Like all other personal injury claims, there is a legal window within which you are allowed to file a lawsuit in court seeking compensation for mesothelioma arising from asbestos exposure. It is known as the statute of limitations, and it varies depending on your jurisdiction.
For instance, you have one year to bring your claim to a Louisiana court from the date of your diagnosis. Beyond that, it may be impossible to seek legal intervention. Here’s what to keep in mind as you decide how to proceed:
When were you diagnosed with mesothelioma?
Given that mesothelioma can take years to develop and manifest, the one-year legal window allowed to file your claim in court starts running after you have been diagnosed. If you are only exhibiting symptoms without a doctor’s diagnosis, the statute of limitations will not affect you. (Equally, you have one year to file a claim if your loved one died from asbestos-induced mesothelioma.)
Navigating your claim
As soon as you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to establish how you came in contact with asbestos. You might have been exposed if you were working in a high-risk industry such as construction or shipbuilding. Alternatively, you may be a victim of secondary exposure if your loved one was the initial point of contact.
You may need to show work history records on top of the medical documentation that ties your illness to asbestos exposure — but don’t waste time trying to gather these things up on your own. Get your claim started and work with your legal guidance to obtain the evidence you need.
Getting justice
Before initializing your claim, it is advisable to have a full scope of the damages caused by your condition. That way, you can be sure that the settlement you are after will be enough to compensate you fully.
Mesothelioma can negatively affect your quality of life, and it is only fair that you or your loved one gets the justice they deserve. Just be sure that you don’t wait too long to take action.