Los Angeles Mesothelioma Lawyer |
Asbestos Attorneys

Mesothelioma is a serious cancer that mainly affects the lining of the lungs, but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen, heart, or testes. It is a devastating reality for many who have been exposed to asbestos over the years. If you’re a victim, remember you have legal rights, including filing a lawsuit or insurance claim for compensation. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist you through the legal process, aiming to secure maximum compensation and justice for you. In this piece, Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC explains important information about mesothelioma, including its types and causes, your legal options, possible financial compensation, and the role of a mesothelioma lawyer.

Types of Mesothelioma

There are three main types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common, targets the lining around the lungs. It can cause chest pain and breathing problems. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdomen lining and can lead to stomach pain, swelling, and weight loss. Pericardial mesothelioma, which is rare, affects the heart’s lining and can lead to chest pain and heart issues. The rarest type, testicular mesothelioma, impacts the lining of the testes and may show as swelling or lumps on the testes.

In Los Angeles, mesothelioma cases are often seen in areas with a history of heavy industrial and construction activity. Older buildings and industrial sites might still have asbestos, which was widely used in the past. Neighborhoods with a lot of old construction, like downtown and some industrial districts, are more likely to have cases of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos, a fiber that was commonly used in building materials and insulation. When you breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers, they can get lodged in your organs, leading to mesothelioma after many years. Workers in construction, plumbing, and insulation industries are at a higher risk, especially if they worked with asbestos before it was heavily regulated. Secondary exposure can also happen if you live with someone who works with asbestos and brings home the fibers on their clothes or skin.

Potential Liable Parties for Mesothelioma

Commonly, companies that produced or used asbestos products could be liable. This includes manufacturers of asbestos-containing materials, employers who didn’t provide safe working conditions or proper protective gear, and property owners who didn’t safely maintain buildings with asbestos. If they knew about the asbestos risks but didn’t do enough to protect you, they might be legally responsible for your illness. This applies even if your exposure happened many years ago, as mesothelioma can take a long time to develop.

Legal Options for a Victim of Mesothelioma

If you have mesothelioma, you have legal options to seek compensation. When you file a lawsuit, you’re asking a court to make the responsible party pay for your losses. This process involves gathering evidence about your asbestos exposure and how it caused your illness. It’s important to start this process quickly because there are time limits for filing mesothelioma lawsuits, known as the statute of limitations. In California, you generally have one year from the discovery of mesothelioma, or up to three years from the date of injury, whichever occurs first.

Notably, asbestos trust funds have been set up by companies that used asbestos and later went bankrupt. These funds aim to compensate people who got mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer. To get money from these funds, you need to show that you’re eligible. Usually, this means proving you have mesothelioma and were exposed to asbestos from the company’s products. A lawyer can help you with this. They gather all the needed proof, like medical reports and details of your asbestos exposure, and then file your claim with the trust fund. The amount of money you might get depends on several things, like the type of your illness and the specific rules of the trust fund. It’s important to start this process early because there are deadlines for filing claims.

Potential Damages in a Mesothelioma Case

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can turn your life upside down. This cancer often leads to physical problems like pain, difficulty breathing, and extreme fatigue, making daily activities hard. It can also affect your emotional health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. The financial burden can be heavy, too. Medical treatments for mesothelioma can be very expensive, and you might lose income if you can’t work anymore. This disease affects not only you but also your family, who may need to become caregivers or face financial stress.

Because of this, in a mesothelioma case, you can recover different types of damages. Medical expenses for treatments, hospital stays, and medication can be covered. You can also get compensation for lost wages if you can’t work due to your illness. Pain and suffering damages are also possible, which cover the physical and emotional distress caused by mesothelioma. In wrongful death cases, where a mesothelioma patient dies, their family can receive damages for loss of financial support, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.

Role of a Mesothelioma Lawyer

A mesothelioma lawyer can guide you through the legal process to seek compensation. They can help gather evidence about your asbestos exposure and link it to your illness. They’ll handle the paperwork and negotiations with insurance companies or responsible parties. A lawyer can also represent you in court if needed, working to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical costs, lost income, and suffering.

Los Angeles Mesothelioma Attorney

If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, first, explore your treatment options. Then, record your work history and any asbestos exposure. Talk to your family about this exposure, as they might also be at risk. Quickly seek legal advice to understand your rights. It’s important to act fast due to legal time limits for filing claims.

At Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC, we understand the challenges you’re facing. You can contact us by calling (888) 848-5084 or contacting us online for a consultation with an asbestos lawyer. We’re here to help you throughout the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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