Sulphur Mesothelioma Lawyer

Sulphur Mesothelioma Attorney

It can be devastating to face news of a mesothelioma diagnosis. In addition to the mental and emotional turmoil the news causes, individuals and families may have additional concerns about how to financially manage this situation. Mesothelioma often results from asbestos exposure, and there are parties that may be liable for this exposure, such as property owners, employers, or product manufacturers. A Sulphur mesothelioma lawyer can help you hold these parties liable.

Dedicated Legal Support From Compassionate Attorneys in Sulphur

At the Cox Law Firm, we know how much this diagnosis impacts your emotional, physical, and financial health. If you have received a diagnosis, it is important to begin working with our team quickly to determine if a party’s negligence caused your exposure and illness. A successful claim against a negligent party can recover damages like your medical expenses, the income you lost, the future income you should have earned, and pain and suffering damages.

Our team’s goal is to secure this compensation for you. When companies ignore the safety of employees, renters, or customers in favor of profit, they should be held accountable for this failure of their duty of care. Our firm provides you with information and resources, walks you through your case, and fights for you.

Exposure to Asbestos Leading to Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure leads to an increased risk of several developmental illnesses, including asbestosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the lining of organs, including the lungs. Any amount of exposure could lead to the development of these diseases, and increased exposure increases this risk. There were 143 deaths related to asbestos exposure in Calcasieu Parish from 1999 to 2017.

Many of these illnesses, including mesothelioma, take a long time to develop and show symptoms. Mesothelioma has an especially long latency period, sometimes taking decades to diagnose. Because of this, the disease has advanced by the time it is uncovered, limiting treatment options and increasing the risk of death. The five-year survival rate of those diagnosed with mesothelioma has increased over time, from 9.7% in 1975 to 1977 to 12.2% in 2016.

The long time period also makes it harder to determine and prove the party at fault for the asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring material, so some miners are exposed to it in their work. Asbestos was also used in building materials for homes and ships, and it was an ingredient in some household products. Employees in many different industries, such as firefighters and shipbuilders, could be exposed. Renters or consumers of certain products can also be exposed.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma?

Employers can frequently be held liable for asbestos exposure. The Louisiana rate of malignant mesothelioma is much higher than the national rate. In 2020, the state had a rate of 11.3 per 1,000,000 residents compared to the national rate of 8.6 per 1,000,000 residents. In 2019, the Louisiana rate was 15.6 compared to the national rate of 9.6.

An employer can be held liable if they knew or should have known that employees were at risk for asbestos exposure and failed to ensure safety precautions like personal protective gear or provide sufficient warning against the risk of exposure.

Claims could also be filed against product manufacturers who created an unreasonably dangerous product when there were safer options or failed to provide warnings of the hazards of the product. Individuals can also be exposed to asbestos where they live. If the property owner failed to warn about or fix the hazard, they could be held liable.

A civil personal injury claim for mesothelioma may be filed at the city court or the judicial district court (JDC), depending on the value of the claim. Cases may be handled by the 14th JDC, serving Calcasieu Parish and located at 1000 Ryan Street, North Annex in Lake Charles.

Cases could also be handled by the Sulphur City Court, located at 501 Willow Avenue. Because mesothelioma claims are typically high-value claims, they will usually be handled by the 14th JDC.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

The amount of time it takes to settle a mesothelioma case is different for each unique case, although a case may be sped up if your mesothelioma is advanced and your health is poor. If there is time for a longer case, the case timeline can vary significantly. Cases that are settled in negotiations may be resolved more quickly than if the case goes to court. Settlement timelines also depend on whether there is an existing trust fund.

How Much Do Attorneys Get in Settlement Cases for Mesothelioma Counsel?

Most attorneys charge a contingency fee, so they will receive a set percentage of the final settlement for mesothelioma counsel. The amount of this fee can vary. Settlement cases tend to have lower contingency fees than cases that go to court. If your mesothelioma case doesn’t recover a settlement or trial verdict, then you will not owe attorney’s fees. Always talk with an attorney upfront about their fees and what can influence those fees.

Who Pays Mesothelioma Claims?

The party that pays out for mesothelioma claims will depend on the party being held liable for the injuries and damages. Many claims are made by employees against employers who failed to take precautions for their safety, so the payout may be made by the employer, workers’ compensation insurance, or another type of insurance. Claims could also be made against a product manufacturer, and they or their insurance would pay the claim.

How Much Are Mesothelioma Settlements?

The value of a mesothelioma settlement depends on factors like the specific damages that you have suffered because of your illness, the type of claim, and the support of an attorney. You are more likely to get the most compensation possible when you work with an attorney on your case. Settlements can also rely on how much evidence supports your claim and your damages, the willingness of the at-fault party to settle, and whether there are multiple at-fault parties.

Contact the Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyers at the Cox Law Firm

It’s crucial to act quickly if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. There is a set time period in which you are able to file a claim. While these deadlines can be extended due to the latency period of the illness, this may not always apply. Contact our firm today and determine if you can file a claim to recover your damages.