Learn Your About Legal Rights for Compensation
Asbestos is one of the most significant industrial health risks of the 20th century, and its harmful effects continue to impact thousands of lives. Individuals who have been exposed to it, whether in the workplace, home, or through environmental contamination, can develop serious health conditions known as asbestos-related diseases. Those who are suffering can seek compensation for pain and medical costs.
At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we understand how devastating asbestos-related diseases can be, and we’re committed to helping victims and their families pursue the justice that they deserve. Let’s talk about what asbestos-related diseases are, how they’re caused, and the legal steps that you can take to be compensated for your injuries.
What Are Asbestos-Related Diseases?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in various industries due to its heat resistance and durability. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers are microscopic and can easily be inhaled or ingested, leading to serious health conditions that often appear years or even decades after exposure.
These are the primary asbestos-related diseases that you may or may not have already heard about.
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Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It’s one of the most common diseases associated with asbestos exposure, and often has a poor prognosis due to its late-stage diagnosis.
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Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by the long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers. It leads to scarring of the lung tissue, which can make breathing difficult and may eventually lead to respiratory failure.
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Lung cancer can develop from long-term asbestos exposure, especially in individuals who smoke.
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Pleural plaques are abnormal areas of thickening on the lung lining and are an indicator of asbestos exposure, though they are not cancerous.
Each of these conditions can have a devastating impact on a person’s health and quality of life, along with significant medical bills. The good news is that there are legal options available to those affected by asbestos-related diseases.
How Asbestos Exposure Leads to Disease
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and other areas of the body. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation, scarring, and cellular damage that may eventually lead to the development of one of the aforementioned diseases.
The latency period for asbestos-related diseases is notoriously long. It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years for symptoms to appear after exposure. Asbestos-related diseases are often diagnosed much later in life, sometimes after years of working in industries that have used asbestos products, such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.
People who have worked in these industries, or who have lived near sites where asbestos was used, are at the highest risk for developing these diseases. If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and were exposed to asbestos in your job or environment, you may be eligible for legal compensation.
The Legal Process for Seeking Justice
After being diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be able to pursue legal action. Here’s what that process typically looks like.
Filing a Lawsuit
Victims of asbestos-related diseases have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit (if the victim has passed away due to the disease). A personal injury lawsuit is filed by the individual suffering from an asbestos-related disease, while a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the family of a deceased person who developed an asbestos-related disease due to exposure.
In some cases, lawsuits are grouped together as mass torts or class action lawsuits, particularly if many people have been affected by the same product or workplace exposure. This allows plaintiffs to join forces to strengthen their cases and increase the chances of securing a fair settlement or judgment.
Filing Against Asbestos Trust Funds
Many companies that used asbestos in their products have set up asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. These funds are established to ensure that those affected by asbestos exposure can still receive compensation even if the company responsible has gone bankrupt or is no longer in business.
Rueb Stoller Daniel can help you identify whether there is an asbestos trust fund related to your exposure and help you file a claim to receive payment.
Steps in the Legal Process
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Consult with an Attorney: If you believe you have an asbestos-related disease, the first step is to talk with a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in asbestos litigation. Rueb Stoller Daniel offers free consultations to help you understand your legal options.
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Gather Evidence: Collect medical records, employment history, and evidence of asbestos exposure. This includes identifying where and how you were exposed to asbestos (at work, at home, or in an environmental setting).
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File the Lawsuit: Once relevant evidence has been collected, your attorney will file the lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claim on your behalf.
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Negotiate and Settle: In most cases, the responsible party or trust fund will attempt to settle the case outside of court. Your attorney will negotiate for the highest possible settlement.
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If Necessary, Go to Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial, where your attorney will represent you in front of a judge or jury.
How Rueb Stoller Daniel Can Help
At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we specialize in helping victims of asbestos exposure secure the compensation that they need to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. Our attorneys have experience handling asbestos-related disease cases and have successfully secured compensation for numerous clients affected by this dangerous substance.
Our firm takes a compassionate, client-centered approach to each case. We’ll guide you through the complexities of asbestos litigation, and help you submit a claim to a trust fund or pursue a lawsuit against the responsible party.
What You Can Expect from an Asbestos Lawsuit
Asbestos lawsuits often take time due to the complexity of the legal process and the thorough evidence gathering required. However, with the right legal representation, you can expect fair compensation for your suffering. This can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in the case of wrongful death, provide financial relief to families who have lost a loved one.
While the legal process may be lengthy, securing compensation can offer much-needed financial relief, easing the stress caused by your illness. With Rueb Stoller Daniel by your side, you can trust that your case will be handled with both expertise and care to maximize your chances of success.
The Timeline of an Asbestos-Related Lawsuit
The timeline of an asbestos-related lawsuit varies depending on the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. On average, settlements may be reached in as little as 1-2 years, while cases that go to trial could take longer.
Risks and Considerations
While asbestos-related lawsuits can result in significant compensation, it’s important to understand that the process can take time and may not always result in a guaranteed outcome. There are also emotional and financial costs involved, especially if the illness is diagnosed in advanced stages. In spite of these risks, working with an experienced attorney can increase the chances of a successful outcome and ensure that you are fully supported throughout the legal process.
Support for Victims of Asbestos-Related Diseases
If you or a loved one is affected by asbestos-related diseases, it’s essential to seek not only legal help but also emotional and financial support. Victims can often face physical and financial struggles, so connecting with support groups, medical professionals, and counselors can provide valuable resources during this difficult time.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, it’s important to take immediate action and explore your legal options for compensation.
Rueb Stoller Daniel is here to help you through this process and fight for your justice and compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and get powerful legal support. 1-866-CALL-RSD
