Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. This deadly disease exhibits symptoms similar to those of lung cancer such as chest pain, persistent cough and shortness of breath. Since mesothelioma always develops as a result of exposure to asbestos, victims can file a mesothelioma lawsuit against the company that exposed them to the substance.
However, to file a successful mesothelioma lawsuit, you need to understand the right claim to seek, how mesothelioma lawsuits work and important deadlines for filing your claim. Of course, you need to know whom you are suing, too.
Understanding the types of mesothelioma claims
The circumstances surrounding your situation will determine the type of asbestos claim you should file. It is important to understand that different types of claims have the potential to result in different compensation amounts depending on the damages you have incurred. Here are the two types of mesothelioma claims you can pursue following your asbestos exposure:
Personal injury claims
If you believe someone else’s negligence resulted in your mesothelioma exposure, then you can file a personal injury claim against the negligent party. This can be your former employer or the manufacturer of a product that exposed you to asbestos. During your asbestos-related personal injury claim, you may seek economic as well as non-economic damages resulting from your illness.
Wrongful death claims
If a loved one has succumbed to mesothelioma, you can pursue the negligent party for a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. To win your claim, you will need to prove that your loved one was indeed exposed to asbestos, perhaps while working for the defendant, and that this exposure resulted in their illness and eventual demise. Some of the compensation awards you might seek during your wrongful death lawsuit include financial compensation for medical and funeral expenses as well as loss of consortium.
Mesothelioma claims can be complex. If you are planning to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, whether on behalf of yourself or a loved one, it is important that you identify the right claim.