Louisiana mesothelioma claims are inherently complex in many ways. If you are diagnosed with this form of cancer and intend to pursue compensation, it is vital to hire a mesothelioma lawyer with experience handling cases like yours. Industrial workers face some of the greatest occupational risks of asbestos exposure, and it is important for them to know what they can do if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure at work.
Understanding Louisiana Mesothelioma Claims for Industrial Workers
Industrial workers can face various asbestos exposure risks. Working in older buildings could mean exposure to asbestos insulation, pipe coverings made with asbestos, and other hazardous materials that may shed asbestos fibers when disturbed or damaged. Some industrial workers must use machinery, protective equipment, and components that contain asbestos.
Once asbestos enters the body, it can gradually develop into mesothelioma. Just a single exposure is enough to cause mesothelioma, but repeated exposure can significantly increase the development of this cancer. Symptoms may not appear for years or even decades after exposure, and once symptoms appear, this typically indicates the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
The American Cancer Society reports that there are about 3,000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed every year in the US, despite the fact that asbestos use has declined significantly over recent years, and the associated health risks are well understood. This is because mesothelioma has an extremely long latency period before it starts causing noticeable symptoms. Most cases don’t appear noticeably until decades after exposure.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma is both incurable and terminal. For pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of this cancer, the average five-year survival rate for all stages is only 15%. Early detection can make treatment more effective and increase life expectancy, but ultimately, treatment will focus on slowing the disease’s progression, mitigating symptoms, and maintaining quality of life as much as possible for as long as possible.
Pursuing Compensation After Mesothelioma Diagnosis
An experienced Louisiana mesothelioma attorney can explain your legal options following your diagnosis. If you believe you were exposed to asbestos at your current job, you could qualify to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. This could provide coverage for all related medical expenses as well as ongoing disability benefits if you can no longer work. However, most mesothelioma diagnoses happen later in life, usually following retirement.
If your attorney determines that the company responsible for your asbestos exposure is no longer operating, the company may have been compelled to establish a mesothelioma injury trust fund. Many of the companies in the US that formerly produced asbestos products were compelled to create these trust funds to compensate anyone later discovered to have been harmed by their products, and your attorney can guide you through the claim-filing process.
It is also possible for you to have grounds to file a personal injury case for toxic exposure. If a specific party is directly responsible for your mesothelioma diagnosis, your Louisiana mesothelioma attorney can help you file your personal injury case against them. The attorneys at Wallace & Graham, PA have extensive experience with these cases, and we have successfully held employers, property owners, and product manufacturers accountable for asbestos exposure.
Ultimately, a Louisiana industrial worker who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma could have multiple legal options available to them, but navigating this type of case is often more challenging than the average person expects. If you find yourself in this situation, the team at Wallace & Graham, PA is ready to assist you, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services.
FAQs
How Do You Prove Liability for Asbestos Exposure?
Proving liability for asbestos exposure may require careful review of years’ worth of evidence, and an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you gather the proof you need to establish liability. You may have grounds to pursue compensation from an employer, product manufacturer, property owner, or other defendant, and the evidence you need will be difficult to obtain without an attorney’s help.
How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?
Asbestos causes mesothelioma when asbestos particles become embedded inside the body, usually in the lungs. These particles then gradually develop into mesothelioma. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and once is enough for a person to develop mesothelioma. The speed at which this disease progresses varies based on individual factors as well as the frequency and intensity of exposure.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for Mesothelioma in Louisiana?
The amount of compensation you can claim for mesothelioma in Louisiana depends on the specific details of your case. You may have grounds to claim compensation for all medical expenses related to your condition, any income you cannot earn because of it, and the pain and suffering you have experienced. Your mesothelioma attorney can calculate the total damages you are eligible to claim.
Why Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Louisiana?
You should hire a mesothelioma lawyer in Louisiana because these cases are inherently complicated in several ways, and it is crucial to have experienced legal counsel on your side to increase your chances of reaching favorable results. A good attorney can help you determine the full extent of your legal options for claiming compensation, accurately calculate the full potential value of your case, and guide you through your case efficiently.
What Does it Cost to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Louisiana?
The cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer in Louisiana varies, and every attorney has a different billing policy. At Wallace & Graham, PA, we take mesothelioma cases on contingency, meaning we do not charge upfront fees. Instead, we charge a percentage of the compensation we recover for our client, but only if we secure compensation for them. If there is no recovery, the client pays no fee.
The attorneys at Wallace & Graham, PA have successfully represented clients nationwide in mesothelioma cases, including many industrial workers throughout Louisiana. We can help you determine your most viable legal options after this life-changing diagnosis, and you can rely on our team to guide and support you through every step of your legal proceedings. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Louisiana mesothelioma attorney.
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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