When you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of being exposed to asbestos, you should immediately contact a Texas mesothelioma lawyer to avoid being too late for the statute of limitations. , This is two years after the disease has been discovered, or when it should have been. This statute of limitations also applies to wrongful death lawsuits. When you first speak to a mesothelioma lawyer, he or she will give you a free evaluation of your case, tell you about your legal rights, and about any compensation you may be eligible for. Do not hesitate, you and your family should be free from worry over financial burdens.
Mesothelioma is a fatal type of cancer that may affect many of the organs of the body. The most common form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma, which presents symptoms in the lining of the lungs. The rarest form is pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the heart. There is no cure at this point in time for mesothelioma, though there are treatments that can be given to patients to help relieve their discomfort and pain. Symptoms usually take awhile to show up after the initial exposure to asbestos. Since most people are exposed without their knowledge, or at least without fully understanding the hazards associated with asbestos, this is a very unfortunate and easily preventable type of cancer.
Texas is ranked 5th out of all the U.S. for malignant mesothelioma deaths. A key case was Pustejovsky v. Rapid-American Corp., which was filed in 2000. In this case, the ruling was in favor of plaintiffs who wish to file additional lawsuits after developing further asbestos related diseases or cancers. This decision effectively overruled a long history of courts in Texas ruling that people could only file one asbestos lawsuit. There have been several asbestos cases in which the decision was pro-plaintiff. Cases involving a plaintiff who has moved elsewhere and then found that they had an asbestos related disease or cancer after the fact, may be brought to court in the jurisdiction where the asbestos exposure took place. Another key case from 1999 that was filed by wives of asbestos victims had a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs, allowing them to try the case and be awarded punitive damages together.
You would have an excellent chance of winning a settlement or being awarded compensation from a lawsuit if you have an experienced mesothelioma lawyer Texas on your side. Any mesothelioma lawyer will assist you with the process of developing a sound case, once he or she has been given any necessary documents that will be used as evidence in the case. Documents that are required included work or military service history records, medical bills and records stating the diagnosis, and a death certificate with the cause of death listed if you are filing a claim for a deceased family member. There are many experienced mesothelioma lawyers who are taking on the sub-specialty of asbestos cases, so you are likely to be able to find one in your area. Call today for a free case evaluation and to learn about your legal rights.