This guide outlines what business and career women need to know about a mesothelioma lawsuit related to product liability.
The life of any individual will undoubtedly be shaken to its core when diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. However, the situation can be a lot more challenging for women in business because they have to juggle so much at the same time.
In case you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you always have the option to take the matter to court. Below, we’ll explore what women should know about filing a lawsuit while handling their professional lives.
Understanding a mesothelioma lawsuit
A mesothelioma cancer lawsuit represents a category of product liability claims initiated against corporations that produced items containing asbestos. These legal proceedings enable victims or their relatives to seek monetary reparation for medical costs, loss of earnings, and physical and emotional distress. There are two forms that mesothelioma litigation primarily takes:
- Personal injury claims: Filed by individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma.
- Wrongful death litigation: filed by family members or estate representatives of asbestos victims who have died from exposure.
However, for one to be allowed to file a lawsuit, one must have a confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis and evidence of asbestos exposure. This could occur in a variety of settings for women in business, including office buildings, factories or even from indirect exposure from a spouse or child who worked with asbestos materials.
The legal process for a mesothelioma lawsuit
Navigating a mesothelioma lawsuit involves several steps:
- Legal evaluation: A qualified mesothelioma lawyer shall analyze your case while scrutinizing your medical documents and employment history to ascertain the occurrences and locations of asbestos exposure.
- Filing of claims: Your attorney will prepare and file the relevant documents, choosing the jurisdiction that best suits your case.
- Response from asbestos companies: Defendants typically have 30 days or less to respond to the lawsuit, either proposing a settlement or contesting the claim.
- Discovery phase: Both sides gather evidence, including documents, photos, and witness statements to support their case.
- Settlement negotiations or trial: Most cases are actually settled out-of-court; otherwise, if a consensus is not reached, it may then go to trial.
Money Matters
If you suffer from mesothelioma or you’re a female entrepreneur facing a lawsuit from an employee, you should know that these legal cases can escalate to a lot of compensation money. The average settlements range between $1 million and $1.4 million, and a trial victory can contribute anywhere from $5 million to $11.4 million, an amount that pays medical bills, which might go beyond $400,000, as well as other connected expenses.
However, it’s vital to choose an experienced mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation and a track record of successful settlements and verdicts. Question attorneys about their experience, success rates, as well as how they can handle your case while fighting in some business responsibilities.
Alternative Compensation Options
Apart from lawsuits, there are other ways to get compensation:
- Asbestos trust funds: Nearly all asbestos companies have established trust funds, which now total over $30 billion to pay its victims.
- VA claims: Veterans who developed mesothelioma due to military service may be eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Summary
Women in business with a diagnosis of mesothelioma must understand the law and what they may be able to do. While it is certainly hard to deal with a lawsuit, money retrieved can be work towards economic security and the needed medical care. Choosing the correct lawyer for the lawsuit often means this will also help make it that much easier to get justice while focusing on work and healthcare obligations.
