admin2Living or working in Lakewood, you may have been exposed to asbestos at some point. Asbestos was commonly used in construction and manufacturing for decades because of its durability and fire resistance. However, exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
In Lakewood, asbestos was widely used, especially in local shipyards and construction. If you worked in an industrial setting, especially between the 1940s and 1980s, you may have inhaled or ingested dangerous asbestos fibers.
Some of the jobs at highest risk include:
- Shipyard workers: Asbestos was used extensively in shipbuilding for insulation, flooring, pipes, and more. Those who worked in local shipyards like Todd Shipyards were frequently exposed.
- Construction workers: Asbestos was popular as an insulation material and was used in drywall, shingles, siding, and roofing. Anyone working commercial or residential construction in Lakewood during this time may have been exposed.
- Factory workers: Local factories like Weyerhaeuser produced asbestos-containing products or used asbestos in their manufacturing processes, putting workers at risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma to Look Out For
This aggressive cancer can take decades to develop, but early detection is critical. Here are some of the signs and symptoms
1. Chest pain, coughing, and shortness of breath
The most common symptoms are chest pain, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. As the disease progresses, the cough can become more persistent and intense. Shortness of breath occurs as fluid builds up in the lungs or tumors grow and press on organs.
2. Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
Losing weight without dieting or a drop in appetite can be an indicator of mesothelioma. Feeling very tired and fatigued is also frequently reported, even with minimal activity.
3. Lumps or swelling
You may notice lumps, swelling or tenderness in the chest, abdomen or testicles. Mesothelioma often causes fluid buildup, so the abdomen or chest area may look swollen or distended.
4. Bowel obstruction
If the cancer has spread significantly, it can cause a bowel obstruction. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. This is a medical emergency, so call 911 right away.
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Legal Options for Lakewood Mesothelioma Patients
Some of the legal options to consider includes;
1. File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
The most common path is filing a personal injury lawsuit against the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma lawsuits typically settle out of court or go to trial to determine compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
2. Trust Fund Claims
Over 60 companies have set up asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. Filing a claim against these trusts can be an easier process than going to court. You still need to provide evidence of diagnosis and work history to show exposure to the company’s products. Trust fund payments are often made more quickly than lawsuit settlements.
3. Workers’ Compensation
If exposure occurred on the job, workers’ comp may provide lost wage replacement and help pay medical costs. You’ll need to prove the asbestos exposure was directly related to your work responsibilities. In some cases, workers’ comp covers medical care but not pain and suffering, so a lawsuit may still be needed.
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Choosing the Right Lakewood Mesothelioma Lawyer
Look for the following qualifications:
1. Experience handling mesothelioma cases
Seek out attorneys with a proven track record of success in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation. They should have years of experience investigating asbestos exposure and taking cases to trial. Ask about the number of mesothelioma cases they’ve handled and their success rate.
2. Local expertise
Find a lawyer familiar with Lakewood and Colorado law. They’ll understand the local courts and laws regarding asbestos exposure and liability. They can also work with local doctors and experts to build the strongest case possible.
3. Resources and reputation
Look for well-established law firms with a team of attorneys, paralegals and investigators dedicated to mesothelioma litigation. They should have a solid reputation in the legal community and reviews from past clients. Larger firms typically have more resources to put into investigating your case and the defendants.
4. Contingency fee basis
The right Lakewood mesothelioma lawyers will take your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to you. They receive a percentage of your settlement or verdict. This ensures they have a stake in maximizing your compensation.
5. Compassion and support
Finally, choose a lawyer you connect with and who shows genuine compassion. A mesothelioma diagnosis is difficult, and you need an attorney who will provide guidance and support throughout the legal process.
With the right lawyer by your side, you can feel confident in your pursuit of justice and financial security. Do your research, schedule consultations and go with the attorney you feel will fight hardest for you and your loved ones.
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Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Lakewood: What to Expect
How to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit in Lakewood are;
1. Find an Experience Mesothelioma Attorney
The first step is to find an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases. They will review your medical records and work history to determine the source of your asbestos exposure. If they believe you have a strong case, they will likely take it on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and a portion of your settlement goes to legal fees.
2. Investigation and Discovery
Your attorney will thoroughly investigate how and where you were exposed to asbestos. They will determine which companies were responsible and gather evidence to support your case. This process is known as discovery and can take 6-18 months. Documents are subpoenaed and depositions are conducted to get statements from the defendants and witnesses.
3. Negotiations and Settlement
Once discovery is complete, your attorney will enter into negotiations with the defendants to reach an out-of-court settlement. Most mesothelioma cases settle before trial, sparing you the additional time and stress. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you will proceed to trial.
4. Trial
A mesothelioma trial can last weeks or months. Your attorney will present the evidence gathered during discovery to prove negligence on the part of the defendants. They will make a case for how their actions or inactions led directly to your asbestos exposure and subsequent mesothelioma diagnosis. If found liable, the companies will be ordered to pay damages to compensate you for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Going through the legal process is challenging, but with the right legal team by your side, you can hold the companies accountable for their role in your asbestos exposure.
Conclusion
The legal process can be complicated, but a Lakewood mesothelioma attorney can help evaluate your case, determine the best options to pursue and handle the necessary paperwork.
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