People Who Can Get Exposed To Asbestos And Who Can File For Compensation?

Over 3000 persons die every year due to mesothelioma. Among them, 80% are men. Almost every mesothelioma sufferer contracted the disease as a result of their job. That’s why, according to law, patients can file claims against employers and companies to get compensation.

Mesothelioma is not usual cancer, and it leads to a painful death. In fact, after diagnosis, patients have an average life expectancy of 22 months. Only 10% of patients survive five years with mesothelioma. That’s why it’s fair to file a claim for mesothelioma compensation.

In this write-up, you’ll find knowledge about asbestos and mesothelioma. Also, you’ll find about who can file a claim for mesothelioma compensation. It’ll help you and give you the right direction.

Let’s begin!

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a material used in various industries. It fulfills the purpose of insulation in construction and different industrial products and equipment. Before 1990, the construction industry used asbestos abundantly. But its effects were disastrous.

Industries with wide use of asbestos were:

• Building industry
• Shipbuilding
• Household appliance industry
• Motor industry
• Power stations
• Telephone exchanges

When research found the toxicity of asbestos, governments banned the material for commercial usage in 1990.

There are three types of asbestos: blue, brown, and white. Blue and brown asbestos are directly linked to mesothelioma. Yet, white asbestos is also harmful to health.

How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?

Asbestos is a fibrous material that wears down with time. It fills the air around it with tiny particles of fiber. Asbestos fibers enter the lungs when a person comes into contact with it. These fibers attach themselves to the pleural lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers damage cells and mutate genes. Next, gene mutation creates cancerous cells that grow and cause mesothelioma.

People who work close to asbestos bring tiny fibers home on their clothing. As a result, their family members get exposed to asbestos that causes mesothelioma. A single contact with asbestos does not pose much risk for mesothelioma. But a person with prolonged exposure develops mesothelioma. That’s why people getting mesothelioma due to occupation have all the right to sue for compensation.

Many mesothelioma patients do not file a claim due to the lack of awareness. Also, there are not many firms that handle mesothelioma as a specialist. That’s why if you want to file a claim, you need someone who knows every legal detail about it. Here are some specialist mesothelioma law firms for you.

Groups of People Who Are at Risk of Mesothelioma

Several occupations are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma. All of them include working with asbestos materials.

Some examples are:

• Workers of manufacturing industry where asbestos is used
• Workers of the engineering and construction industry where asbestos products are used

Carpenters, metal plate workers, mechanics, and plumbers are the people who often get mesothelioma due to their occupation. Also, smokers who work with asbestos products have a high risk of developing mesothelioma.

If you have worked as a painter before 1990, you can develop mesothelioma. It’s because, before 1990, some paints have asbestos in them. It happens that you come in contact with asbestos, but you do not develop mesothelioma for years. Mesothelioma takes about 15 to 60 years to develop.

Mesothelioma Claims

A mesothelioma claim is legal to compensation from employers, asbestos manufacturers, and responsible companies for asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma compensation covers the cost of treatment and the patient’s financial security and their families. Also, mesothelioma claim holds companies accountable for asbestos exposure.

Why Do People Need to File Mesothelioma Claim?

The reasons to file mesothelioma claims are two. First, mesothelioma compensation helps patients and their families to get through difficult times. Second, asbestos is directly related to causing cancer, and companies know about it. But they continued to produce more asbestos products. Thus, people need to hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for their actions.

Mesothelioma compensation is not just a number. But it is:

• The cost you paid for help and caretakers
• The cost of counseling
• The cost of therapy
• Everyday expenses
• Financial security
• The cost of funerals and burials
• All medical costs
• The cost of physical therapy
• The cost of prescription medicines
• Lost income due to mesothelioma

If you or your loved one got mesothelioma, do not hesitate to file a claim. It is the right decision in every case.

Who Can File Mesothelioma Claim and Get Compensation?

A mesothelioma claim is a class action lawsuit. Individuals and groups can file for it against a single or multiple defendants. Here’s the detail.

Patients

Every person diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related diseases can file a claim. It can be against one particular entity, such as your employer. But remember, mesothelioma claims are always complex, and you have to prove them in court with evidence. Any ambiguity or negligence from your lawyer can get you nothing. That’s why hire a specialist mesothelioma lawyer or firm to file a claim. So, you can get the compensation. Otherwise, you’ll have the burden of legal fees without any compensation.

Families

Family members can file a claim for too sick patients or deceased ones. But family members have to prove their legal authority in court. In the case of a deceased patient, family members also get funeral costs and other compensation.

The court always gives legal authority to blood relatives and sometimes considers distant relatives for a claim. Yet, the latter is rare.

Estates

When a person dies, they leave the estate. In that case, an estate representative can file a mesothelioma claim. It is the responsibility of the estate representative to increase the value of the estate and protect it for heirs. Thus, a mesothelioma claim started in the life of a deceased person can also continue after the death.

The compensation can help the estate heir to survive and have financial security. Also, the debts of the estate can be paid through mesothelioma compensation. That’s why the law allows an estate to pursue mesothelioma claims, even after the owner’s death.

Conclusion

Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases. Yet, asbestos exposure can happen at any time. But it takes 15 to 60 years to develop cancer. And patients have to suffer physically, financially, and emotionally. Thus, every mesothelioma patient should file a claim and get the required compensation.

Asbestos manufacturers knew that asbestos is dangerous and causes mesothelioma. But they did not care. Thus, it’s the patient’s responsibility to hold them accountable in court. The law is clear and gives compensation on valid claims. So, every mesothelioma patient should do it. Have a great day.

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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