10 Websites To Help You Develop Your Knowledge About Mesothelioma Lawsuit Timeline
Mesothelioma Lawsuit Timeline
The statute of limitations for mesothelioma varies from state to state. The clock starts ticking at the time of the diagnosis (for personal injury claims) or death (for wrongful death claims).
A skilled mesothelioma attorney understands the statutes of limitations in each state and how to expedite the process of obtaining compensation as quickly as possible. A quicker resolution means that compensation is available when the families and victims need it most.
The Discovery Phase
After you file your mesothelioma lawsuit attorneys from both sides will go through the discovery phase. This is a crucial part of the legal process and can last for 3 to 4 month. During this period lawyers will go through all evidence submitted to build your case for mesothelioma and gather more information regarding asbestos exposure you've been exposed to in the past. Your lawyer will also question you and any other witnesses involved in your mesothelioma claim. This could include both depositions in person and in writing. Our mesothelioma lawyers are experienced in this aspect of the litigation and will help you prepare for these depositions.
A mesothelioma lawyer will use the information gathered in the discovery phase to determine the asbestos-related companies accountable for your illness or injuries. Asbestos defendants may attempt to delay the process in order to avoid paying compensation for damage caused by their negligence. This is why it is important to retain a mesothelioma law firm with an experienced and affluent legal representation.
Settlements are usually used to pay compensation to asbestos victims financially. Settlements are typically completed prior to the trial, thereby saving both parties time and stress.
Visalia mesothelioma lawsuits are entitled to between one to five years, based on the laws of your state or statutes of limitation starting from the day you were diagnosed with mesothelioma. If a loved-one has died from mesothelioma within the last three years and their spouses or heirs are able to submit a claim for compensation.
A mesothelioma case is filed to secure a court verdict or reach an agreement prior to trial. The American legal system is known to be supportive of the asbestos producers' victims which is why the majority of mesothelioma cases end in settlements rather than going to court.
Some settlement offers for mesothelioma are made immediately after the litigation starts, while others are not offered until lawyers are aware of the strength and weaknesses of each claim. The median mesothelioma trial verdict is approximately $2 million, but the majority of claims settle for far less than that.
The Trial Phase
Mesothelioma cases that get to the trial stage of a lawsuit generally take between six months and a year to resolve. A majority of mesothelioma cases settle outside of court. It is advantageous for victims to receive compensation quicker than those who had to go through the lengthy verdict and trial process. Settlements also do not require victims to file any appeals, which can linger on for a long time and delay the payment of compensation.
The initial phase of mesothelioma cases is to gather evidence and information. A lawyer will review the work history of a victim to determine asbestos-related exposures and the companies responsible for their illness. Defendant lists are then created. Multiple defendants can be listed based on the type of mesothelioma as well as the companies involved.
Asbestos defendants don't want to pay out large settlements and may employ various strategies to avoid paying victims. For instance, they may try to discredit medical records or conceal evidence related to asbestos exposure. Our mesothelioma lawyers have experience in identifying these tactics and strategies and how to stop them.
A mesothelioma lawyer can also help victims shorten their legal process. If a person is terminally ill, they can submit a motion to have priority in the courtroom to speed up the legal process.
The statute of limitations is yet another factor that can affect the mesothelioma timeline. States have laws that limit the time an individual must make a claim. The victims and their families must act quickly to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring.
Mesothelioma lawyers can also speed up the legal process by submitting a request to join a mesothelioma multidistrict litigation (MDL). MDLs join similar asbestos lawsuits for faster processing. The Williams Law Firm has extensive experience with MDLs and can handle your case at a much faster pace than if you file an individual lawsuit.
If the mesothelioma lawsuit process is successful and a final verdict is reached, a decision can be reached within a matter of days after the trial phase. If the trial is lengthy and results in a wrong decision, it may take a few months or up to a year for victims to receive compensation.
Settlement Negotiations
Many asbestos victims and their families are granted compensation without ever having to step foot in a courtroom. It is possible for victims and their attorneys to settle a matter prior to trial. Settlements can be made after the initial offer has been made and the defendant is given a number of days to decide, or even after a trial has begun.
Mesothelioma lawsuits typically involve a back and forth exchange of offers in the settlement negotiation process via written correspondence or via phone. This can take months, weeks or even years. In this stage, a skilled mesothelioma lawyer can help their client get the highest possible compensation for their claim.
If a mesothelioma sufferer and their attorney are unable to reach a settlement in the negotiations, they can move to mediation which is a third-party person who assists both parties reach an agreement on a fair amount of compensation. It can take a bit of time however, it is generally faster than waiting for the verdict of the jury.
Asbestos producers hid the dangers of their products for decades. Many workers, veterans, and family members of asbestos-exposed individuals have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is the most deadly form of cancer. These victims may be eligible for compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs and lost wages.
Each case is unique, the majority of mesothelioma claims end in a settlement. Asbestos companies prefer to settle rather than risk losing a verdict in court. They also know that it will take a long time to prepare an argument for trial.
Asbestos victims and their attorneys can also speed up the process by filing an action in the correct state and within the appropriate jurisdiction. For instance, some states have statutes of limitation which guarantee a trial within one year. A mesothelioma lawyer with national recognition can assist victims in filing their case in the jurisdiction which will grant them the most compensation within the shortest amount of time. Some states have laws that allow for the statute of limitations to begin at the victim's diagnosis date or death, instead of their exposure dates. This is an excellent way to ensure the statute of limitations does not expire before victims receive compensation for mesothelioma.
Final Verdict
The mesothelioma trial will conclude with a final verdict or settlement. The verdict may be awarded compensation to the victims or their families. It will also decide whether the defendant is accountable for a related asbestos-related injury or death.
The length of time required to reach a final verdict varies from case to case. The amount of money awarded, the strength of the evidence, and the number of parties affect the time it takes to settle mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos victims should hire experienced lawyers as soon as they can to ensure their rights are protected throughout the mesothelioma litigation process. Attorneys can help victims and families get a better understanding of the complex legal procedures and deadlines. A lawyer can also help ensure that the time limit does not expire before the victim receives compensation.
After determining which mesothelioma type of claim is filed, the victim or their lawyers will begin collecting all the necessary documents. This includes mesothelioma diagnosis records and evidence of exposure.
Depending on the situation, there could be multiple liable asbestos companies or trust funds that will compensate the victim for the asbestos-related injuries they sustained. The lawyer will examine the victim's history of asbestos exposure to determine which corporations are liable. They will also find out which companies have filed for bankruptcy and which asbestos trust funds to file a claim with.
Asbestos lawsuits are unique. They usually involve large corporations with teams of skilled defense lawyers paid large retainer fees to try and hinder a claim of a victim. Mesothelioma lawyers who are experienced know how to thwart these efforts and keep the lawsuit moving forward.
If a mesothelioma lawsuit is not filed in time the victim will be disqualified from receiving compensation. The statute of limitations differs from one state to the next and also for personal injury claims as well as the wrongful death of a person, it differs. If the victim, or family member has any concerns regarding the statute of limitation or the time limit for filing a claim, they should immediately contact a mesothelioma lawyer to discuss their options. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will examine the case and determine where to file it to maximize their chance of a positive outcome.