Friday, February 6, 2009

Why Victims should File Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuits

By Heidi Wingrain

If you're dealing with the medical and emotional effects of mesothelioma, or if you've had a family member who died from the disease, it's likely that you're eligible to file a lawsuit. Always remember that you're the innocent victim in these cases, and what has happened is not your fault. Therefore, it's only right that you should file a legal claim for compensation. If you're the victim, you will be able to file a personal injury claim. If you're filing in behalf of a family member, you'll file a wrongful death suit. The way these claims are filed will differ from state to state, so it's wise to hire an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma cases to see to your best interests.

Mesothelioma is a life-threatening lung cancer that is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. A lawsuit can also be filed by a person who has developed the condition through association with a person working in an asbestos-related environment. Even if you aren't sure where you got the disease, the lawyer you hire will be able to have private investigators research your history to locate the job in which you were exposed. If you already know where you worked that exposed you to these harmful carcinogens, then your lawsuit will be able to proceed much more quickly than if time needs to be spent investigating first.

It's important that you file your claim in a timely manner after being diagnosed. In most states the time limit will range from 1 to 2 years following diagnosis. However, make sure you know the time limits in the state where you'll be filing your lawsuit, because if you don't act within those limits, you may be unable to ever file a claim. In the case of a wrongful death lawsuit, the time limits will still apply, so make sure that you act quickly while there's still time to pursue the restitution you are entitled to.

There's no need to be concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer to represent you in your mesothelioma lawsuits, even if you're already buried under the debt of lost wages and medical bills, because most lawyers who specialize in cases like this work under a system known as no win, no fee. This means that if they take on your case and are unable to get any compensation for you, they won't charge you for any of their services.

After talking your claim over with your lawyer, you'll be able to get an idea of about how much he thinks he'll be able to get for you in restitution. The evidence that he can gather regarding your case and how severe of a disability the disease has caused you will help determine the amount of settlement you can expect. There have been many mesothelioma lawsuits in the past, and many of them have been settled for amounts in the 6 or even 7 figures. So, as soon as you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, hire a lawyer and start fighting for what is rightfully yours. - 15438

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