Many workers in various industries have been exposed to asbestos, and there are several places throughout Alabama identified as high-risk for asbestos exposure. If you or a family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’re likely to have many questions about Alabama mesothelioma settlements and what type of compensation you could potentially recover. A skilled mesothelioma attorney can help you build your case.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, an incurable and terminal form of cancer. After diagnosis, the individual will likely need the help of an experienced attorney to accurately determine the most likely source of their condition. This can be difficult as it often takes many years or even multiple decades for mesothelioma to cause noticeable symptoms, and by this time, the disease has reached a critical stage.
About 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the US each year, despite the fact that the health risks of asbestos are now well understood, and asbestos use has declined dramatically throughout the US over the past few decades. After you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should hire a mesothelioma lawyer at your first opportunity so they can determine your legal options. You have limited time to build this case, and their help will be invaluable.
If the company responsible for your asbestos exposure is no longer operating, they may have been required to establish a mesothelioma injury trust fund to compensate those diagnosed with mesothelioma because of their products. Many US companies were required to establish these trusts, and your mesothelioma attorney can determine whether you are eligible to file a claim. If so, they’ll guide you through the claim-filing process and help you secure appropriate compensation.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure at your current job, you may qualify to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. Workers’ compensation insurance could cover all medical expenses related to your injury, as well as ongoing disability benefits if you are no longer able to work. Your attorney can negotiate a fair determination of benefits for you.
You may also have grounds to file a personal injury case for toxic exposure if a specific party is directly responsible for the asbestos exposure that caused your mesothelioma. A personal injury case could yield compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Wallace & Graham, PA has helped clients file these claims against product manufacturers, employers, and property owners throughout Alabama, so we are confident we can help with this case.
Mesothelioma is a terminal diagnosis. The average five-year relative survival rate for all stages of mesothelioma is only 15%. While early detection can help mitigate symptoms and slow the spread of the disease, it is still ultimately fatal, and receiving this diagnosis can be devastating for any family. Alabama mesothelioma settlements can be substantial, but you need to hire a mesothelioma lawyer to have a better chance of securing appropriate compensation.
Wallace & Graham, PA, takes a client-focused approach to mesothelioma cases in Alabama. We’ll help you determine when, where, and how you were most likely exposed to asbestos and explain all of the legal options available to you that might yield compensation. You have a limited time to build your case, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help.
FAQs
How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?
Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. One exposure is enough to cause mesothelioma, and the risk increases significantly with repeated exposure or if the individual has a genetic predisposition to developing cancer. Once asbestos enters the body, these fibers can become embedded and gradually cause mesothelioma to develop. The most common form of this disease is pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim in an Alabama Mesothelioma Case?
The amount of compensation you can claim in an Alabama mesothelioma case depends on several factors. You may be eligible to claim compensation for all of your medical expenses related to your diagnosis, any income you are unable to earn, and compensation for your pain and suffering. Hire a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis for a better chance of securing appropriate compensation for all of your damages.
How Do You Prove Liability for Asbestos Exposure in Alabama?
In Alabama, proving liability for asbestos exposure typically requires careful review of various types of evidence, such as employment records, building maintenance records, and more. Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos many years ago, so building these cases is often challenging. When you hire a mesothelioma lawyer after your diagnosis, they will know what evidence you need to establish liability.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a Mesothelioma Settlement in Alabama?
You usually do not have to pay taxes on a mesothelioma settlement. The damages you recover are meant to repay a loss, so this typically does not qualify as taxable income at the federal or state levels. Compensation for medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering are generally not taxable, but punitive damages or interest earned on a settlement may qualify as taxable income. Your attorney can explain what to expect in your case.
Why Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Alabama?
You should hire a mesothelioma lawyer in Alabama to have a better chance of not only succeeding with your legal efforts but also of securing as much compensation as state law allows for your damages. Mesothelioma cases are inherently complex in several ways, and the right attorney will be an invaluable asset for handling your case. Consult an experienced local mesothelioma attorney at your first opportunity so they can explain your legal options.
The team at Wallace & Graham, PA has decades of experience helping clients nationwide with their mesothelioma cases. We accept cases that many other attorneys will not, and we have a strong record of success that proves our commitment to our clients’ recoveries. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma and have questions about Alabama mesothelioma settlements, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.
About the author:
William M. Graham
Managing Partner of
Wallace & Graham, P.A.
William M. Graham is the Managing Partner at Wallace & Graham, P.A. in Salisbury, NC, where he focuses on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases. With over 30 years of legal experience, he has been admitted to the North Carolina State Bar (1991). Graham earned his J.D. from Antioch School of Law and is recognized for his dedication to clients affected by asbestos-related illnesses. His practice reflects deep expertise and commitment to client advocacy.
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