Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
When faced with a personal injury or wrongful death claim situation, it can get confusing and complicated. Things can get especially complicated and confusing for a person dealing with a mesothelioma case. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by asbestos. It is a type of cancer that can be so deadly because of the precise reason that it can go unnoticed for decades. Every year, there are about 3,000 new mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States. Unfortunately, since mesothelioma’s diagnosis rate is not as high as that of other types of cancer, a lot of misinformation surrounds mesothelioma legal claims. Misconceptions about mesothelioma legal claims can cause people to make decisions that may not be in their best interests.
Below are four common myths about mesothelioma legal claims.
Myth #1: An Individual Can Wait as Long as They Want to Begin the Legal Process
False: Whenever it comes to filing a personal injury claim in the case of mesothelioma, the statute of limitations begins after diagnosis. It is important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim does not start after asbestos exposure. On the other hand, for wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations on mesothelioma claims starts on the day a person dies. A statute of limitations is generally a rule that prescribes the amount of time after an event within which legal action may be initiated. The exact amount of time a person has to file a mesothelioma claim can vary from 1 to 6 years, depending on the state and the unique details of the case. Failure to file a mesothelioma claim on time can lead to an individual losing their right to recover compensation.
Myth #2: Money Cannot Help Because it Cannot Undo What Happened
Truth: Indeed, the compensation received in a wrongful death or personal injury claim cannot cure mesothelioma or undo the loss of a loved one. However, it is not true that compensation cannot help. The truth is that mesothelioma compensation can help both patients and their loved ones in several ways. For example, financial remedies can help a patient and their family cover medical expenses. Generally, financial remedies can compensate patients and their families for losses incurred from mesothelioma.
Myth #3: The Companies That Expose People to Asbestos Fibers Do Not Know the Risks of Asbestos
False: Most companies that expose individuals to asbestos, the toxic substance that causes mesothelioma, know about the risks of this dangerous substance. Even though most companies stopped using asbestos in the 1980s, asbestos-containing materials remain in older buildings and products in America. Unfortunately, many companies continue putting people in danger for profit.
Myth #4: Tracing the Source of Asbestos-Exposure is Impossible
False: Without a doubt, tracing where an individual was exposed to asbestos can be challenging, mainly because it can take up to six decades after asbestos exposure for a patient to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Nonetheless, with the help of a dedicated and experienced legal professional, tracing exposure is possible.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.