If you were seriously injured, remember that it is crucial to choose the right law firm to represent your interests. We have been doing this for more than three decades, and have the resources you need to challenge any opponent.
Apr 22, 2022
Being exposed to asbestos can cause serious health issues up to and including several aggressive types of cancer. Mesothelioma—a form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs—is one of the most common illnesses associated with long-term occupational exposure to asbestos. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, it’s important to seek legal advice from a mesothelioma personal injury lawyer quickly to protect your rights and recover the compensation you’re owed. Below, we discuss the causes of mesothelioma and what victims can expect if they pursue legal action against those responsible for their asbestos exposure.
Table of Contents
What is the main cause of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is unique in that it has only one cause: asbestos exposure. Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma, but everyone who has mesothelioma has been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure causes serious health issues that affect hundreds of thousands of Americans each year.
- 2,000 to 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year—the most serious form of asbestos-related cancer.
- 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with asbestosis every year—a serious lung condition caused by asbestos exposure.
- 12,000 to 15,000 Americans die each year due to an asbestos-related disease.
- OSHA estimates that about 1.3 million workers (largely those working at construction sites and with equipment maintenance trades) continue to be exposed to asbestos on the job.
What industries are impacted by asbestos exposure?
Asbestos exposure tends to disproportionately impact certain industries and types of jobs. Although even incidental exposure to asbestos can be dangerous, the biggest risk of asbestos-related health issues comes after years of frequent, long-term exposure to this substance. Workers most at risk for asbestos-related diseases include:
- Employees of companies that produce insulation, roofing materials, and building materials
- Auto repair shop employees and mechanics
- Construction employees
- Maritime employees
- Mine workers
- Oil refinery workers
- Power plant employees
- Shipyard employees
- Steel mill workers
One of the largest groups at risk of long-term asbestos exposure is military personnel.
What is the average settlement for mesothelioma victims?
There are many types of asbestos-related lawsuits. To bring an asbestos legal claim forward, you’ll need a lawyer who has specialized experience in representing mesothelioma victims throughout the U.S. Asbestos claims are complex, and they require expertise and resources that only the most experienced asbestos attorney possesses. The experienced team at The Ferraro Law Firm has recovered billions of dollars in judgments and settlements for our clients, and with over three decades of experience, we’re uniquely positioned to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Once you’ve decided to file an asbestos lawsuit, your claim will proceed down one of two tracks. The first is a personal injury claim filed against the company responsible for your asbestos exposure. To help you recover damages, such as medical expenses, we’ll need to be able to show that your mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illness was caused by occupational asbestos exposure and not by something else.
Another path to recover damages involves filing a claim against the asbestos trust funds. These trust funds have been created and funded by companies that have already admitted liability for asbestos exposure; by funding the asbestos trusts, these companies can avoid being named as defendants in private asbestos litigation. Our experience as asbestos lawyers includes both direct employer lawsuits and trust fund lawsuits for mesothelioma victims throughout the U.S. We’ve helped other clients, and we can help you too.
One of the largest asbestos trust funds includes funds from more than 50 companies—this fund stands at $30 billion. Those eligible to file a claim with this trust, include a diagnosis of mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, ovarian cancer, or another disease attributed to asbestos.
The average settlement in a mesothelioma case has been reported at between $1 million and $1.4 million. Meanwhile, jury verdicts have ranged from $1 million to $10 million (after subtracting attorney’s fees). However, the amount available in an individual case will largely depend on the facts and circumstances. Regardless of how much compensation may be available, it simply isn’t enough to make the asbestos victim and their loved ones whole.
You need a mesothelioma attorney by your side
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos, call The Ferraro Law Firm today to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your illness, regardless of your past health habits (like smoking). Give us a call or fill out the brief contact form on our website today to schedule your free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Previous