Being diagnosed with cancer as a result of asbestos exposure is often met with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. An uphill battle inevitably ensues, on both a personal – physical and emotional – and financial level, taking a toll not only on the patients themselves but also their loved ones.

An experienced asbestos attorney can help you receive financial support for your cancer treatment.

An Ally in Your Fight

Amid all of this, however, glimmers of hope can be seen when asbestos cancer warriors begin to advocate for their legal rights, exploring options for financial support, and ultimately winning the compensation they need to help offset costs. Obtaining the funds necessary to continue moving through all of the treatment steps, including managing the day-to-day logistics that come along with this, can provide much-needed relief.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

  • The impact of an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis on individuals and families.
  • An overview of the legal processes involved and financial support options available, including their limitations.
  • How to select an experienced asbestos attorney and the benefits they’ll bring to the table.

After being diagnosed with cancer, one’s mind may be going in a million different directions. From finding appropriate treatment options, to working out scheduling difficulties, travel and accommodations, paying medical bills, adjusting to new familial roles, and more, there is a lot to consider in a very short amount of time. This can naturally bring about a sense of overwhelm as life suddenly becomes much more complicated.

The Emotional Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis

An asbestos-related cancer diagnosis, such as mesothelioma, is usually met first with shock and disbelief. Even though most asbestos cancer warriors were exposed to the mineral years prior, once symptoms start to appear, they can be aggressive, and finally determining that asbestos was the cause, may feel unreal. Not only are exposure victims met with this unexpected and devastating news, but they then have to inform their friends and family, typically without hard and fast answers about next steps, compounding the emotional struggle.

Coping with cancer, supporting a loved one

Some individuals may have an easier time coping than others, and the ability to do so (or not) is, of course, dependent on a variety of factors. Coping mechanisms vary widely, but the importance of maintaining psychological resilience cannot be overstated. Continued support from family, friends, and cancer support groups plays a crucial role maintaining a resilient outlook. The mind and body are intricately connected, and becoming determined to move forward with a level of mental fortitude will help keep the body strong as well.

Logistical Challenges in Treating Cancer

When cancer treatment options are discussed, the logistics of ensuring a patient receives what they need can be equally as daunting. Often requiring specialized treatments, patients may have to travel long distances to get the care they require, meaning they may have to coordinate flights and other accommodations along the way, and find travel companions in order to get to where they need to be.

Regardless of whether treatment is local or states away, cancer diagnoses inevitably disrupt family life as unexpected expenses arise, individuals are unable to work, and other roles change without much foresight.

The Financial Burden of Cancer Treatment

Embedded into the logistical side is the cost of treatment. Cancer therapies tend to come at a high price. From diagnosis to continued care, and perhaps even palliative care thereafter, the costs can far exceed insurance caps (if insurable at all), clear out savings accounts, and leave asbestos cancer warriors and their families with a mound of debt. In fact, medical bills, in general, are the number one cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., responsible for two-thirds of all cases nationwide.

Medical bills are the cause of 2/3rds of bankruptcies in America.

Whatever is in the bank before an asbestos cancer diagnosis, funds can be quickly drained, leaving exposure victims and their families wondering about next steps. Fortunately, there are additional financial options that can be explored.

Again, for individuals battling asbestos-related cancer, understanding and accessing legal and financial support options is critical to managing the disease’s impact. Garnering proper support can take some out-of-the-box thinking, which is why it’s important to work with a professional well-versed in the field. Government programs are a good place to start, and there are other avenues to consider that’ll take legal guidance. We’ll delve into these next.

Government Assistance Programs

Several government assistance programs can offer some relief, though they often come with limitations that may not fully cover the high costs associated with cancer treatment. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are available to those who qualify based on disability and economic need, respectively. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service may also be eligible for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Again, while these programs provide essential support, the benefits may fall short of covering all medical and living expenses, especially considering the extraordinary costs of cancer treatment. So, pursuing trust claims or even traditional lawsuits may become necessary.

Traditional Lawsuits

When considering legal avenues for compensation to help further offset costs, there are normally two options. The first option is to file a traditional lawsuit against parties responsible for exposing a cancer victim to asbestos. Lawsuits can also be filed by family member’s on a deceased person’s behalf (i.e., wrongful death suits).

Traditional litigation, when successful, can come with a large payout. However, this route can also be both complicated and time-consuming. These lawsuits require extensive research and a burden of proof, including definitively tracing the origins of exposure and demonstrating that the defendant is, in fact, responsible. Representation will be secured on both sides, so it’s equally important to be able to defend against any counter arguments along the way, and this is why it’s critical to work with a seasoned asbestos attorney.

Because traditional lawsuits can take a significant amount of time, however, and those who are diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers tend to have time working against them, many families choose to file trust claims instead.

Asbestos Trusts

Asbestos trusts were established years ago by bankrupt companies that produced or used asbestos. Amid ongoing litigation, these companies decided it was best to establish a way for individuals to gain access to funds without continuing to file lawsuits. Asbestos trusts currently still hold an estimated $80 billion waiting to be claimed.

Filing a claim with an asbestos trust can be a more straightforward process than pursuing a lawsuit and it takes less time to receive a payout. Compensation is usually not as high as what might be gained from a traditional lawsuit, but again, these only pay out if successful, so many consider trust funds to be a safer bet. Receiving trust funds can provide more immediate assistance with covering medical bills, lost wages, and other mounting expenses.

Ensuring that claims are filed accurately still requires the expertise of an attorney well-versed in the process. Working with an asbestos attorney will ensure claims are filed properly the first time around, so time isn’t wasted.

Other Financial Options for Cancer Treatment

Aside from legal claims and the government programs mentioned above, asbestos cancer warriors should explore additional financial support options, such as cancer-specific grants, charity programs, and fundraising platforms. These resources can offer supplementary financial aid to cover treatment costs, travel expenses for medical care, and other needs.

Having a support system, which may include professionals, close friends, colleagues, and others, willing to research what’s available can help alleviate the stress of figuring out how to make ends meet and save cancer patients valuable time that can be spent with loved ones.

The Role of Experienced Asbestos Attorneys

Whether filing a lawsuit or a trust claim, securing the services of a seasoned attorney is paramount for asbestos cancer warriors seeking to understand the complex legal landscape. A proficient lawyer brings a wealth of benefits, including:

  • Legal Guidance: Crafting legal strategies for mesothelioma and other cancers that maximizes the chances of a successful outcome, whether through litigation, workers’ compensation, or trust fund claims. In a cancer battle legal tips are essential for ensuring costs of care are properly offset.
  • Proving Asbestos Exposure and Disease: An attorney can help gather the proof needed to establish the connection between asbestos exposure and the diagnosis. This proof includes medical records, employment history, and evidence of asbestos presence in the workplace or other environments.
  • Expertise in Asbestos Litigation Success: Specialized knowledge in asbestos laws and precedents is crucial for effectively arguing a case or negotiating a settlement. An experienced attorney will have access to databases and resources that can pinpoint the source of asbestos exposure and lead to a successful claim. They can also help clients secure funding from governmental resources where appropriate to help offset costs.

Choosing the right attorney involves looking for someone with a proven track record in asbestos litigation, understanding their fee structure (often contingency-based, meaning they only get paid if their clients win), and feeling comfortable with their communication and approach throughout the entire process. Not all asbestos attorneys are created equal. When searching for the right legal representation, consider the following factors:

  • Experience and Track Record: Representation should be secured with someone who has a proven track record of winning asbestos cases. Experience in handling similar cases to the one at hand is crucial as it indicates the attorney’s ability to deal with the specific challenges of asbestos litigation.
  • Resources and Accessibility: An asbestos attorney should have the necessary resources to research and build a solid case, including access to databases of asbestos-containing products and historical exposure sites. Additionally, choosing an attorney who is accessible and communicates clearly and promptly, will help facilitate a smooth process from start to finish.
  • Client Testimonials and Reviews: Feedback from previous clients can provide valuable insights into an attorney’s performance and client service. Positive testimonials and reviews are good indicators of a reputable and effective attorney.
  • No Upfront Costs: Many asbestos attorneys use a contingency fee model. This means they only get paid if a client wins their case. This arrangement aligns the attorney’s interests with the family’s’ and ensures clients don’t face any out-of-pocket expenses up front.

Your attorney will work diligently to trace the origins of your asbestos exposure in order to prove negligence. Asbestos attorneys have a solid understanding of the products and manufacturers most likely responsible, and they will use this knowledge along with your personal history to formulate the most airtight case possible. From there, you’ll be asked to gather your medical records and diagnosis history as well as any other documents that will help in the process.

Remember, your attorney has handled many cases just like yours and will know which strategies to use to ensure you win. Make sure you keep in close contact, responding to any requests, and asking questions you may have along the way. This is the best way to ensure your case is successful and you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you think you or a loved one has received a cancer diagnosis that is the result of asbestos exposure, contact the experienced team of attorneys at AsbestosClaims.law for a free consultation and to explore your legal options today.