Richmond Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Attorney in Richmond, VA

There are many places throughout the Richmond area that have posed asbestos risks to workers in various industries. Places like the Virginia Electrical and Power Company, refineries, shipbuilding centers, manufacturing plants, and many other industrial buildings contain asbestos, and while this substance is no longer widely used, it continues to negatively affect thousands every year. A Richmond, VA mesothelioma lawyer can help if this has happened to you.

Representing Mesothelioma Cases in Richmond, VA

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have years of experience handling mesothelioma cases and other toxic exposure claims for clients in Richmond, throughout Virginia, and across multiple other states. We know the challenges you are likely to face when you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Our firm has successfully resolved these cases, which many other firms will not even accept because of the level of work they require.
When you hire our firm to represent you, we can immediately start gathering the records and documentation you will need to prove the cause of your condition. About 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed throughout the United States every year, and the parties responsible for these diagnoses are often employers, property owners, and businesses found to have put their employees at serious risk of asbestos exposure.

Our goal in every case we accept is to help our client navigate their legal proceedings and maximize any compensation they are able to claim. We have a strong record of successful cases for clients in Richmond, and we are ready to leverage this experience for you. Time is a crucial factor in these cases, so it’s important that you reach out to our team at your first opportunity.

Understanding Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. For decades, throughout the United States, asbestos was used in many construction applications because of its fireproofing and insulating properties. However, the long-term health risks of this substance were unknown, and it was not until the late 1970s that asbestos was classified as a carcinogen, and its usage was heavily restricted and regulated.

While asbestos is no longer widely used in the United States, new cases of mesothelioma continue to appear each year because of the very long latency period of this disease. In many cases, it can take several years or even several decades after exposure for mesothelioma to develop noticeable symptoms. By this point, the disease will have reached an advanced stage.

Once asbestos enters the body, it cannot be detoxified or removed. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which occurs when asbestos particles are inhaled into the lungs. When asbestos is ingested, it can cause peritoneal mesothelioma to grow inside the abdomen. Over time, symptoms will begin to appear that are sometimes mistaken as signs of other, less serious illnesses.

Mesothelioma cases in Richmond are inherently difficult because they require careful review of extensive records and documentation. You may need to review your past work history and various other records to determine the most likely source of your asbestos exposure. An experienced Richmond, VA, mesothelioma lawyer at Wallace & Graham can be an invaluable help in this step of your case, and we can help you determine your most viable legal options.

Building Your Mesothelioma Case in Richmond

Many of the companies throughout the United States that formerly produced asbestos-containing products were required to create mesothelioma injury trusts to compensate those who became sick in the future due to those products.

An experienced Richmond, VA, mesothelioma lawyer can determine whether you qualify to file a claim to such a trust and, if so, guide you through the process. Generally, these claims can be resolved relatively quickly with legal counsel’s assistance.

If you were exposed to asbestos through your work, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may provide coverage for your medical expenses and some of the income you are unable to earn. However, there are limits to what workers’ compensation insurance can provide, and it is possible to encounter a variety of issues during the claim filing process. A skilled attorney can help you secure a fair determination of benefits.

You may have grounds to file a personal injury suit for toxic exposure, which generally offers the greatest chance of maximizing compensation for mesothelioma. Success with a personal injury suit requires identifying the party you believe to be responsible for causing your damages and proving how they caused those damages. If successful, it’s possible to recover recompense for medical costs, lost income, lost earning power, and your physical pain and emotional suffering.

What to Expect From Your Richmond, VA, Mesothelioma Lawyer

Many attorneys throughout the United States do not accept mesothelioma cases because of the sheer amount of work they often entail. The very long latency period of this disease means that most people will need to review decades worth of records to accurately determine when, where, and how they were exposed to asbestos. They must also be prepared to prove that this exposure is what caused their condition.

The team at Wallace & Graham provides focused legal representation for mesothelioma cases in Richmond and throughout Virginia, as well as in many other states. We have a strong record of successful cases and understand the level of work and dedication that mesothelioma cases require. We are confident we can help you maximize your compensation and guide you through the difficult legal proceedings your case will require.

As soon as you hire our firm to represent you, we can begin gathering the evidence you need to prove how you developed your condition and who is responsible. Trust us to help you file a claim to a mesothelioma injury trust, claim workers’ compensation benefits through your current employer, or assist you with building a comprehensive toxic exposure lawsuit aimed at securing compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.

Time is a crucial concern for any mesothelioma case in Richmond. The evidence you will need will be difficult to obtain, and there are deadlines you will need to meet to maximize your recovery. You need to reach out to an experienced Richmond, VA, mesothelioma lawyer at your first opportunity to have the greatest chance of reaching a positive outcome. Contact the team at Wallace & Graham to learn how we can help.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Prove Liability in a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

A: To prove liability in a mesothelioma lawsuit, you will need to determine exactly when and where you were exposed and identify the party or parties responsible for the exposure. This can be difficult as mesothelioma typically takes a long time to develop noticeable symptoms. A Richmond, VA, mesothelioma lawyer can gather the records and documentation you will need to pinpoint the most likely origin of your condition.

Q: Is Mesothelioma Curable?

A: No, mesothelioma is an incurable and terminal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the average five-year survival rate for mesothelioma at all stages is 12%. The five-year survival rate for localized mesothelioma is 24%, and the rate drops to 7% when mesothelioma has spread to distant parts of the body. Once diagnosed, the optimal treatment is to manage the patient’s symptoms and preserve their remaining life expectancy as much as possible.

Q: How Much Compensation Can You Claim for Mesothelioma in Richmond?

A: The amount of compensation you could claim for mesothelioma in Richmond will depend on the specific details of your situation. You could have grounds to seek compensation for all medical expenses related to your diagnosis, lost income, and lost future earning capacity if you are unable to return to work. You may also be able to claim compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering. Your attorney can assess the full potential value of your case.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Richmond, VA, Mesothelioma Lawyer?

A: You should hire a Richmond, VA, mesothelioma lawyer because experienced legal counsel will be an invaluable asset to have on your side in this case. Mesothelioma cases are inherently complex in numerous ways, and you could encounter various challenges that you will not know how to resolve on your own. Having the right attorney representing you will significantly increase your chances of reaching a positive outcome and maximizing your compensation.

Q: What Are Attorneys’ Fees for a Richmond, VA, Mesothelioma Lawyer?

A: Attorneys’ fees for a Richmond, VA, mesothelioma lawyer will be a percentage of your final settlement or case award when you choose Wallace & Graham to represent you. We take these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we will only charge our client a fee if and when we win their case. If we are unable to secure compensation for you for any reason, you pay nothing, so there is no financial risk in choosing our firm to represent you.

A mesothelioma diagnosis is life-changing, and you are likely to have many difficult questions in this situation that you cannot answer for yourself. The right attorney is an invaluable source of guidance and support in this difficult time, and the team at Wallace & Graham is confident we can guide you to a positive result in your case. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with a Richmond, VA, mesothelioma lawyer to learn how we can help.