Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is almost always caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is crucial to consult with a mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible.
This article outlines five compelling reasons why it is so important to hire a mesothelioma attorney right away if you have been diagnosed with this asbestos-related cancer.
1. Determine All Potential Asbestos Exposure Sources:
The first step after a mesothelioma diagnosis is to think back carefully and make a list of all the times you may have been exposed to asbestos throughout your career and life. This asbestos exposure history serves as the foundation for building a strong legal case. However, accurately identifying indirect or secondary asbestos exposures that occurred decades ago can be difficult for patients and families navigating a challenging diagnosis.
A mesothelioma lawyer can help patients and families dig deep into their history to uncover these asbestos exposures. This may involve interviewing former coworkers, collecting work records, researching asbestos use at work sites, and gathering testimony from product witnesses. A competent legal team will handle all aspects of this investigation. So, if you or your loved ones are diagnosed with mesothelioma and aren’t sure about whether you can claim the compensation or not, consult a mesothelioma lawyer. You can look for such lawyers on sites such as www.lawfirm.com.
In some cases, even a small or brief exposure to asbestos that occurred many years ago could be what caused the mesothelioma to develop. Therefore, the legal team must leave no stone unturned when investigating the patient’s exposure history. One tiny detail could make all the difference in determining whether or not you’re eligible to claim compensation from an asbestos trust fund or company. With an exhaustive exposure history, the lawyers can build the strongest case possible on the patient’s behalf.
2. Handle Complex Paperwork:
Filing paperwork and claims related to asbestos trust funds, VA benefits, worker’s compensation, and personal injury lawsuits is an extremely time-consuming and complex process. Mesothelioma law firms have entire teams dedicated to handling this administrative burden so patients can focus fully on their treatment and spending time with loved ones.
These specialized teams understand the precise and technical details required by each trust fund, including what exposure, medical, and financial documentation must be submitted to support a claim. They also keep an eye on any changes to VA benefit requirements, ensuring veterans file fully documented claims that administrators can efficiently review and approve. For personal injury lawsuits, law firms compile extensive evidence, from testimony to employment and medical records, to prove negligence and liability.
Rather than trying to comprehend these extensive filing requirements or compiling case evidence while also undergoing treatment, patients should trust an expert law firm to handle claims accurately and efficiently. This administrative assistance is invaluable to patients with limited time and energy as they battle this aggressive cancer. With specialized teams filing claims, patients gain the best shot at receiving compensation to cover medical bills and improve their quality of life.
3. Determine All Viable Compensation Options:
After developing a comprehensive occupational and environmental exposure history, mesothelioma law firms use this information to thoroughly investigate all possible compensation options. An experienced lawyer understands what types of asbestos trusts the patient may be eligible for based on past exposure. They can also determine whether VA benefits can supplement trust funds and whether sufficient evidence exists for a personal injury lawsuit.
An attorney explores all of these potential compensation channels, determines viability, and provides realistic assessments of the value and odds of success for each option. Moreover, they explain how various income streams might work together to maximize overall compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Patients relying on their limited knowledge may completely miss out on certain sources of compensation or make unwise decisions.
4. Negotiate Fair Lawsuit Settlements:
Mesothelioma attorneys are familiar with what settlement values are reasonable and even precedent-setting given a patient’s medical details, exposure history, work/military history, and family situation. When victims attempt settlement negotiations on their own, they are extremely disadvantaged when trying to estimate fair values or argue their position against experienced corporate negotiators. This makes it very likely patients will accept unreasonably low trust fund payouts or minimalistic lawsuit settlements and lose out on the compensation they deserve.
However, leading mesothelioma law firms have highly skilled attorneys familiar with settlement processes and tactics. They can reference previous cases, detect deception, research a company’s finances, and leverage their experience across thousands of cases to insist on maximum mesothelioma compensation for each unique client.
5. Provide Emotional Support and Guidance:
Lastly, a trustworthy mesothelioma lawyer provides more than just legal assistance. They understand a diagnosis turns patients’ worlds upside down, flooding them with complex choices as they try to spend meaningful time with family. Experienced lawyers have supported hundreds of patients through mesothelioma treatment, clinical trials, financial pressures, family issues, and emotional needs. They provide both clear legal guidance as well as genuine empathy, comfort, and support.
While an attorney cannot erase the challenges associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis, they can immediately lift several time-consuming burdens from the patient’s shoulders. This enables patients and families to redirect their limited time and energy toward physical comfort, quality time together, making memories, or simply resting when needed. With expert legal help, patients can focus on what matters most during such a difficult season of life.
Conclusion:
A mesothelioma diagnosis presents patients and families with a tremendous range of instant challenges: medical, practical, financial, legal, and emotional. During an already stressful and grief-filled time, try not to take on more than necessary. Consult with a qualified mesothelioma attorney as soon after diagnosis as possible. They will help you explore your legal options, handle paperwork efficiently, secure all viable compensation, and provide support at each step of the journey. The right lawyer by your side can make all the difference during this difficult time.
