Our attorneys will handle each step of the legal process, which may involve accessing medical and work documents, and allow our clients to decide on their level of involvement in the case. We understand that many of our mesothelioma clients have more important matters, such as medical treatments, on which to focus, and we respect their decision to separate themselves from the filing process. Our goal is to provide support to mesothelioma victims and their families from the initial consultation to the resolution of their case, while working to ensure negligent asbestos manufacturers and companies are held accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to contact an Orlando mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible. There is a time limit for filing all mesothelioma claims and failure to take action within this window may bar you from seeking compensation for your illness. We are willing to travel to meet our potential clients, so do not hesitate to contact us today. Our initial consultation is always free.
Exposure to Asbestos
and Its Link to Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring toxic mineral that has been used for decades in a number of industries such as shipping, mining, construction and automobile manufacturing. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, enters the body through inhalation of its fine particles, but can also be transferred to family members through contact before showering or changing clothes. Asbestos exposure is a primary cause of mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural disorders.
Reports indicate that, as early as the 1920s, medical evidence linked asbestos exposure to mesothelioma and other similar illnesses; however, many manufacturers and employers disregarded this information and continued to manufacture and use asbestos. Companies were able to hide the harmful side effects of asbestos because mesothelioma patients typically experience a latency period of 25 to 50 years after their initial exposure to asbestos. It was not until the government placed restrictions and bans on the use of asbestos that workers became protected from this toxic substance. For those that developed a serious illness from exposure to asbestos, legal recourse may be available.
Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits
There are two types of mesothelioma lawsuits: personal injury and wrongful death cases. Typically, the victim's former employer or the company that manufactured and sold the asbestos product will be named as the defendant, regardless of the type of claim.
A personal injury case is brought by the mesothelioma victim. These claims must be filed within four years of the diagnosis. These cases can allege:
Primary Asbestos Exposure: Mesothelioma resulting from direct contact with asbestos
Secondary Asbestos Exposure: Mesothelioma resulting from contact with an individual who came into contact with asbestos
A wrongful death case is filed by a family member of the deceased. There is a limited window in which a suit may be filed after a loved one's death, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
In some instances, compensation for mesothelioma injuries can be sought through a workers' compensation claim. If the victim was exposed to the asbestos while in the military, veteran's benefits may be available. To learn more, contact the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. These claims can be just as complex as traditional mesothelioma lawsuits and will require the assistance of our experienced mesothelioma attorneys.
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