Finding out that the source of your cough isn’t just some virus but rather mesothelioma may shock you. Even if you have historically worked with asbestos, you may have tried to be as safe as possible to minimize your risks.
Unfortunately, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. An amount that won’t affect one person might correlate with another’s cancer diagnosis. Although it may be decades after exposure when you get diagnosed with mesothelioma, it will likely progress quickly after diagnosis.
The sad truth is that out of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, only 10% will still be alive just five years later. The stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis directly affects someone’s five-year survival rate. If compensation should help you cover your expenses, then you need it quickly. How soon can you get help when you have a valid asbestos-related mesothelioma claim?
A settlement is possible within days
There are often numerous steps involved in getting compensation for mesothelioma and other work-related illnesses. A formal diagnosis is only the first of many steps. You will need to notify the employer whose job requirements exposed you to asbestos. If they have gone out of business or have filed for bankruptcy because of other asbestos-related claims by former employees, you may need to make contact with their asbestos trust.
In some cases, you may find yourself stonewalled and not receiving any cooperation. Other times, companies, their insurance providers or the trustee managing their resources will be eager to quickly settle a claim if possible. If they are reasonable in what they will offer, you could have compensation quickly. A settlement would mean not going to court, which can also benefit those facing medical hardship.
What if you need to go to court?
Sometimes, the other party won’t agree to negotiations or won’t offer a settlement that comes anywhere close to your estimated losses. In such a scenario, you may have to wait for your day in court to get the compensation you need.
Given the health implications of your condition, you may be in a position to request priority consideration or expedition of your request for a hearing. Although it may still take months or possibly more than a year to have your day in court, pushing forward with the claim can benefit you and the people who love you.
Bringing a mesothelioma claim against your current or former employer can give you some justice for the health consequences of your former employment.