Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in many industries for its heat-resistant properties. Unfortunately, over time, it was discovered that asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma and other forms of cancer.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to know your legal options. Asbestos exposure is often the result of employer negligence or failure to follow safety regulations. The following are some of the legal options available to mesothelioma victims and their families.

  1. Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the company responsible for the exposure. In order to win a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove that the defendant was negligent and that their negligence led to your mesothelioma diagnosis.

This can be a difficult and lengthy process, as mesothelioma can take years to develop, meaning that it will be challenging to prove the exact source of your asbestos exposure. However, there are law firms specializing in mesothelioma cases that have resources to help track down asbestos exposure sources.

  1. Wrongful Death Lawsuits

If a loved one has died from mesothelioma, their family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible company. Wrongful death lawsuits can be filed by the spouse, children, or other dependents of the deceased.

However, the statute of limitations differs from state to state, which is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Therefore, it is important to consult with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss the deadline to file a lawsuit.

  1. Asbestos Trust Funds

Many companies that were responsible for asbestos exposure during the 20th century have gone out of business or filed bankruptcy. In these cases, the courts often establish asbestos trust funds which are designed to provide financial compensation to victims and their families.

These trust funds can provide significant financial resources to mesothelioma victims and their families, and might be the only source of recovery available in some cases. However, the process of attempting to recover funds from trust funds is also complex, and requires assistance from a professional law firm.

  1. Workers’ Compensation

In some cases, mesothelioma victims may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program designed to provide financial support and medical benefits to workers who are injured on the job.

Workers’ compensation claims are usually handled by the employer’s insurance company, however, they may dispute the extent of the worker’s injury, including mesothelioma-related settlements. This is why it’s important to work with an attorney familiar with workers’ compensation claims.

  1. VA Benefits

Exposure to asbestos was common among veterans who served in the Navy or other armed forces during the 20th century. However, veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to special benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

These benefits may include health care, disability compensation, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for the families of veterans who died of mesothelioma. The process of accessing VA benefits can be complex, so it’s important to work with a Veterans Benefits lawyer if you qualify.

Conclusion

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is a life-changing event. It is an unfortunate reality that many people have suffered from mesothelioma as a result of the negligence of employers or other corporate entities. If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, it is important to understand your legal options for seeking compensation.

These options include personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits, trust funds for asbestos exposure victims, workers’ compensation benefits, and VA benefits. A qualified mesothelioma lawyer may be able to help you determine which options are best for your situation and guide you through the legal process.

πŸ”₯1