If you have been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma as a result, then you should contact a mesothelioma lawyer Rhode Island as soon as possible. Because there are more lawyers now than ever before focusing on asbestos cases, you should find one easily in your area. The lawyer should give you a free case evaluation, explain your legal rights to you, and tell you about any compensation you may be entitled to. The statute of limitations for Rhode Island is three years from the date of discovery or when the disease or cancer should have been discovered, so do not hesitate to begin the process of filing a claim or bringing a lawsuit to court.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, and can affect different organs of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, and this affects the lining of the lungs. There are treatments available to deal with the pain and discomfort associated with this cancer, but there is currently no cure. Symptoms usually take awhile to present themselves, so this may contribute to the fact that there is no cure. It is sad and horrifying that many people who have worked in industries or in buildings in which there is asbestos or the materials used in their work have asbestos in them, did not realize the hazards of asbestos until it was too late. There have been many instances of owners or managers of a company or work site knowing about the danger, yet they kept this hidden from their employees.
Rhode Island is the smallest state of all the U.S., so it is no surprise that there are barely any asbestos industries. However, there were 216 patients who succumbed to asbestos diseases between 1980 and 2000, over half of which were mesothelioma cases. These cases were mostly concentrated around the state’s largest city, Providence. Building supplies include asbestos-containing materials, though the prevalence of the asbestos has been reduced in recent years. Also, insulation, asbestos concrete pipes, floor and ceiling tiles, wallboard, HVAC and electrical systems, and other materials have historically used asbestos. The state has five power plants, as well as port facilities. Navy veterans and longshoremen also have frequently been exposed to asbestos in their line of work. Rhode Island ranks 39th for malignant mesothelioma cases out of all the U.S.
It is crucial that you contact one of many mesothelioma lawyers immediately to begin the process of filing a claim, before time runs out with the statute of limitations. Having an experienced Rhode Island mesothelioma lawyer on your side will be a great benefit to you in winning a settlement or being awarded compensation in court. You should not have to be burdened by the steep medical bills and the fact that you cannot work due to your ailment. Keep in mind that most decisions in these cases are in favor of the plaintiff, so you stand a great chance of winning and possibly having your case affect future asbestos litigation.
