If you’ve been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’re likely in shock and unsure of what to do next. Finding out that you have mesothelioma can be devastating and you deserve compensation for your suffering. If you have mesothelioma due to working with asbestos, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the company you worked for. Mesothelioma lawsuits can involve many complexities, so it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Here is some further information about mesothelioma lawsuits:
Statute of Limitations to File a Lawsuit
Mesothelioma is unique from other diseases because it takes a long time to see symptoms. In fact, mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years to develop. Depending on the state you live in, you generally have one to five years from your diagnosis to file a lawsuit. That’s why it’s important to start the process as soon as possible. You don’t want to miss your opportunity for compensation.
If you’re the spouse of a mesothelioma victim who has already died, you typically have one to three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Compensation in a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Dollar amounts in mesothelioma lawsuits can vary greatly from case to case. Some people receive millions while others may receive just a few thousand. The cost of your medical expenses, lost wages and your degree of pain and suffering can all make a big difference in the dollar value of your case. The amount of time it takes to settle your case can also play a big part in how much compensation you recover. If you, for example, settle your case fairly quickly, you will typically receive less money than if you had gone to trial.
Additionally, many companies that manufactured asbestos have closed down or filed for bankruptcy in recent years. The courts have required these companies to set aside funds to compensate individuals who may be diagnosed with mesothelioma in the future. Some of these funds have been depleted, so not all victims may receive a large settlement.
How Long a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Takes
How long your mesothelioma takes will depend on whether you settle before going to trial or not. The majority of mesothelioma cases are settled out of court. If your lawyer gathers all the facts about your case in a timely manner and there is an identifiable payment source, you may be able to get a settlement in less than a year. However, if you have to take the case to trial, it may take two years to receive compensation.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee from Patterson Bray, as soon as you can. They have helped many mesothelioma victims recover compensation over the years and want to be there for you. They know how devastating a mesothelioma diagnosis can be and want to help you get the justice you deserve.