The US Industrial sector has grown remarkably, and many changes and reformations have taken place to ensure its further progression. However, things were different back in 1990. It was common to use harmful substances in various industrial products, such as lead and asbestos. Lead had wide use in making pipes, coins, and makeup, whereas many industrial products and military supplies had asbestos, owing to its fire-resistant properties. 

The industrial use of asbestos was banned by 1989, but it had set the catastrophe in motion long before. People who worked in close contact with this substance before the 1970s and the 1980s had exposure to excessive amounts of asbestos, the negative impacts of which would surface decades later, causing severe health risks.

This article provides tips for people who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related ailments and are seeking legal assistance.

1.  Find a Competent Mesothelioma/Asbestos Law Firm

Receiving a diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness can be devastating. However, you must gather courage and focus on your first action against the challenge: seeking legal assistance. The first place to start will be with a competent law firm. Look for a law firm that has been around long enough, as that would mean they have the required experience in dealing with such cases.

Another factor is to see if the law firm covers all the aspects of asbestos-related illnesses other than legal matters, such as prognosis, medical treatments, and compensation policies. A law firm dedicated to rendering services to mesothelioma patients should meet these criteria since it shows their determination to deal with such sensitive cases.

2.  Choosing the Right Attorney

Once you have chosen a legal firm, you can select a lawyer whose abilities are per your expectations. The deliverance of speech adds a lot to your arguments, which is why it would be wise to go for an attorney with impeccable communication skills.

There’s no guarantee of a win when it comes to legal battles, so ensure that you pick a lawyer with plausible accomplishments in their field. Look up reviews, interview them, and ask them about the most challenging cases they have come across and what their success rate is.

Discuss the approach they have in mind, and be clear and precise about your expectations and fears. 

Do not hesitate to put forward your queries and demands, as it all comes down to what you require and what best suits your needs. Once your potential lawyer answers your questions and walks you through their strategies and plan, it’ll be easier for you to decide whether they are capable enough to handle your case.

It’s essential to have your concerns addressed to help you build a trusting relationship with them. 

3.  Relevant Documents

Unfortunately, the asbestos latency period goes up to 33-40 years, and most mesothelioma patients receive their diagnosis decades after the exposure. That makes it troublesome to have the necessary documents that may strengthen the case.

For this reason, you must gather all the documentation you can, medical reports, employment records, promotion letters, or any relevant paperwork that indicates your association with the party in question.

Check with a colleague to see if they might have any notices that can be associated with you in any way. Try to get in touch with former employees or inform your lawyer of all the potential leads. 

The military veteran group has the highest mesothelioma risk. They make up about 30% of the total cases recorded. In case you or your loved one is a veteran who has had a diagnosis of asbestos-caused illness. All you need is proof of service for any branch of the US Military, a medical report of your diagnosis, and a patient testimony to proceed with the legal matters.

If you believe that your asbestos exposure was because of your apartment or house, you will need to get a sample of the suspected area tested to be sure. Homes constructed before the 1980s may have asbestos insulations around steam pipes, cement under-sheeting, or textured paint. The presence of asbestos is not all that hazardous if the areas of the house lined with it are in good condition. However, it can become a serious health concern if the structure lined with asbestos is damaged. DYI house renovations, resting pipelines, and drilling walls can be some of the causes.

While your lawyer will deal with all the paperwork, you’ll have to provide them with the necessary documents like tenant agreement, house ownership papers, the construction company contract, or transaction records. So, ensure that you have the related documents readily available before you file the lawsuit to get a good head start.

4.  Settlement is better than the verdict

Unarguably, verdicts amount to far more than settlements, so it’s best to avoid them. An average judgment could go well over $4 million. With that said, you must realize that verdicts are uncommon. Think about this: you will probably be up against an influential corporation with inexhaustible resources to keep them afloat.

Many lawsuits tend to end up in a settlement outside of court. You will receive compensation in exchange for dropping the legal charges. An average arrangement can range between $1 million to $1.4 million. The final figure is subjective to each case. Factors taken into account are the patient’s age, prognosis, the estimated cost of treatment, and various other factors.

There’s no definite amount of time for when a settlement might conclude, but it is less time-consuming than a verdict and a way to ensure that you receive some amount of compensation for your present challenges.

Conclusion

Asbestos is the main culprit behind people suffering from mesothelioma. It’s heart-wrenching to receive an asbestos-related prognosis, whether it is you or someone you love. However, once you are aware of your condition, do not be reluctant to file a lawsuit. The present reforms in the laws related to mesothelioma have made it easy to get legal assistance, allowing you a far better chance of receiving compensation for your hardships. So, get in touch with a firm possessing expertise in this area, and they’ll help you get the compensation you deserve.