The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Heard About Asbestos Lawsuit
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Asbestos lawyers can hold asbestos-related companies accountable through the filing of a lawsuit. This could include former employers or asbestos manufacturers.
These companies knew the risks associated with asbestos, but failed to warn their workers. These lawsuits seek compensation for the victims and their families.
Most asbestos lawsuits settle before trial. Experienced attorneys are ready to bring your case to a jury trial should you require.
Military Service
Mesothelioma, a rare but fatal illness is a possibility for veterans exposed to asbestos during their service in the military. Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed against the responsible asbestos companies and compensation is offered to pay for treatment.
Asbest was present in many kinds of military equipment, including boilers, pipes and engine rooms. A variety of military equipment, including boilers pipes, boilers, and engine rooms, were contaminated with asbestos. The Navy was the branch of the military with the most exposure to asbestos. This is the reason why a lot of Navy veterans have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses.
Asbestos victims are compensated in various ways as well as VA benefits and legal settlements. As mesothelioma can be classified as an incurable illness veterans are able to receive VA disability payments.
Veterans can be eligible for compensation from the VA or legal settlements that help pay for medical treatment and support their families and live a comfortable lifestyle. Asbestos attorneys can help veterans to learn more about the benefits and assist in submitting claims.
Lawyers can help their clients in filing asbestos lawsuits against manufacturers of the deadly substance. Many large companies were aware of the dangers posed by asbestos, yet they filed for bankruptcy to avoid liability. However mesothelioma lawyers from Waters Kraus & Paul hold asbestos-related companies accountable.
Although the majority of cases result in an agreement, a small number mesothelioma lawsuits wind with a trial. In a trial, the plaintiffs are presented to a judge and jury which could award more or less money than a settlement. In one mesothelioma-related case that was decided by a jury, the family of the victim $40 million in damages. This is the biggest verdict ever given in asbestos cases. The lawyers representing the victims must prove that the defendants were negligent and responsible for exposing the victim to asbestos. This proof is generally presented through the use of documents and testimony from witnesses who worked with the victim.
Bankruptcy
In addition to monetary damages and compensation for pain, victims and their families may be entitled to medical expenses and compensation. The process may take a long time. Typically, it can take two years or more between the victim's diagnosis and when they are awarded compensation. This is why it is crucial to retain a qualified mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as you can.
Asbestos litigation can be complicated. The lawsuits are complicated that involve multiple parties and trusts. The lawsuits are brought by mesothelioma patients and their estates against the companies that produced asbestos-related products. The companies were aware of the connection between mesothelioma and asbestos, but continued to manufacture the product for decades. Due to this, a lot of asbestos victims have been awarded damages.
A staggering number of lawsuits have led to the bankruptcy of a number of companies that manufacture asbestos-containing products. This has led to the formation of a legal industry devoted exclusively to asbestos litigation.
Companies that are in business often file for bankruptcy to limit their exposure. The strategy, known as the Texas Two-Step, is based on the state law that permits companies with significant liabilities to create a new subsidiary with few assets. The company then reorganizes through Chapter 11 and moves the assets and liabilities into the newly formed subsidiary.
In many instances, the new subsidiary is in a different state in order to avoid lawsuits regarding asbestos exposure that took place before the reorganization. This strategy has been employed in a variety of high-profile cases like J&J's restructuring of LTL Management which faced 40,000 claims for baby powder. Gordon's firm represents a number clients that are currently utilizing this strategy, including Georgia-Pacific Bestwall which is currently facing more than 60,000 claims.
The statute of limitations can make asbestos lawsuits more complicated. Mesothelioma typically develops 10 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. State laws known as statutes of limitations give victims a period of between five and ten years to make a claim. In the event of wrongful death, family members can file a claim for up to three years from the date of the loved one's death to make a claim.
Settlements
Patients suffering from asbestos-related illnesses are often awarded significant settlements. In certain cases, such as the wrongful death suit brought by the family of an asbestos pipefitter, the jury awarded settlements of millions of dollars. In many instances, victims receive relatively little compensation. The main reason for this is that many companies that used to manufacture and install asbestos are now shut down or bankrupt. Companies that manufacture asbestos that file for bankruptcy have to follow a procedure that is approved by the courts that requires them to set aside large amounts of money in order to compensate future victims. Lee's Summit asbestos lawsuits like these permit more claimants to receive compensation, but the amounts are typically lower than those awarded under the tort system.
The value of an asbestos case is dependent on the severity of the illness and the time it took to develop and how the victim's life has been affected. The dollar value of an asbestos case is also determined by the amount of lost wages, medical expenses, and the degree of mesothelioma's suffering and pain can be quantified.
Most states have statutes that restrict the period of time that mesothelioma victims or a related asbestos-related injury, may bring an action against a defendant. The date of the plaintiff's diagnosis with mesothelioma typically acts as a constructive notice and sets the clock on the SOL.
Most mesothelioma cases are settled or disposed of by the court since mesothelioma can be a deadly cancer that takes years to manifest symptoms. However, if mesothelioma patients do die before their case has reached an agreement the estates of their deceased can continue pursuing an asbestos lawsuit to collect compensation on their behalf.
Waters Kraus & Paul's attorneys represent clients in a wide range of industries throughout the United States and around the world who have suffered from asbestos exposure. We hold asbestos manufacturers and their insurers accountable for their roles in exposing victims to this dangerous chemical. We have represented families of mesothelioma victims in lawsuits against companies that were located across the United States, Canada and the Middle East including Iran.
Trials
Although trial is not common, when it does happen victims could receive verdicts of millions of dollars. These awards may cover medical costs as well as lost wages and other losses resulting from asbestos exposure. A jury may also award punitive damage to punish the responsible company for their conduct, and to deter others from putting customers or employees at risk.
A settlement from an asbestos lawsuit may help families of mesothelioma patients get back on their legs after losing a loved to the disease. Families are often required to take time off from work in order to care for mesothelioma sufferers, which results in lost income. Mesothelioma settlements and judgments can cover these expenses and ensure that family members have a financial future to look forward to.
Asbestos lawsuits have been a part of mass torts for years in the United States. The litigation has led to dozens of companies to declare bankruptcy and also created asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. Studies have shown that asbestos exposure can cause lung damage and diseases like mesothelioma.
A mesothelioma lawyer is able to construct and negotiate a case to ensure that clients receive the maximum amount. A knowledgeable lawyer can advise clients on the pros and cons of settling a claim as opposed to seeking a trial. An attorney can explain the implications of asbestos laws as well as the different state laws on claims.
During the litigation attorneys and their clients conduct a series of interviews called discovery. During this stage, attorneys collect evidence and information from defendants in order to prepare for trial. During this time, a lot of defendants are willing to settle to avoid a damaging verdict.
A mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced has the expertise and resources to hold responsible asbestos manufacturers, distributors and insurance companies accountable for their wrongful actions. Attorneys at Waters Kraus & Paul have successfully held asbestos companies accountable and secured significant settlements for their clients. Contact us today to find out more about how we can assist you and your family receive the justice you deserve. We represent people across the country who were exposed to asbestos. If you or a loved one developed an asbestos-related illness we can assist you to find the compensation you are due.