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Volver al Blog de AsbestosUnderstanding your asbestos claim and compensation
Asbestos exposure has been linked to various severe health conditions, including mesotelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with one of these diseases and suspect it was caused by asbestos exposure at work or elsewhere, filing an asbestos lawsuit may be the best course of action to get the compensation you deserve for medical bills as well as pain and suffering. While the legal process can seem daunting, this guide will provide step-by-step instructions for navigating an asbestos case, including proving exposure and filing paperwork correctly.
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If you may have been exposed to asbestos, even when you were a child, speak to your healthcare provider about tests and screening to help detect the presence of asbestos fibers and enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto.
Proving Asbestos Exposure
Proving asbestos exposure is a crucial step in filing an asbestos lawsuit. The burden of proof lies on the plaintiff, and it can be challenging to not only prove that a disease is linked to exposure but also that the defendant’s negligence caused exposure.
Workplace history can demonstrate you or your family member were exposed to asbestos at work, and that asbestos was brought into the home or family vehicle on work clothing. (Our database can help.)
The first step in proving asbestos exposure is identifying where and when the victim was exposed. This could be through work history or by testing the environment in which they live. It’s important to gather any documentation related to employment or residential history to help identify potential sources of exposure.
Medical records can also play a significant role in proving an asbestos claim.
Medical professionals can conduct tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or bronchoscopies to detect if there are any signs of lung damage due to prolonged asbestos inhalation. This documentation will be key.
Witness testimony from colleagues, family members, or friends who may have witnessed the victim working with or around asbestos products can also provide valuable evidence for an asbestos case.
“La evidencia general sugiere que no existe un nivel seguro de exposición al asbesto”.Fuente: Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (NIH)1 |
An experienced asbestos attorney can help research and prove your asbestos claim.
Proving asbestos exposure requires extensive research and documentation gathering, in general. However, with proper legal representation and a thorough investigation into the source of exposure, victims may be able to hold negligent parties accountable.
Over the past decades, Asbestosclaims.law has developed a W.A.R.D. database the world’s largest repository for asbestos exposure information. This database can help tremendously in identifying potential causes of exposure.
¿Califica usted para una compensación?
Descubra rápida y fácilmente cómo estuvo expuesto buscando en WARD, la base de datos de asbesto más grande del planeta.
BÚSQUEDA GRATUITA >The Legal Process of an Asbestos Lawsuit
The legal process of an asbestos lawsuit is complex and can take years to complete. It involves several stages: complaint filing, discovery, trial preparation, and the actual trial itself or settlement negotiations to avoid a court battle.
The first step in filing an asbestos lawsuit is to find a qualified attorney specializing in these cases. They will be able to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Once you have found an attorney, they will file a complaint on your behalf. This document outlines the details of your case and alleges that you were exposed to asbestos due to negligence on the part of the defendant.
The Discovery Process: Gathering evidence of your asbestos exposure and injuries for an asbestos claim
Discovery is the next stage in the legal process. This involves gathering evidence from both sides through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests. The goal is to build a strong case before heading to trial or negotiating a settlement.
Trial preparation involves preparing witnesses and arguments for trial, if necessary. Settlement negotiations may also occur during this stage as both parties try to reach an agreement without going to court.
If no settlement is reached during negotiations, then this will lead to going into trial where all of the evidence gathered by both parties will be presented under oath and examined until a verdict has been reached by a jury or judge (in a bench trial).
If you worked in an industrial occupation or worksite before 1982, you were likely exposed to asbestos fibers at some point.
El amianto es muy resistente al calor, la presión y la corrosión, por lo que se utilizó en muchos productos, vehículos y edificios. En particular, muchos lugares de trabajo como fábricas, refinerías, fundiciones y astilleros implican grandes cantidades de calor y fueron construidos con mucho amianto.
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Asbestos Cases in Different Regions
Asbestos exposure has been a global issue for decades, affecting people in different regions. However, not all regions have the same level of asbestos cases and regulations. The United States, for example, is known to have one of the highest asbestos-related disease rates due to the country’s widespread use of the mineral in various industries up until the 1970s, as well as its decision to not eliminate its use altogether (like in many other areas of the world).
Asbestos causes cancer. Health researchers are learning how.
Los estudios demuestran que las fibras de amianto se incrustan en el tejido corporal:
- Causando cicatrices
- Alterar los mecanismos de defensa del cuerpo.
- Aumento de la formación de radicales libres (cargas eléctricas que se sabe que aumentan la probabilidad de cáncer)
- Dañar el ADN que controla el crecimiento celular, lo que podría conducir a la formación de carcinomas (tumores cancerosos)
Asbestos-related diseases continue to be a global problem.
Asbestos has also been widely used in Europe but with stricter regulations than in other countries. Most European countries have implemented bans or limitations on using asbestos since the 1990s.
Australia was once one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of asbestos-containing materials until it banned them altogether in 2003. Australia still faces high levels of mesothelioma cancer caused by past exposure.
Asian countries like China and India continue to use a significant amount of asbestos despite evidence linking it to lung cancer and mesothelioma. These countries struggle enforcing regulations due to a lack of resources and awareness among workers about potential health hazards.
While some regions have made strides in regulating or banning asbestos use entirely, many still face challenges in reducing cases related to this toxic mineral.
“Por lo general, quienes desarrollan enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto no muestran signos de enfermedad durante mucho tiempo después de la exposición”.Fuente: Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (NIH)2 |
Timeline of an Asbestos Case
El timeline of an asbestos case can vary depending on various factors, but generally, it takes a significant amount of time to resolve an asbestos lawsuit.
Complaint
The first step is filing the complaint with the court system and serving the defendant(s) with notice.
After receiving notice, defendants have a certain period to respond to the allegations against them. Once all parties have been served and have responded appropriately, discovery begins. In discovery, both parties exchange information about their cases through depositions or written interrogatories, as mentioned above.
Pretrial Motion Practice
Next comes pre-trial motions, which could lead either to a settlement or a trial by jury. If both parties cannot reach a settlement during this stage, then trial preparation commences.
Trial
At this point, attorneys will work tirelessly preparing their cases on both sides before presenting evidence in front of a judge or jury panel at trial. During the trial phase of an asbestos case, both sides present arguments as they try to prove who is responsible for causing harm.
Judgment
Suppose there’s no appeal filed after judgment has been given in favor of one party over another side. In that case, compensation will be paid out according to what was agreed upon in court or negotiated outside of court, as well as in consideration of other factors.
La historia legal del asbesto
Asbestos has a long and complicated legal history. The first asbestos-related lawsuit was filed in the United States in 1929, but in the 1960s and 1970s, its dangers became known.
Despite this knowledge, many companies continued to use asbestos in their products for decades. This increased lawsuits against manufacturers and employers who failed to protect workers from exposure.
| Incluso los fumadores de toda la vida pueden cobrar una compensación por los daños causados por el asbesto. | |
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Muchos de nuestros clientes creían que no eran elegibles para presentar una demanda por asbesto porque fumaban cigarrillos y puros. Esto no es cierto bajo las leyes de muchos estados. Nuestra base de datos contiene la evidencia médica necesaria para demostrar que los fumadores que están expuestos al asbesto tienen muchas más probabilidades de desarrollar cáncer que los fumadores que no estuvieron expuestos al asbesto. Los cigarrillos y el asbesto son mucho más peligrosos que los cigarrillos o el asbesto. |
| Incluso los fumadores de toda la vida pueden cobrar una compensación por los daños causados por el asbesto. |
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| Many of our clients believed they weren’t eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit because hey were cigarette and cigar smokers. Esto no es cierto bajo las leyes de muchos estados. Nuestra base de datos contiene la evidencia médica necesaria para demostrar que los fumadores que están expuestos al asbesto tienen muchas más probabilidades de desarrollar cáncer que los fumadores que no estuvieron expuestos al asbesto. Los cigarrillos y el asbesto son mucho más peligrosos que los cigarrillos o el asbesto. |
In response, numerous laws were passed regulating the use of asbestos. In 1970, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which required employers to provide a safe workplace free from hazards like asbestos.
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) was passed in 1986 to regulate school buildings containing asbestos. Additionally, many states have passed laws limiting or banning the use of asbestos altogether.
The legal history of asbestos is marked by tragedy and ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
¿Califica usted para una compensación?
Descubra rápida y fácilmente cómo estuvo expuesto buscando en WARD, la base de datos de asbesto más grande del planeta.
BÚSQUEDA GRATUITA >Fideicomisos de asbesto
Bankrupt companies have established fideicomisos de asbesto to compensate victims of asbestos-related diseases. These trusts contain funds set aside expressly for those affected by the company’s use of asbestos. The amount paid depends on the severity of the illness, and other factors such as age, occupation, and exposure levels.
To qualify for compensation from an fideicomiso de asbesto, claimants must provide evidence of exposure to asbestos through the company’s products or facilities. This can be challenging as many decades have passed since some companies used asbestos in their products or buildings, yet diseases don’t tend to become apparent until decades after use.
Due to the many claims submitted each year, asbestos trust claims can take several months to process. Claimants need to work with an experienced attorney who understands how these trusts operate and can help guide them through the application and subsequent steps.
While asbestos trust payments may not fully compensate victims for their losses, they offer some financial relief to help cover medical expenses and support families during a difficult time. Asbestos trusts are essential for ensuring justice for those impacted.
Types of Asbestos Claims
Asbestos claims can vary depending on the harm caused by asbestos exposure. However, there are two primary avenues for seeking compensation: personal injury claims and wrongful death claims.
Personal injury claims involve individuals diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, due to asbestos exposure. These individuals may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful death claims arise when someone dies from an asbestos-related disease. The family members or dependents of the deceased person can file a claim seeking damages for their loss and the expenses incurred from the passing of their loved one.
También hay secondary exposure claims where a person did not work directly with asbestos but was exposed through contact with someone who worked in an environment contaminated by it.
Las personas que trabajaron en estas industrias antes de mediados de la década de 1980 tienen un mayor riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto:
| Construcción | Fábricas | Fundiciones | Refinerías | Astilleros | Minería / Molienda |
| Demolición | Aislamiento | Trabajadores del acero | Instalación de tuberías | Construcción naval | Mecánicos |
| Techumbre | Textiles | Trabajadores del hierro | Calderas | Extinción de incendios | Reparación de frenos |
| Piso | Cemento | Electricistas | Reparación de juntas | Ferrocarril | Climatización |
Desafortunadamente también lo hacen sus familias.
It’s important to note that each case is unique and requires specific evidence to support the claim. Seeking legal assistance from experienced attorneys who specialize in handling asbestos cases can help ensure victims receive fair compensation for their injuries or losses.
Understanding Contingency Fees
When filing an asbestos lawsuit, it’s essential to understand how attorneys charge for their services. Many lawyers who handle these cases work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they receive a settlement or win their case in court.
Contingency fees are typically a percentage of the total amount recovered in the case. This percentage varies depending on the attorney and the complexity of the case. The fee may also be higher if the case goes to trial rather than settling out of court.
It is essential to discuss contingency fees with an attorney who can explain how this arrangement works and what to expect. Working with a contingency-based model can benefit plaintiffs who may not have the funds to pay an attorney upfront.
¿Califica usted para una compensación?
Descubra rápida y fácilmente cómo estuvo expuesto buscando en WARD, la base de datos de asbesto más grande del planeta.
BÚSQUEDA GRATUITA >The Easiest and Fastest Method for Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit
Filing an asbestos claim could be complex but can become more accessible with proper guidance and information. The fastest and easiest way to get a claim filed is by seeking the help of an experienced attorney specializing in asbestos cases.
An attorney will guide a plaintiff in completing paperwork correctly, gathering evidence proving exposure, and filing within the statute of limitations. They’ll also provide legal representation against manufacturers or other liable parties throughout the lawsuit process.
It’s essential always to remember that time is of the essence when filing a claim. That’s why taking swift action is essential once diagnosed with any asbestos-related disease.
AsbestosClaims.Law
Para Justinian C. Lane, obtener una indemnización por las víctimas del asbesto es algo personal.
Los abuelos de Justiniano y su padre trabajaron con asbesto en su juventud y murieron de cánceres relacionados con el asbesto en sus últimos años.
En el momento de cada una de sus muertes, nadie en la familia de Justiniano sabía que eran elegibles para presentar una demanda por asbesto y buscar una compensación de los fideicomisos de asbesto.
Debido a que nadie en la familia de Justiniano conocía sus opciones, nunca recibieron compensación alguna por la muerte de sus seres queridos.
Si cree que su lesión o la de su familiar estuvo relacionada con la exposición al asbesto, podría tener derecho a una compensación significativa.
Este es dinero que podría usar para cubrir los costos de los servicios de remoción de asbesto, pagar el tratamiento médico y proteger de manera preventiva su bienestar físico.
También hay fideicomisos de asbesto que ofrecen compensación mucho más rápida y fácilmente (sin presentar una demanda).
Si desea ayuda para presentar un reclamo, ponerse en contacto por correo electrónico a [email protected] o llámenos o envíenos un mensaje de texto al (833) 4-ASBESTOS (427-2378) o (206) 455-9190. Escucharemos su historia y le explicaremos sus opciones. Y nunca cobramos por nada a menos que reciba dinero en su bolsillo.
Además de demandas legales, discapacidad de veteranos, seguridad social y protección del empleo como compensación de trabajadores, FELA y La ley de Jones para los trabajadores marítimos, hay fideicomisos de asbesto que se han establecido para indemnizar a los perjudicados por el asbesto sin tener que presentar una demanda.
No hay riesgo ni costo para hablar con uno de nuestro personal sobre su litigio de asbesto. No hay cargos a menos que reciba dinero.
Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes adicionales relacionadas con el asbesto, visite nuestro sitio web y página de YouTube para ver videos, infografías y respuestas a sus preguntas sobre el asbesto, incluida la salud y la seguridad, prueba de asbesto, la eliminación del asbesto de su hogar y edificio, y información legal sobre la compensación por lesiones de asbesto.
Presentamos la base de datos de información sobre asbesto más grande del planeta.
W.A.R.D., que significa Worldwide Asbestos Research Database, ayuda a los clientes a reducir cuándo y dónde pueden haber estado expuestos, así como qué productos aún pueden contener asbesto.WARD también ayudará a indicar los tipos de compensación ya cuánto puede tener derecho una persona.
Full article: Asbestos-related cancers: the ‘Hidden Killer’ remains a global threat (tandfonline.com)
1 Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (NIH) Hoja informativa sobre asbesto.
2 Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (NIH), Hoja informativa sobre asbesto.
