admin2If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Canton, you probably have a lot of questions about your legal options. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a fiber that was commonly used in building materials for decades. Many people develop mesothelioma from occupational exposure, working in industries like construction, shipbuilding, insulation, or asbestos mining.
- Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit allows victims to receive compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other costs. In many cases, mesothelioma victims can file claims against the companies that manufacture or distribute the asbestos products that caused their illness.
- The timeline for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is limited, so it’s important to act quickly. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing an asbestos-related lawsuit is within 2 years of diagnosis or within 2 years of when you reasonably should have known that the illness was caused by asbestos exposure.
- When choosing a law firm to represent you, look for attorneys with experience handling mesothelioma cases. They should have a proven track record of success advocating for asbestos victims in Canton and Ohio.
- Reputable law firms will offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case. They work on contingency, so they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. Their fees typically range from 33% to 40% of your total settlement or verdict.
Finding a Canton Mesothelioma Lawyer With Experience Litigating Asbestos Cases
Finding the right lawyer to handle your Canton mesothelioma case is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You need an attorney with experience litigating asbestos exposure cases.
Some key things to consider:
1. Experience handling mesothelioma cases
Look for a lawyer who has successfully resolved many mesothelioma lawsuits. Ask about their success rate, settlements, and verdicts in past cases. An experienced lawyer will know how to build a strong case to get you the best possible outcome.
2. Knowledge of asbestos trust funds
Established asbestos trust funds have billions set aside to compensate victims. An experienced lawyer will know how to file claims against these trusts to get you money from them in addition to any settlement from the primary lawsuit.
3. Resources for complex cases
Taking on large companies in court requires significant resources. Look for a firm with the funding, staff, and time to properly handle gathering evidence, expert testimony, and going to trial if needed. Larger firms that specialize in asbestos litigation are best equipped for this.
4. Compassion for clients
Living with mesothelioma is difficult on many levels. Look for a lawyer who shows genuine compassion for your situation. They should be willing to take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and provide both legal counsel and emotional support.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Canton Mesothelioma Law Firm
When choosing a mesothelioma law firm to represent you in Canton, there are several important questions you should ask. The firm you select can have a big impact on your case and settlement outcome.
- Do they specialize in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation? You want a firm that focuses specifically on these types of cases. They should have extensive experience helping mesothelioma victims in Canton obtain compensation.
- How many mesothelioma cases have they handled? More experience is better. Ask for the number of cases the firm has handled in Canton and Ohio. An established firm with a proven track record of success will give you the best chance of achieving a fair settlement.
- Do they have a license to practice in Ohio? Make sure the firm is properly licensed to handle cases in the state of Ohio. They should have attorneys on staff who are familiar with Ohio laws regarding asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
- Will they handle all aspects of your case? Choose a firm that will fully manage your case, including conducting a thorough investigation into how and where you were exposed to asbestos, filing claims against responsible companies, and taking your case to court if needed. You want a firm that will advocate strongly on your behalf.
- What is their success rate for settlements and verdicts? An experienced firm should be able to provide statistics on the settlements and verdicts they have obtained for clients in situations similar to yours. Compare this information across different firms.
- Do they offer a free initial consultation? Most reputable mesothelioma law firms will provide a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case. Use this opportunity to get answers to your questions and determine if they are the right firm to represent you.
Maximize Your Settlement – What Makes a Strong Mesothelioma Claim in Canton
To get the maximum settlement for your Canton mesothelioma claim, you need to build a strong case.
Here are some of the key factors that determine how much compensation you may receive:
1. Detailed Exposure Evidence
The more evidence you can provide about the asbestos exposure that caused your mesothelioma, the better. Try to determine specific companies, locations, products, and periods of exposure. Records such as pay stubs, invoices, eyewitness statements, and product catalogs can all help support your claim.
2. Company Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers
If companies knew about the health hazards of asbestos but continued to expose workers and failed to warn them, it would show negligence. Internal company documents and memos can prove knowledge of asbestos risks. Your mesothelioma lawyers will investigate to find this evidence.
3. Secondhand Exposure Evidence
Don’t forget to report any secondhand asbestos exposure from handling the work clothes of someone who worked around asbestos. Exposure to even low levels of asbestos from secondhand contact can still cause mesothelioma. Provide details about the exposed worker and their occupation.
4. Smoking History
Smoking does not cause mesothelioma, but it can influence disease progression and settlement amounts. Be honest with your lawyers about your smoking history so they can factor it into your claim and settlement negotiations. Smoking may slightly reduce settlement offers, but mesothelioma victims who were smokers can still recover substantial compensation.
Canton Mesothelioma Legal FAQs – Answered
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Canton, you likely have a lot of questions about the legal process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers to help put you at ease.
1. Do I need a lawyer to file a mesothelioma claim?
While it is possible to file a claim on your own, mesothelioma cases can be extremely complex. Hiring an experienced mesothelioma lawyer will help ensure all evidence is properly collected and legal procedures are followed so you receive the maximum compensation for medical bills and suffering. Lawyers are also knowledgeable in holding companies accountable for exposing workers to asbestos.
2. How much does it cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer?
Most mesothelioma lawyers work on contingency, meaning there are no upfront costs to you. They only get paid a percentage of your final settlement or verdict. Reputable lawyers will offer a free initial consultation to review your case. Be wary of lawyers charging excessive upfront or hidden fees.
3. How long do I have to file a mesothelioma claim?
Each state has its statute of limitations for filing mesothelioma claims, typically between 1 to 5 years after diagnosis. It’s best to start the legal process as soon as possible while evidence and witnesses are still available. An experienced lawyer can help determine your state’s time limits and properly file before the deadline.
4. What compensation can I receive?
Compensation in mesothelioma cases typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages. Settlements and verdicts often range between $1 million to $12 million or more depending on the specifics of each case. Lawyers will evaluate the strength of your case based on factors like where asbestos exposure occurred, companies involved, and diagnosis details.
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Conclusion
Even if the company that exposed you to asbestos went bankrupt, you may still receive compensation from asbestos trust funds set up to pay claims. Your lawyer can determine which trusts you qualify for based on your asbestos exposure history. These trusts have paid out over $17 billion to mesothelioma victims and their families.
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