People in Pennsylvania who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk for developing mesothelioma. This disease is almost always fatal. One teacher in Philadelphia has settled a lawsuit against the school district for $850,000 after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The teacher was a 28-year employee of the school district and claims that she was exposed to asbestos at the school where she worked.
There was no trial in the case so it was not proven that the teacher was exposed to mesothelioma at the school, and there was no precedent set. Mesothelioma cases have a high rate of settlement since defendants usually hesitate to take the case in front of the jury. They also usually settle for a high dollar amount given that the disease is almost always fatal.
There are numerous cases pending against the Philadelphia School District involving building conditions and things such as lead poisoning. The family of one student is suing the District for suspected lead poisoning that he contracted while at a Philadelphia school. The District’s building inspection practices have been controversial and many feel that they have lacked transparency. The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is also suing the District claiming that they have been excluded from the building inspection process even though they are among the most at risk from the building conditions.
A mesothelioma lawyer could help those who have been diagnosed with the disease obtain the financial compensation that they need and deserve. Those who have the disease need to obtain the highest possible settlement or award given the costs of caring for the disease and providing for their family when their condition deteriorates. The mesothelioma lawyer may help negotiate a settlement for the plaintiff and their family that could help provide for them in the present and the future.