to support their assertions. It can take several months for the two sides to search for documents and interview witness. This information will be used by mesothelioma attorneys to determine the most suitable compensation amount for their clients. They can also look at the victim's military background to determine the that asbestos was exposed. They can also speak to former employees to get more evidence that asbestos-related companies are responsible for the damages suffered by victims.
In order for mesothelioma-related class action lawsuits to proceed, it must be determined that there are enough commonalities between the individual cases that it would be impractical or difficult for them to make separate lawsuits. This was particularly prevalent in the early days of asbestos litigation, before mesothelioma had been definitively connected to exposure to asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos victims must be prepared to negotiate the most favorable possible settlement amount, as companies that expose victims often seek to settle claims quickly in order to save money on legal costs. Some victims were able to accept offers that were significantly less than the true value of their mesothelioma claims. Mesothelioma lawyers can negotiate with asbestos companies to ensure their clients get fair settlements.
Trial
When the legal process starts, victims and their lawyers begin to collect evidence to support their case. This can take months when both sides go through documents and speak with witnesses. The information gathered will help a lawyer decide which companies are responsible to compensate the victim. During this time, lawyers can also request records of asbestos trust funds which are set up for the payment of medical bills as well as expenses incurred by patients suffering from mesothelioma.
Asbestos lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for victims across the country. However, companies who have used asbestos in the past continue to try to avoid accountability for the impact of their products on people's lives. One way to do this is by declaring bankruptcy.
The courts were not willing to allow companies to completely escape their obligations. In the end, courts required that they establish asbestos trust funds to hold money for present and future claims. Asbestos trust funds are now amassed more than $30 billion in assets.
Despite the wealth available asbestos companies continue to fight victims and their lawyers in court. They have tried to portray them as villains instead of admitting that they are responsible for exposing asbestos workers and causing illnesses. It is important that victims work with a firm who has been fighting for asbestos victims for a number of years.
Levy Konigsberg LLP has been a leader in the fight against asbestos for over 30 years. We represent mesothelioma victims and their families across the United States. We are knowledgeable about the companies that manufactured and sold asbestos-containing goods, and we know how to investigate their documents and gather evidence to create strong cases for our clients.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, get in touch with a mesothelioma attorney to arrange to get a free consultation. We can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 866-454-829 or visit our website. We would love to hear from you.