Asbestos Injury Law FAQ

1. Q. What is Asbestos Injury law?

A. Asbestos injury law covers the statutes regarding asbestos injury as well as the individuals who have been injured or have developed sicknesses from asbestos. It also covers the litigation, penalties and compensation regarding those who have been injured and those who the claims are against.

2. Q. How can one prove that they have been a victim of asbestos?

A. Typically, a visit to the doctor can prove this – however, it is enough just to prove that you have worked in an area where you were exposed to asbestos. Since asbestos can lie dormant for many years, often just the exposure to asbestos is enough for a case.

3. Q. In order to pursue a case against a particular company, do you have to prove that this is the source of your problems related to asbestos?

A. Yes. For instance, if you have been employed by more than one employer where you were exposed to asbestos, it may be difficult to formulate a case against just one of them. Your problems could have developed from the other place. It will be necessary to eliminate other possibilities of exposure in order to formulate a case against a particular employer.

4. Q. Should I hire an asbestos injury lawyer?

A. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should probably hire an attorney with the knowledge to help you determine whether or not you can be compensated. You will need to visit a doctor to determine your health levels and an attorney can help you get the ball rolling.

5. Q. Should I visit a doctor if I've been exposed to asbestos – even if I feel fine?

A. Yes. The reason is because often times asbestos can cause problems many years down the road – even up to forty years later. You could have conditions which are caused by asbestos that you aren't even aware of.

6. Q. What kind of compensation is available for those who win asbestos injury cases?

A. Laws and caps are different from state to state. However, many asbestos victims receive compensation for medical bills, loss of work, anticipated medical bills, pain and suffering and more. It really is dependant upon your own individual case, though.

7. Q. How quickly should I hire an asbestos attorney after I discover that I have been exposed?

A. You should hire one or at least speak to one right away. You do not want to risk passing the statute of limitations (time limit on asbestos cases) and forfeit your right to seek compensation.

8. Q. I have an asbestos related condition, but was never actually exposed to asbestos. Do I have a valid claim?

A. If you have worked in the same building or area where asbestos was present, you may have a valid claim. Also, if you are the wife or child of someone who was working directly with asbestos, you may have been indirectly exposed through clothing or other means. You may have a claim in this case as well.

9. Q. What if I have lung cancer, was exposed to asbestos but am still a smoker? Can I file a claim or am I unable to because I also smoke?

A. Yes, you can file a claim. You will need to speak to both an attorney and a doctor, though so it is advisable that you do both of those as soon as possible.

10. Q. How long does an asbestos related case usually take to settle or for the court to make a decision?

A. Each case is different. Some cases can be settled within a few months, and others may take years in court. It really depends on several different factors. However, typically cases involving more than one individual with a claim usually get settled more quickly.