If you have been exposed to asbestos, you may develop a rare yet aggressive form of cancer known as mesothelioma at some point in life. If this happens to you or someone you love, you may be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
But what is your claim worth?
To develop mesothelioma, you must have been exposed to asbestos at some time in your life. Still, the disease does not manifest until decades after your exposure. These, coupled with other factors, make proving mesothelioma cases quite complex. As you can see from our Results, our firm has proven success in obtaining seven-figure settlements for our clients. That is because, unlike the firms who rely on settling a large amount of cases in bulk, we work up each case individually to maximize its value. And, since we treat your case individually, we will do whatever it takes to get you maximum recovery possible rather than lumping you in with many others that settle for some amount regardless of your case’s potential.
That said, here are three factors that can help you understand how to evaluate your potential case:
- Age at which you are diagnosed:
The age at which you are diagnosed with mesothelioma plays a big role in the valuation of your claim. Someone who is diagnosed at a younger age has more years of life being taken away from them, than someone who is 90 years old, for example.
- Where you worked, what products you worked with or around, and financial viability of the companies who exposed you:
A big factor in evaluating your case stems from whether or not there are financially viable companies who exposed you to asbestos.
Former asbestos insulation companies, for example, like Owens Corning and Fibreboard, have long gone into bankruptcy, putting aside some money for future asbestos-related claims. While we still can and do make claims to those bankrupt companies on your behalf, that is just one small portion of your potential case, as those companies only pay cents on the dollar of what they value your case to be. That means that the majority of the value for your case is dependent on those financially viable companies who still exist and who are liable for your exposures.
We file lawsuits against the financially viable companies whose asbestos-containing products you worked with or around (for example, hot tops at a foundry or brakes at an auto shop), whose premises you worked at (in Washington, the shipyards, oil refineries, aluminum & steel mills, and paper mills are frequent sites where our clients worked), and whose contractors manipulated asbestos in your presence. We understand that remembering exactly what happened 30-plus years ago is a difficult task, and so we spend a lot of time with you delving into your stories about the work you did in your career and investigating any and all potential exposures. Oftentimes in our investigation, we also speak with former coworkers and gather records to help make sure we aren’t leaving any stone unturned.
- Your interests, family, hobbies, and what is being taken away from you:
One of the most important facets of your potential claim is you. Who you are, what activities you enjoy, what hobbies you have, who you spend your time with, and even what you do to help around the house or yard are all extremely important in showing who you are and strengthening your claim. From woodworking or fishing to maintaining your ten acres of backyard, everything you do matters to help us paint the picture of who you are and what is being taken. As we work up your case and throughout our meetings, we get to know you and your family very well. It is the best part of what we do. Each story is different but extraordinarily impactful in showing who you are and what is being taken away – from both you and your family members.
Being diagnosed with a terminal disease such as mesothelioma can be devastating to you and your family, to say the least. Fortunately, however, knowing your legal options can help put you in the position of control in a time of great uncertainty. We are here to help ensure we can maximize your compensation and give you and your family the justice and peace of mind you deserve.