Wondering about most Meridian mesothelioma legal questions and answers? It’s possible that many people in Meridian have been exposed to asbestos without realising it. Before it was outlawed in the 1970s, asbestos was widely utilised in the manufacturing, building, and other sectors of the economy. Regretfully, decades after exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma and other ailments can result.
You may be in danger if your field of work involved handling asbestos-containing materials, such as brake pads or insulation. Before rules prohibited its usage, asbestos was often used in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and auto garages.
You may also have been exposed through a family member if they worked with asbestos products and brought fibers home on their clothes or tools. This is called secondary exposure.
The concerning part is that mesothelioma has a long latency period, sometimes up to 50 years. That’s why people are still being diagnosed with this aggressive cancer today due to exposures decades ago.
How to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Meridian
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure in Meridian, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. This can help you gain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Below are answers to some common questions about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Meridian.
What is the statute of limitations?
The statute of limitations dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit after being diagnosed. For personal injury and wrongful death claims in Idaho, you typically have 2 years from the date of diagnosis to file a claim. This window is important not to miss.
What compensation can I seek?
The compensation you can seek will depend on factors like medical costs, impact to your ability to work and earn income, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced lawyer can help advise what compensation may be reasonable to seek.
Types can potentially include:
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- Medical expenses (treatments, hospital stays)
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium for your spouse
- Pain and suffering damages
Who might I be able to file a suit against?
Possible defendants depend on the asbestos exposure specifics, but can potentially include:
- Manufacturers who made defective asbestos products
- Premises owners where exposure occurred
- Employers if exposed at work
- Contractors or construction companies
- Distributors who supplied toxic asbestos products
It’s in your best interest to discuss your individual situation with a qualified mesothelioma attorney.
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Finding a Qualified Mesothelioma Lawyer in Meridian
Here are tips to help find an attorney who is the right fit for you:
Look for a lawyer who specializes specifically in mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases. Not all personal injury lawyers have experience with these complex cases. A dedicated mesothelioma law firm will understand the unique medical and legal issues.
Ask about the lawyer’s case results. Have they taken past mesothelioma cases to trial and achieved substantial compensation for clients? Settlement mills that push quick settlements may not get you the maximum recovery.
Find out if the lawyer is prepared to build a strong case. This involves collecting detailed work history, getting testimony from coworkers, working with medical experts, and more.
Make sure any lawyer you consider is licensed in Idaho and has a good standing with the Idaho State Bar Association.
Take the time to meet with a few qualified mesothelioma attorneys before deciding on representation.
READ ALSO: Washington Mesothelioma Claims: What You Need to Know
Mesothelioma Settlements and Compensation in Meridian
If you or a loved one in the Meridian area has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have questions about legal options and potential compensation.
Lawsuits and legal settlements are one way mesothelioma patients and families seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Settlement amounts vary widely based on the specifics of each case.
Factors include:
- Where and how asbestos exposure occurred
- Companies responsible for exposure
- Patient diagnosis, treatment expenses and prognosis
- Strength of evidence against companies
- Patient work history and lost income
On average, mesothelioma lawsuit settlements range from $1 million to $2 million.
FAQ’s:
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked legal questions:
1. How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Claim?
You likely have a strong claim if you developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos at work, such as at a factory, oil refinery, power plant, shipyard or construction site. Veterans exposed while serving may also have claims.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can fully evaluate your unique situation during a free case review and let you know if they can assist with seeking compensation.
2. What Compensation Might Be Available?
Financial compensation can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering related to your diagnosis. The amount depends on specifics of your case.
Veterans have additional options like VA disability benefits for service-related asbestos exposure.
3. Who Can I File a Claim Against?
Claims are often filed against your past employers who exposed you to asbestos. Manufacturers, suppliers and contractors could also share responsibility.
An attorney investigates to identify all potentially liable companies and build the strongest case. Filing against bankrupt companies is also possible in some situations.
4. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Mesothelioma Law Firm?
Reputable mesothelioma law firms work on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal services are provided at no upfront cost to you. They only collect a percentage of your settlement money if your case is successful.