Being told that you suffer from an incurable cancer such as mesothelioma can come as a shock and bring up a lot of questions about the future. You might wonder how to pay for your medical bills or recover lost wages if you cannot go to work due to suffering from mesothelioma.
Since mesothelioma usually results from asbestos exposure earlier in life, according to the American Cancer Society, you may be able to hold an employer or other responsible party to account for your asbestos-related illness. You have the option of hiring a Minnesota mesothelioma lawyer to find out about your legal options and what your best next steps might be.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now for your free, no-obligation consultation at (800) 794-0444.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are rarely specific to the disease and can point to many other conditions. Symptoms also vary depending on which type of mesothelioma a person suffers from, whether they have pleural (lung) mesothelioma or the peritoneal (stomach) type. Mesothelioma of the lungs is the most common type, according to the Mayo Clinic, and can have the following symptoms:
- A painful cough
- Pain in the chest or ribs
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Night sweats
Mesothelioma of the stomach can present with:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
Mesothelioma is typically caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. Both types of mesothelioma are incurable in all stages. However, early detection and treatment can potentially keep the illness at bay for longer and offer a longer life expectancy.
If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, help is available. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and how you could potentially recover compensation.
High-Risk Occupations
Asbestos was widely used in a number of industries over many decades. Workers were particularly exposed to asbestos in the following positions:
- Asbestos miners
- Aircraft mechanics
- Coal miners
- Construction workers
- Firefighters
- Plumbers
- Military servicepersons
- Welders
This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other industries and jobs where workers may have been exposed to asbestos and could now be at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and others.
If you or a loved one worked in a job with a high level of asbestos exposure and subsequently developed mesothelioma, you could have legal recourse. You may be able to recover a settlement that could help you with medical costs and other expenses.
However, you should act quickly, as there may be several deadlines for asbestos-related lawsuits in Minnesota. For personal injury lawsuits relating to asbestos exposure, the Minnesota legislature sets a deadline of six years starting on the date of discovery of the injury or illness (2019 Minnesota Statute 541.05).
Deadlines can vary depending on the kind of legal action you intend to file. Your lawyer will be able to advise you about the laws and timeframes regarding your particular case.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Compensation in Minnesota Mesothelioma Lawsuits
If you have a case against an employer, former employer, or other liable party, you could potentially recover compensation. However, not all mesothelioma patients automatically receive certain types of compensation. What you could recover depends on your individual case and your damages.
You could also potentially recover a settlement from an asbestos trust fund of a company you used to work for, or your spouse used to work for. If you suffered from any illnesses due to asbestos exposure while serving in the military, you might be able to recover compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A Minnesota mesothelioma lawyer can identify all your options.
However, in a lawsuit, you could potentially recover certain economic as well as non-economic damages related to your mesothelioma illness. Economic damages can include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Transportation costs
- Out-of-pocket costs
You could also potentially receive non-economic damages. Since these types of damages do not carry a dollar value, it can be helpful to have a lawyer help assess your non-economic damages, which can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability
You could also potentially collect other types of compensation. If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you could additionally receive amounts for funeral expenses and loss of companionship, among other awards.
Since there may be several avenues for you to recover compensation, you may wish to consult with a Minnesota mesothelioma lawyer for legal advice and guidance.
A Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
Having a mesothelioma lawyer by your side can help you with your claim in several ways, including:
Free Consultation
In the first instance, we will offer you a free consultation to discuss your individual mesothelioma claim and your best course of action. This could be filing a mesothelioma lawsuit or filing a claim with an asbestos trust fund if you are eligible.
Available Damages
We can help you with assessing all your damages, including medical bills and lost wages, as well as others. We can also negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the defendant or insurance company if this is a viable option.
Researching and Building Your Case
Your lawyer will analyze and research your case extensively, including gathering all the necessary evidence for your claim. We will help you with depositions and can supply expert witness testimony for your case.
Managing Your Case
Having a lawyer manage your case means that they can take charge of the entire process of your claim, including filing the necessary documents, keeping track of hearings and important dates, and keeping you informed of all developments. This can give you time to concentrate on medical treatments and on spending time with your loved ones while leaving the case in the hands of your lawyer.
Legal Representation
If your case goes to court, we can represent you and will fight for your rights and compensation.
These are just some ways in which a lawyer can help you. Mesothelioma cases can be complex and require a good understanding of the applicable laws. We can help you get justice and pursue compensation.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today and find out how we could help you with your claim at (800) 794-0444.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form