Mesothelioma Legal Blog

Mesothelioma is an uncommon and aggressive cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. If you have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may be wondering what to do next. While seeking immediate medical care should be your priority, understanding your legal rights is crucial.  This is not just about seeking justice but also about securing your financial future and that of your loved ones. Let us dive into the rights you have after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

It can be scary to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, the rare type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. One of the top questions that people ask regarding mesothelioma is, “How long will I live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma?” Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly cancer, and, unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. However, the good news is that people with mesothelioma can extend their life expectancies well beyond their initial prognosis with treatment.

An Illinois state appeals court recently upheld a substantial $4.6 million verdict in a mesothelioma cancer lawsuit brought by a union pipefitter who worked with products manufactured by John Crane, Inc. during the 1950s. In its ruling, the First District Appellate Court determined the trial court was right to allow the plaintiff’s attorneys to present expert testimony showing the victim’s asbestos cancer diagnosis was a result of exposure to asbestos fibers while working with John Crane products.

Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that causes life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma. Because of this, there are individuals and organizations out there dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure through advocacy, education, and community. One of these organizations is the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). In 2020, the organization won the Right to Know Lawsuit. Afterward, ADAO won a settlement agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to ADAO and its partners, the agreement would make sure the EPA conducts its work on asbestos with enough information.

After nearly a two-week-long asbestos cancer trial, pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant Johnson & Johnson agreed to a rare settlement with the plaintiff who alleges she developed a rare and deadly form of lung cancer as a result of using one of the company’s most popular and iconic talc-based products. As part of the settlement, the New Jersey-based company reportedly agreed to pay the plaintiff $2 million and resolve the case without admitting any wrongdoing in the matter.

If you recently got a mesothelioma diagnosis or lost a loved one to mesothelioma, you are likely thinking of filing a claim to receive compensation. Mesothelioma occurs after a person is exposed to asbestos, and asbestos exposure is usually caused by negligence. So, it is only fair that mesothelioma victims and surviving loved ones of deceased mesothelioma victims receive compensation. If you are thinking of filing a mesothelioma claim, you need to know about a law known as the “statute of limitations.” This is a law that limits the amount of time you have to bring your mesothelioma case to court.