Mesothelioma claims can be extremely challenging to deal with. The primary cause of mesothelioma is extended exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a silicate mineral that has been used in various building materials, automotive parts, factory equipment as well as some consumer goods. Groups that may be at risk for asbestos exposure include Navy veterans, construction workers, electricians, plumbers, dockyard laborers, mechanics, factory workers and even race car drivers.
Companies have been aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure for decades. Though agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have put procedures in place on how to handle and use asbestos, as well as training guidelines for workers, individuals who worked around it before these measures were put in place are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Besides this, there are many people who currently might be exposed to asbestos. The idea of contracting mesothelioma might be hard for most individuals to understand because it often occurs in the workplace. Even though there are hazards associated with most jobs, the last place most people expect to confront danger is at work.
When you take the difficult steps forward to file a lawsuit, stay informed about the three ways a settlement can be reached. A settlement is a monetary award made by the defendant to the plaintiff in a lawsuit. Settlements can vary from a couple of hundred dollars to millions of dollars.Pre-Trial: Before a trial begins, attorneys for both the defendant and plaintiff meet to attempt to mediate the case. In this procedure, called mediation, both sides try to strike an agreement so that the lengthy time and cost of a trial can be averted.Post-Trial: If the case does go through to the trial’s conclusion and assuming both parties are in agreement, the judge will retire to chambers to consider the evidence presented. It is then, after interpreting the law in the case that the judge renders a verdict.
Appeals Process: If a judgment is not in your favor in your case, then your mesothelioma attorney may decide to appeal the judgment to a higher court. The appeals court is provided with the privilege to overturn that original verdict from the case and thus require the company to pay you monetary damages.
If you, a member of your family, or someone you know has been given a mesothelioma diagnosis through prolonged exposure to asbestos, consult an asbestos lawyer near you who is experienced in asbestos law. He or she will guide you with proper legal advice and make sure that you get the highest settlement for your medical expenses and pain and suffering as a consequence of your illness.