Watching as a loved one suffers from mesothelioma is hard to experience. While the disease can take a number of years to manifest, once it is detected and officially diagnosed, the life expectancy of a victim is usually about one to two years. Only a very small percentage of people diagnosed live beyond 5 years. As a result, family members may seek financial retribution in the form of a wrongful death lawsuit. This process can be complicated, especially while enduring the grieving process. An attorney will be helpful in representing your family throughout, so that you can have the time and space to heal from the loss of your loved one.
Contracting Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is contracted from exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is comprised of six minerals that are highly durable and resistant to heat. Asbestos is a popular material that was used in a number of industrial settings over the years. Although asbestos is not as commonly utilized, it is still a component in a number of settings. Asbestos particles are dangerous when inhaled because they will cling to a person’s lungs and cause serious problems over time. There are a number of industries that could increase a person’s risk to asbestos exposure including:
- Construction Workers
- Plumbers
- Factory Workers
- Asbestos Mining
- Shipyard Workers
- Mechanics
- Steelworkers
As a result, victims of asbestos exposure and their families should acquire the help of an attorney for support in filing a lawsuit.
Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Once a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they are often facing a fairly short life expectancy. The road ahead will be challenging for the person who is suffering, and their loved ones. Once a person passes away, family may choose to take action by filing a wrongful death suit. Often the lawsuit is filed against the company who was responsible for the asbestos exposure. Family who may qualify to file for wrongful death include:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
Family may recover financial compensation to help pay for:
- Funeral Costs
- Medical Expenses
- Loss of Income (if the person who passed supported a family)
It will be important that family of the person who has passed, speak with an attorney, especially if they were financially dependent. They can help with the process of a wrongful death suit. In most cases, companies using asbestos were well aware of the danger to their employees when working with the mineral. As a result, an attorney may be able to help you build a strong case for negligence.
Wrongful Death Attorney
An attorney will start by gathering as much information as possible to help prove wrongful death by:
- Interviewing people
- Researching the company the person worked for to determine if there are any other asbestos related claims.
- Figuring out an approximation of when the victim was exposed to asbestos.
- Determine the best way to file the lawsuit
- Help you determine whether it is appropriate to take a settlement offered by the company or take the case to trial.
Retaining the assistance of a wrongful death lawyer residents trusts will be beneficial when it comes to pursuing a wrongful death claim involving mesothelioma. Their services will be able to help you put together a case for a wrongful death lawsuit.