Attorney
Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to start showing symptoms. However, if you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, time is of the essence both for treatment opportunities and an asbestos lawsuit. Cancer treatments are expensive, but you have the right to seek compensation from the company responsible for exposing you to asbestos in a mesothelioma lawsuit. There are currently no treatments that can cure mesothelioma, but an asbestos lawsuit can help you pay for your medical bills and provide for your family’s future.
If you have questions or concerns about your personal injury claim for asbestos exposure, our Washington DC mesothelioma attorneys can help. The team at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P. have been fighting for victims of asbestos-related diseases for over 30 years. Partner Peter C. DePaolis in particular has extensive experience with these types of cases. He has recovered over $30 million in verdicts and settlements for mesothelioma victims and has been involved in groundbreaking asbestos cases.
Do I Have a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Case?
If you received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you should act quickly and speak to a personal injury lawyer about a potential asbestos lawsuit. Although this disease takes decades to develop, you only have a short time to file a case after your doctor detects mesothelioma. The statute of limitations for asbestos cases is different for every state and can vary from one to six years. The time limits in the areas our mesothelioma injury lawyers often assist include:
- Washington, D.C.: Three years after a mesothelioma diagnosis or one year after a wrongful death
- Maryland: Three years after diagnosis and three years after death
- Virginia: Two years after diagnosis and two years after death
Mesothelioma is caused exclusively by asbestos exposure, and chances are a former employer ignored practical safety standards and bears legal responsibility for your suffering and expenses. You may not know where your asbestos exposure occurred, and the company responsible may be long out of business. However, we can work with you to find out where the exposure occurred and who is liable in your personal injury claim.
How Long Does an Asbestos Lawsuit Take?
In some situations, mesothelioma victims can receive compensation less than a year after filing a lawsuit. A number of payment sources, such as bankruptcy trust funds for asbestos victims, provide settlements for those affected by mesothelioma. If this is your situation, your case may proceed quickly.
However, a few cases may involve complex investigation and litigation, and those will take longer to complete. All cases are different depending on their specific facts, and our personal injury attorneys can give you a better idea about how long your case may last during a consultation.
How Much Money Can I Expect from a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlement?
The number of compensation victims receive will depend on the details of the case. Thus, it is difficult, if not impossible, to estimate without more information. Lost wages, medical expenses, and the severity of your mesothelioma may affect the ultimate amount.
Additionally, many of the companies that exposed their employees to asbestos have gone bankrupt, and courts required many of them to create funds for future mesothelioma victims. The amount remaining in the particular fund will affect the total amount you receive. Some mesothelioma cases result in million-dollar settlements and verdicts, but every situation will depend on its unique facts.
How Can I Speak With Mesothelioma Injury Attorneys?
At Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P., our attorneys accept mesothelioma cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that the injury attorneys at our Mesothelioma Law Firm only collect fees if you receive a verdict or settlement in your favor. We have offices in Washington, D.C. Call us today for a free consultation about your mesothelioma lawsuit.