When individuals develop mesothelioma, they typically have inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers. Until state and federal government agencies took steps to eliminate the use of asbestos, many industries utilized asbestos fibers for various products, including insulation. As a result, many individuals have contracted mesothelioma from using asbestos products in the workplace. If you or a family member develops mesothelioma, you might want to call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for legal assistance.
A Virginia mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate your circumstances and uncover proof that a product manufacturer or employer has responsibility for your asbestos exposure. This finding is key to holding these companies accountable for their actions in causing your injuries. Call (800) 794-0444 to speak with a staff member who can answer the many questions you might have about your compensation rights.
Workplace Exposure to Mesothelioma
Many industries routinely used asbestos to manufacture products or used materials and products containing asbestos. Some of these industries included construction, mining, shipbuilding, railroad, and pipefitting. Many military members across every branch also suffered exposure to asbestos, as did plumbers, electricians, brake mechanics, and home remodelers.
Although many companies were aware of the dangers of working with asbestos as far back as the 1930s, these hazards did not become common public knowledge until the 1970s. Even then, state and federal regulatory agencies were slow to ban asbestos use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took no action to enact even a partial ban on asbestos until 1989. Furthermore, the EPA did not amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit companies from returning asbestos products to the market until April 2019.
These delays in regulatory action by the government resulted in many workers continuing to suffer exposure to asbestos for decades. Due to the long period that it takes for mesothelioma to develop after exposure, an increasing number of individuals continue to develop this rare form of cancer today.
Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma
According to the Mayo Clinic, cancer develops when the DNA of cells mutates and becomes abnormal. These mutations cause the cell to replicate and grow uncontrollably until they eventually group to form a tumor.
Different cancers generally develop from unique risk factors, lifestyles, genetics, and environmental factors. In the case of mesothelioma, the primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos fibers, usually through inhalation of asbestos dust. This dust most commonly settles in the lining surrounding major organs, where the fibers irritate and cause abnormalities in this protective tissue. In many cases, mesothelioma will not develop for decades after asbestos exposure has occurred.
Once mesothelioma develops, it likely is fatal. Currently, no cures for this catastrophic disease exist, although some medical treatments can ease symptoms and prolong your life expectancy. The development of mesothelioma leads to increasing medical problems, severely diminished quality of life, and death.
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Filing Deadlines for Virginia Mesothelioma Claims
Code of Virginia § 8.01-243 sets a two-year deadline for filing personal injury claims stemming from a mesothelioma diagnosis. Code of Virginia § 8.01-249(4) further clarifies that the statute of limitations does not begin until you receive your diagnosis.
If your family member passes away from mesothelioma, under Code of Virginia § 8.01-244, you have two years to file a wrongful claim death claim against the potentially liable parties. However, § 8.01-249(4) again states that you must file within two years of your loved one’s passing.
If you or a loved one suffers from mesothelioma and believe that you have a legal claim for compensation against the responsible parties, you must file all claims within this deadline. You might want to consult a Virginia mesothelioma lawyer about your legal rights due to these strict statutes of limitations for filing claims. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to get started.
Damages in Mesothelioma Claims
The most common expense that people with a mesothelioma diagnosis claim in a personal injury lawsuit is medical care and treatment. This form of compensation can include medical bills, hospitalization costs, prescription medications, and medical equipment and devices.
Another typical source for compensation in a mesothelioma claim is lost income. A mesothelioma diagnosis likely will cause you to miss significant time from your job and might lead to a permanent inability to work, which could financially devastate many families. You can recover awards for wages, bonuses, benefits, and other income you lost from missing time at work. Loss of future income or reduced earning capacity are other possible awards that individuals and their families potentially can receive in a mesothelioma claim.
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, you also might qualify for compensation for your pain and suffering. This category of compensation covers a wide range of physical and emotional losses—from your medical treatment’s physical side effects to the emotional trauma from the development of this serious disease. You also could receive compensation for the impact of your diagnosis on you and your family, including depression and anxiety.
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Learn More About Filing a Mesothelioma Claim
A diagnosis of mesothelioma for you or a family member has a profound impact on your life. This devastating diagnosis can drastically change your objectives and financial situation. No amount of compensation will sufficiently restore your previous quality of life, but accessing medical care and supporting your family become more manageable if you receive compensation for your injuries. A Virginia mesothelioma lawyer could help you bring the companies who caused your asbestos exposure to justice.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we want to support you during this difficult time. We offer legal advice and representation in your mesothelioma claim at no upfront cost to you. You will not pay for our legal representation unless you receive compensation from those responsible for your losses. Call (800) 794-0444 today to receive a free case review with a team member.
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