There is often a significant time lapse between when someone gets exposed to mesothelioma at work and when they get diagnosed by a doctor. Mesothelioma is a particularly slow-growing type of cancer. It is common for people to go 30 or even 40 years between their workplace asbestos exposure and the onset of noticeable symptoms.
Oftentimes, people will find that the company that exposed them to asbestos might not even be in business anymore by the time they find out they are sick. People may have already retired when a doctor tells them that their symptoms are the result of mesothelioma, and they may worry about what the future holds.
Yet, someone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma is generally in a strong position to ask for financial compensation after their diagnosis. How long does it take to pursue an asbestos-related mesothelioma claim?
The process takes months, if not longer
The first stages of mesothelioma claim involve diagnosis and the realization that someone’s cancer is a result of their prior work. Then, that individual will need to get professional help as they determine the next step to take. In many cases, they will need to bring a claim against their employer or possibly an asbestos trust created by the company as part of a bankruptcy or reorganization effort.
Such claims can take months to settle, longer if someone has to go to court. Any funds received from the trust could potentially impact how much the person will receive in a lawsuit. Thankfully, when someone brings in a lawyer, the attorney can handle most of the legwork related to the claim. The plaintiff and their family members can focus on getting treatment or pursuing their comfort.
Compensation is for the family too
One of the reasons people pursue mesothelioma is to afford the best possible treatments. There are also many people who want compensation to help support their families after they die. Given the extended timeline of many mesothelioma claims, it may be the family members rather than the worker thickened by asbestos that will ultimately benefit from the claim. Still, the funds secured can help pay medical debt and help families cover their cost-of-living expenses after losing a loved one.
Learning more about what happens during an asbestos-related mesothelioma claim can help people plan their next steps both legally and financially. Working with an experienced legal professional can help to provide this clarity.