Los Angeles Mesothelioma Attorneys for Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer with which 3,000 Americans are diagnosed every year. Up to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases is due to asbestos exposure.
Workers frequently exposed to asbestos during renovations and demolitions are at risk of this cancer. If you or someone you know is diagnosed for these reasons, our Mesothelioma lawyers in LA can help you seek compensation from your employers.
Asbestos Exposure and the Professions at Risk
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in rock and soil. It is composed of microscopic fibers that can turn deadly if inhaled in massive quantities due to frequent and prolonged exposure.
Because of its impressive resistance to fire and chemicals, asbestos is commonly used by manufacturing and construction companies to strengthen plastics and cement, absorb sound, insulate buildings, and reduce the fire risks in newly constructed buildings.
Other construction materials that contain asbestos are vermiculite insulation, vinyl tiles, shingles, siding materials, hot water pipe jackets and blankets, heat-resistant fabrics, and various car parts.
Asbestos gets “released into the air” when the building materials that contain it gets damaged, such as during demolitions or structural repairs. Therefore, the ones who are at risk of exposure are workers in construction and manufacturing.
It will require strenuous months or years of litigation, but you should seek damages if you get diagnosed with mesothelioma because of your employer’s oversight in implementing protective measures on worksites. You will need an experienced mesothelioma attorney for this.
When Do You Need a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Experts say it can take 20 to 60 years after exposure for mesothelioma to develop and its symptoms to appear. It’s even possible for a worker to be no longer employed by the time their illness progresses. But this doesn’t mean that the employer has no accountability.
Our attorneys for asbestos exposure cases can help you file a claim — and we’ll immediately get to work.
California’s statute of limitations on acquired disabilities covers claims for exposure to or diagnosis of diseases caused by asbestos.
The law states that a plaintiff must file a claim within one year after:
- Experiencing symptoms
- Getting an official diagnosis
If the diagnosed individual has unfortunately passed away, the family or heirs of the decedent can file a claim within one year from:
- The date of death
- The date the heirs (or would-be plaintiffs) learned that the cause of their loved one’s death was exposure to asbestos
The exact limit for wrongful death claims may be longer based on your circumstance. Nevertheless, these processes could take time. You must seek a lawyer who specializes in asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis claims as soon as you learn the nature of your illness or the cause of a family member’s death.
How Much Can You Claim for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma?
The total value of a claim will depend on the claimant’s circumstance. As your attorneys, we will look into the following to determine how much you are entitled to receive from your employer if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or some other disease caused by asbestos:
- Wages lost due to sick days
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
Whether your employer knowingly made you work in an environment that endangers your health may also impact how much you can demand in compensation.
Contact Our Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers in Los Angeles
Haffner Law is a reputable personal injury law practice in LA. We represent victims of negligence and help them file claims against the individuals and organizations responsible for their illness, disability, and mental or emotional suffering.
You’ll have compassionate yet fierce attorneys on your side if you choose Haffner Law. Call us at 213-514-5681 or fill out our contact form.
