If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure at work, you will want to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible. Although asbestos was declared a hazardous substance in the late 1970s, many asbestos companies knew of the risks that exposure posed for workers long before then.
Why should you reach out to a mesothelioma attorney sooner than later?
Life Expectancy
Once a diagnosis is made, mesothelioma victims typically have six months to two years to live. Given that the latency period of mesothelioma can be anywhere from a couple of years to many decades, symptoms might begin to appear long after the exposure takes place. Once you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to speak with an attorney to ensure you can fight for your rights while in your best health.
Statutes of Limitations
The Statutes of Limitations for mesothelioma lawsuits vary from state to state. In many states, you only have one to two years after a diagnosis is made to file a lawsuit. According to Nolo.com, Maine is the state with the longest statutes, spanning six years from the date of injury (diagnosis). States like Kentucky only have one-year statutes.
Justice for Victims
A third reason to file a mesothelioma lawsuit quickly after diagnosis is to secure justice for you and your family. In many cases, asbestos companies and negligent employers have failed to keep workers safe from asbestos exposure. Workers from many blue-collar trades were knowingly exposed to deadly amounts of a hazardous carcinogen, and nothing was done to prevent it. If you are one of these workers, those responsible for your condition need to be held accountable for their actions.
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Can you think of any other reasons a mesothelioma lawsuit should be filed sooner than later? Let us know within a comment below!
