California Mesothelioma Lawyer

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Trusted Mesothelioma Attorney in California, KY

For many years, asbestos was widely used across the US for its insulating and fireproofing properties, including in countless construction projects throughout California. Eventually, it was discovered that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, an incurable and terminal cancer. If you have been diagnosed with this disease, it is vital that you consult an experienced California mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

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Representing Mesothelioma Cases Throughout California 

The attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC have successfully recovered more than $1 billion in compensation in asbestos and mesothelioma cases nationwide. There is strength in numbers, and if you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, our case record includes more than 40,000 clients across the US with stories like yours. We can help you prove the cause of your diagnosis and explore all of your legal options. 

There are only about 3,000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the US annually, so this is a fairly rare type of cancer. Additionally, the only known cause is asbestos exposure, and the use of asbestos in American construction projects has diminished greatly over the past several decades. However, new cases of mesothelioma continue to appear every year because of exposure that happened years ago. It often takes decades for mesothelioma to cause noticeable symptoms. 

The most difficult initial challenge in any mesothelioma case is proving the source of the asbestos exposure that led to this diagnosis. This may require carefully reviewing many years’ worth of employment records and other documentation as well as building maintenance records, construction records, and many other types of evidence you may have trouble accessing without an attorney’s help. 

Kelley Ferraro, LLC can thoroughly investigate all relevant records and evidence to help you determine the most likely cause of your diagnosis. Your legal options will vary based on how you were exposed, and you could have multiple options for claiming compensation. This is a terminal diagnosis that is difficult for anyone to accept, and you have a short time to hire a mesothelioma lawyer to start building your case. 

Understanding Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used to manufacture fireproof equipment, insulation, pipe coverings, gaskets, automotive parts, and many other products for many years. However, mesothelioma cases began surging in the 1970s through the 1990s, and the health risks of this substance became apparent. Over the past few decades, asbestos use has declined significantly throughout the US. 

The most common way for asbestos to enter the body is through inhalation. When asbestos particles are released into the air, they are light enough to remain suspended for long periods of time. These particles are very thin and sharp, and if they are inhaled, they become embedded in the lungs where they can gradually develop into pleural mesothelioma. It is also possible for asbestos to enter the body through ingestion, causing peritoneal mesothelioma in the abdomen.

One of the most difficult aspects of this disease is tracing its source. You may have been exposed to asbestos decades ago and just recently received your mesothelioma diagnosis. Many attorneys do not take mesothelioma cases because of the work they require and their inherent complexity, but our team has a proven record of success with these cases, and we are confident we can provide unmatched representation for your mesothelioma case in California

Legal Options for Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis in California

After you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, an experienced California mesothelioma lawyer at Kelley Ferraro, LLC can determine what legal options could be available to you. The source of your exposure largely dictates your legal options:

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you are injured at work or develop a work-related illness in California, you are likely qualified to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. This could potentially apply to your mesothelioma diagnosis if you can prove that you were exposed to asbestos at your current job and that this is what caused your condition. 

However, most mesothelioma diagnoses happen later in life, often after retirement. You may have been exposed at work, but that employer may no longer be operating. Additionally, even if workers’ compensation benefits are available to you, these benefits may only cover some of your losses, such as medical treatment costs and a portion of your lost income. While this is worth investigating if applicable to your case, other legal avenues may yield more compensation.

Mesothelioma Trust Funds

There are dozens of mesothelioma trust funds operating in the US. These funds were established by companies that formerly manufactured asbestos products; these companies were compelled by law to create these trust funds to compensate those found to have been harmed by their products. Your California mesothelioma attorney may trace your exposure back to one of these companies, and you would be eligible to file a claim with their mesothelioma trust fund. 

This is a relatively streamlined claim-filing process that typically results in a structured settlement. Many of these mesothelioma trust funds pay benefits in a tiered structure based on severity, so claimants with more severe medical conditions receive more than those who have been diagnosed with minor conditions. A skilled lawyer can determine your eligibility and guide you through the filing process, resolving any unexpected complications that might arise. 

Toxic Exposure Claims

If a specific party’s negligence or misconduct resulted in the asbestos exposure that caused your mesothelioma, then you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim for toxic exposure. In California, success with any personal injury case will require proof that the defendant in question is directly responsible for causing your condition. A California mesothelioma lawyer will be a crucial asset for building your case. 

The plaintiff in a personal injury case for toxic exposure has the right to seek compensation for all economic and non-economic damages the defendant has caused. In your mesothelioma case, claimable damages could include your medical expenses, future medical treatment costs, any income you have been unable to earn because of your diagnosis, and compensation for your pain and suffering.

Kelley Ferraro, LLC can help you file a toxic exposure claim for mesothelioma in California, and we can also provide compassionate wrongful death counsel if a family member recently died from mesothelioma. If a specific employer, product manufacturer, or other defendant is directly responsible for asbestos exposure, we know how to hold them accountable.

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is difficult news for any family. You are likely to have many complex legal questions about your diagnosis, and our team is confident we can assist you. It is vital to start building your case as soon as possible, so reach out to Kelley Ferraro, LLC to learn more about our legal services and how we can help with your case. 

FAQs

How Do You Legally Remove Asbestos in California? 

To legally remove asbestos in California, you must contact a Certified Asbestos Consultant to test the material in question and confirm that it contains asbestos. You will also need to notify your local Regional Air Quality Management District and follow their instructions. Asbestos removal projects require following strict work safety rules and disposing of all asbestos-containing materials properly. 

How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma? 

Any amount of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. There is no safe amount of exposure, but a single exposure does not guarantee that a person will develop mesothelioma. Generally, mesothelioma is more likely after consistent repeat exposures or with heavy exposure. Additionally, people who have a genetic predisposition to developing cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. 

Is Mesothelioma Curable? 

No, mesothelioma is incurable. The average five-year relative survival rate for pleural mesothelioma at the localized stage is 23%, and this drops significantly the farther the disease has spread through the body. Treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression, but there is no known cure. Treatment is most effective when the disease is detected early, but many diagnoses occur at later stages once symptoms become more severe. 

What Is a Mesothelioma Case Worth in California? 

In California, the value of a mesothelioma case depends on several factors. You may have grounds to claim compensation for all medical expenses related to this diagnosis, for any income you have been unable to receive, and compensation for your pain and suffering. Your California mesothelioma lawyer can determine your legal options and explain the types of compensation you may be able to recover. 

Why Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer? 

You should hire a mesothelioma lawyer to have a better chance of securing compensation for this life-changing terminal diagnosis. Your attorney will be an invaluable asset for proving liability, determining your most viable legal options, and helping you obtain suitable compensation for your diagnosis. 

The team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC accepts mesothelioma cases in California on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no cost to you if we are unable to recover compensation. It also costs you nothing to consult our firm about your legal options. If you are unsure what you can do about your mesothelioma diagnosis, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced California mesothelioma lawyer.

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