Why Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer From Our Law Firm?
- Mark Shapiro has been handling cases such as Mesothelioma, for more than 2 decades.
- Our mesothelioma attorney only specializes in mass tort litigation, giving us insight and specialized knowledge to handle your case.
- At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, the mass tort attorney ensure that any negligent parties are held responsible for your injuries by pursuing the maximum possible compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Mesothelioma Resources
To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, please click the corresponding link below.
Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Who’s At Risk of Asbestos-Related Diseases?
What Can I Do?
Choosing a Mesothelioma Lawyer
What Does a Mesothelioma Lawyer Do?
Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Potential Compensation in a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
What is Your Case’s Statute of Limitations?
Speak to an Attorney Today
Dangers of Asbestos Exposure – Mesothelioma
Asbestos began to be mined and used commercially in North America at the end of the nineteenth century, and through much of the twentieth century was widely employed in many US industries. Unfortunately, asbestos exposure has been linked to very serious conditions, including a very serious form of cancer called Mesothelioma. Symptoms of asbestos exposure may not begin to present themselves until ten to forty years after exposure.
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that strikes the mesothelium, the protective membrane that lines many of the body’s organs, in most cases the pleura (the lung lining), but also the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the pericardium (the heart sac), and the tunica vaginalis (the testis sac);
Asbestos can also cause asbestosis, lung cancer, throat cancer, kidney cancer and esophageal cancer. Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term, non-cancer lung disease, which can lead to mesothelioma.
Who’s at Risk of Asbestos-Related Diseases?
Beginning in the late 1970s, rules were put in place to ensure safety around asbestos. But you may be at risk of asbestos-related disease if for an extended period before that time you:
- Worked a union job
- Worked as a miner
- Worked as an aircraft or automotive mechanic
- Worked for a railroad
- Worked for a shipyard
- Worked in construction
- Worked in building demolition
- Maintained or operated a boiler
- Served in the military (particularly the Navy)
People that experienced one or more of the following situations may also be at increased risk:
- Participated in extended rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts following a building collapse, such as those resulting from the 9/11 terrorist attacks
- Lived or worked in an older building during a lengthy renovation or asbestos removal
- Lived near an asbestos milling or manufacturing operation
- Shared a residence long-term with someone regularly exposed to asbestos
- Shared a workplace long-term with someone regularly exposed to asbestos
What Can I Do?
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with or suspect you have the symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease, contact the Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC for a free consultation. You may be entitled to legal compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering from an employer, product manufacturer, or another negligent party.
Asbestos-related lawsuits have driven many companies into bankruptcy, but you can still get compensation from asbestos trust funds they were required to establish for future claimants. Existing companies may settle out of court if asbestos exposure can be confirmed. Veterans unable to pursue legal action with the Veterans Administration may still be able to make a direct claim against a product manufacturer.
Choosing a Mesothelioma Lawyer
When selecting a mesothelioma lawyer, it is crucial to find someone familiar with these cases’ unique complexities. Your lawyer should have a track record of successfully representing individuals with mesothelioma and their families in lawsuits against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure.
Additionally, a mesothelioma lawyer should be compassionate and dedicated to his or her clients. Mesothelioma is a devastating disease and the individuals affected by it deserve to have a lawyer who is empathetic to their situation and who will fight tirelessly to get them the compensation they deserve.
Ultimately, choosing the right mesothelioma lawyer can make a significant impact on the outcome of your case. It is important to take the time to research and select the right legal representation for you and your family.
At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, our attorneys have decades of experience seeking justice for asbestos victims. Our mesothelioma attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and will work tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome for you and your loved ones.
What Does a Mesothelioma Lawyer Do?
The primary role of a mesothelioma lawyer is to help clients navigate the legal process and handle all legal matters related to their cases. An attorney can be a valuable resource for individuals affected by this devastating disease, providing guidance and support during each stage of litigation.
If you want to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit, your attorney will help you understand whether you are eligible for litigation and file your claim in the appropriate court system. When your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present arguments and evidence establishing the company’s liability and your right to financial compensation.
In addition to representing your case in court, your mesothelioma lawyer may also:
- Conduct investigations to determine the source of your asbestos exposure
- Advise you on their legal options and help you understand the compensation process
- Work with medical experts to document the extent of your injury and prognosis
- Negotiate settlements with insurance companies and corporations on behalf of their clients
- Represent you in mediation and arbitration proceedings
- Help you file claims for compensation from asbestos trust funds set up by corporations, if applicable
- Communicate with you throughout the legal process and keep you informed of any developments
- Provide emotional support and guidance to you and your family during a difficult and stressful time
- Advocate for your rights and interests throughout the legal process
Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Depending on your situation, there are several types of mesothelioma lawsuits that you may pursue:
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: Personal injury lawsuits are the most common type of mesothelioma lawsuit. They are filed by individuals who have been exposed to asbestos, diagnosed with mesothelioma, and want to pursue compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to their illness. In a personal injury lawsuit, the individual files a claim against the company or companies responsible for their exposure to asbestos.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits: If a person has died from mesothelioma, his or her family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits are similar to personal injury claims, but they are by the deceased’s family members or personal representatives on his or her behalf. The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to secure compensation for damages suffered by the family and the deceased’s estate, including funeral expenses and lost wages.
- Class Action Lawsuits: Class action lawsuits are filed on behalf of a group of individuals who have been affected by mesothelioma. In a class action lawsuit, the individuals join together to file a claim against the company or companies responsible for their exposure to asbestos. Class action and mass tort lawsuits are a useful way for plaintiffs to pool their resources and present a strong case against the defendant or defendants.
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claims: Many companies responsible for producing and using asbestos have established trust funds, which compensate individuals affected by mesothelioma. Depending on your situation, you may be able to file a claim with these trust funds in order to receive compensation for your illness.
In addition to these claims, there are also other forms of compensation that you may be entitled to receive, including workers’ compensation and Social Security disability benefits. If your asbestos exposure occurred during your military service, you could also file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A mesothelioma lawyer from Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action for you and your family.
Potential Compensation in a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
A mesothelioma lawsuit can provide compensation to help alleviate the financial burden of this devastating disease. You could recover many types of compensation, including the following:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of treatments, medications, and other medical expenses related to the mesothelioma.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your illness, you could recover compensation for the income that you lost as well as the loss of future earnings and benefits.
- Pain and Suffering: This type of compensation is intended to cover the physical and emotional distress associated with mesothelioma, such as chronic pain, depression, and the loss of quality of life.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: If a loved one has died from mesothelioma, your family may be able to recover compensation for funeral expenses and other costs associated with their death.
What Is Your Case’s Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a time limit for a person to file a legal claim. The statute of limitations for mesothelioma lawsuits can vary depending on the state in which you live and the type of lawsuit that you want to pursue. In general, mesothelioma lawsuits must be filed within a certain period of time after you have been diagnosed with the disease.
It is important to understand that the statute of limitations for mesothelioma lawsuits can be complex and vary depending on your case’s circumstances. For example, the filing deadline for a personal injury lawsuit may differ from the deadline for a wrongful death claim.
If you file after the statute of limitations passes, the court will likely dismiss your case. To protect your right to recovery, speak with a mesothelioma attorney at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC as soon as possible after your diagnosis.
Contact Our Mesothelioma Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
Our mesothelioma attorney from Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help you decide if and when to pursue legal action and advise you of any timing considerations for a settlement. Contact our mass tort firm today at (888)640-3784 or fill out this form to get started with your free consultation.