Mesothelioma Legal Blog

A significant legal victory was recently achieved when a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) against a mesothelioma researcher. For long, mesothelioma victims have encountered challenges when trying to hold companies liable for their asbestos exposure. Many asbestos companies have defended themselves by challenging scientific evidence. Often, these companies argue that there is no conclusive proof that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma. They focus on the methods and data and refuse to accept responsibility.

Asbestos is a mineral found in soil and rock. This mineral is made up of tiny fibers which can be inhaled or ingested. After someone is exposed to asbestos, they may end up developing different diseases. Mesothelioma is one of the common diseases people suffer after exposure to asbestos. If you or a loved one has received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may wonder how much asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. You probably think that something else caused your or your loved one’s mesothelioma, especially if you or your loved one have not been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period.

A Missouri Appeals Court recently transferred what could be a precedent setting mesothelioma cancer claim to the state Supreme Court after the court determined that the two sides presented constitutional challenges to Missouri’s 2014 law governing mesothelioma workers’ compensation claims. Filing on behalf of her deceased husband, the plaintiff seeks over $500,000 in benefits under Missouri’s new law for herself and children as dependents while the defendants argue that because the victim’s asbestos exposure took place before the new statute took effect it should not be liable to pay benefits.

Founded in 1854, W.R. Grace (Grace) is responsible for one of the largest asbestos contamination cases in U.S. history. The contamination caused severe harm to its employees and to the residents of the community of the contamination site. The harm forced the company to file for bankruptcy, organize an asbestos trust fund, and face criminal charges. Despite these obstacles, Grace continues to operate today, with its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland. W.R. Grace and Asbestos History Grace purchased vermiculite mines and a processing mill in Libby, Montana in 1963, continuing operation there until 1990.

Mesothelioma and the Automotive Industry: Asbestos-related illness, including mesothelioma and asbestosis, have caused serious health problems for individuals who worked in the automotive industry in the 20th century. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness or are experiencing symptoms and work or worked in the auto industry, contact an experienced mesothelioma and asbestos attorney. The suffering you and your loved ones are being forced to endure may be connected to your work in the automotive industry.

Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations: Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure and is almost always fatal but takes years – even decades – to emerge. Even after the illness has been contracted and produces symptoms, it may take a long time for it to be accurately diagnosed. The reason for this is the close similarity of the symptoms of mesothelioma to those of lung cancer and asbestosis. Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations Once mesothelioma has taken effect and been accurately diagnosed, time takes on two new meanings.