Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that still has no cure. Fortunately, there are several treatment options. Because mesothelioma takes a long time to develop, it is often diagnosed when it has reached an advanced stage. The illness itself and the treatment can make it hard for a mesothelioma patient to pursue a mesothelioma claim. After a mesothelioma diagnosis, a patient may be put under treatment that takes a toll on their body. However, for mesothelioma patients, pursuing a mesothelioma claim is crucial for seeking financial compensation and justice. Pursuing a mesothelioma claim can help victims recover compensation for, among other things, medical expenses, travel costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It can help patients hold negligent parties accountable.
But what happens if someone is too sick to pursue a mesothelioma claim? If someone is too ill to pursue a mesothelioma claim themselves, their family members can seek compensation and justice on their behalf with the help of an attorney.
Steps Involved in Pursuing Compensation on Behalf of a Loved One
Pursuing a mesothelioma claim on behalf of a sick loved one entails several crucial steps. The following are the general steps involved in pursuing a mesothelioma claim on behalf of a loved one;
- Hiring an Attorney
While the law does not require mesothelioma plaintiffs to have legal representation, it is highly advisable to work with a qualified attorney. An attorney can provide guidance throughout the legal process. An attorney can handle all the legal aspects of the case. Mesothelioma claims can be complex for someone with no past experience handling such cases.
- Identifying Liable Parties and Gathering Evidence
After hiring an attorney, they can investigate the facts of the case and gather the evidence needed to secure compensation and justice. An attorney can determine when and where asbestos exposure occurred, the specific products that led to the exposure, and which companies manufactured the products responsible for the illness.
- Filing a Claim
An attorney will help determine what legal option to pursue. There are different types of mesothelioma claims, including trust fund claims and personal injury claims.
- Securing Compensation
If a personal injury claim is filed, compensation can be secured either through an out-of-court settlement or litigation. Trust fund claims usually only involve negotiating with the trust fund to reach a fair and acceptable settlement amount. When it comes to mesothelioma personal injury claims, settlements can provide an expedited resolution. However, sometimes it is necessary to take a mesothelioma case to court. When litigation is necessary, attorneys usually handle this phase on behalf of their clients.
Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one dies as a result of mesothelioma, surviving family members can file a claim and seek compensation for losses and damages suffered due to the death of their loved one. These types of claims are called wrongful death claims. A qualified attorney can help with pursuing a mesothelioma wrongful death claim.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.