Frequently Asked Questions About Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Given the life-changing impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis, many victims and their families understandably explore legal options soon after learning the news. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of this aggressive cancer, and the American Cancer Society estimates that about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

A mesothelioma lawsuit allows families to seek compensation for things like medical treatment, lost wages and end-of-life care. Just as importantly, it provides a way to hold corporations accountable if they fail to warn about the well-documented dangers of asbestos exposure. Read through these frequently asked questions for answer about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Can I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit After Diagnosis? 

Mesothelioma lawsuits are complex. They require law firms with the experience to investigate exposure that may have happened decades ago and the skill to explain complicated medical and corporate records in a way that resonates with judges and juries.

Once victims and their families hire a law firm, they can expect to move through several steps in the legal process.

Victims and their families should be aware there are several steps involved after engaging with a law firm.

Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure? 

To bring a mesothelioma lawsuit, the victim must show they suffered an asbestos-related injury—most often mesothelioma, asbestosis or asbestos-related lung cancer. For generations, many manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of asbestos-containing products knew of the dangers but failed to warn workers or provide proper protections.

A company may be liable for exposing people to asbestos in the following ways:

• Exposure at work
• Exposure from products containing asbestos
• Secondary exposure, such as when asbestos fibers brought home on clothing or equipment expose family members

What Can I Expect During A Mesothelioma Lawsuit? 

During the mesothelioma litigation process, victims and their families can expect to move through the following stages:

• Building the case and filing the lawsuit: Your legal team gathers documents and files the complaint.
• Discovery phase: Both sides exchange evidence to support their claims.
• Pre-trial motions: Lawyers may challenge what evidence should be allowed.
• Settlement negotiations: Many cases settle before going to court.
• Trial: If a settlement isn’t reached, the case proceeds to trial.

Most plaintiffs in mesothelioma litigation will give a deposition, which is a sworn and often recorded statement. This testimony helps establish how and when asbestos exposure occurred and allows victims to describe their symptoms, work history and diagnosis in their own words.

Choosing the Right Law Firm for Mesothelioma Litigation

Because these cases are so specialized, choosing the right law firm is critical. Here are key questions to ask when evaluating potential firms:

• Does the firm have meaningful experience?
  Look for a team with a track record representing mesothelioma victims and handling asbestos cases.
• What will it cost?
  Make sure you understand the fee structure before moving forward. Contingent fee arrangements are essential in mesothelioma litigation because the cases are costly to pursue, and they allow victims to move forward without paying any legal fees unless the law firm successfully recovers compensation for them.
• What if the company no longer exists?
  In many cases, the responsible company may have closed or filed for bankruptcy. Ask the law firm how they handle these situations and what options may still be available.

How We Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure

Seek justice with the help of our experienced asbestos attorneys. Our asbestos law firm has represented individuals like you affected by asbestos exposure for over 20 years, aggressively fighting the corporate giants responsible for their dangerous products. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos or suffered from a disease caused by asbestos, like mesothelioma, we can help.