Connecticut Mesothelioma Lawyer

Trusted Mesothelioma Attorney in Connecticut, KY

For decades, people working in various industries throughout Connecticut were exposed to asbestos on the job. Others were exposed simply by spending time in buildings containing asbestos. This exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, an incurable and terminal cancer. If you have been diagnosed, it is crucial to speak with an experienced Connecticut mesothelioma lawyer at your first opportunity. 

Experienced Legal Counsel for Mesothelioma Cases in Connecticut

The attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC have decades of proven experience handling mesothelioma cases nationwide that many other firms do not accept. These cases are inherently demanding, often requiring careful review of many years’ worth of evidence, assessing substantial damages, and facing a time limit in the face of a terminal diagnosis. We have successfully recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for clients in mesothelioma cases across the country. 

The first major challenge in any mesothelioma case is proving the source of the asbestos exposure that caused this condition. You may have been exposed while working as an electrician, plumber, or automotive technician. Industrial facilities like factories and shipyards have historically contained high amounts of asbestos, and many commercial and residential properties throughout Connecticut have contained insulation and pipe coverings made with asbestos. 

You can trust our team to gather the evidence you need to prove when, where, and how you were most likely exposed. Once we have determined the source of your mesothelioma, we can explain your legal options for claiming compensation and trust our team to guide you through all of the upcoming proceedings. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start building your case. 

Understanding the Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used throughout the US for many years for its fireproofing and insulating capabilities. People across multiple industries handled this substance or were exposed to it at work, and eventually, the health risks became apparent. When asbestos enters the body, it can cause mesothelioma to gradually develop in the lungs, abdominal cavity, or even around the heart. 

The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs after asbestos particles are inhaled. These particles are very light and can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. The first symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades after exposure, making it difficult to accurately determine when and where the initial exposure occurred. 

Mesothelioma is not a very common form of cancer; there are only about 3,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the US. The health risks of asbestos are widely understood today, and over the past few decades, asbestos use has declined significantly nationwide. However, new diagnoses continue appearing because of exposure that happened years ago. 

You need to hire a mesothelioma lawyer with proven experience to assist you with this case. They can review your employment history and other records to pinpoint the cause of your diagnosis and determine who is responsible. Based on your attorney’s findings, you may have several options for claiming compensation: 

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

When someone suffers an injury at work in Connecticut or is diagnosed with a serious occupational disease, they may be eligible to claim workers’ compensation benefits through their employer. These benefits can include medical expense coverage and disability benefits during the time they are unable to work because of their injury or illness. 

Most employers in Connecticut have workers’ compensation insurance and facilitate their employees’ claims in good faith, but it is always possible to encounter unexpected issues with your employer and/or their insurance carrier when you attempt to file a workers’ compensation claim. Having an attorney representing you significantly improves your chances of reaching a favorable outcome. 

It’s worth exploring workers’ compensation if this is available to you, but it is vital to remember that your recovery will be limited. Additionally, many mesothelioma cases happen later in life, so a recently diagnosed person may already have retired after being exposed to asbestos at work. A Connecticut mesothelioma attorney can determine whether these benefits may be available to you and, if so, help you file a claim. 

Mesothelioma Trust Funds

Many US companies that formerly produced asbestos products have filed for bankruptcy or pivoted to different operations, but were required to establish mesothelioma trust funds to compensate those harmed by their products. Today, there are dozens of these trusts operating in the US, and you could be eligible to file a claim to one of them. 

Most mesothelioma trust funds pay out claims based on severity and other factors in an effort to preserve funds for future claimants. When someone files a claim to a mesothelioma trust fund, if the claim is approved, the claimant receives a percentage of the total fund. Some of these trust funds offer expedited reviews for faster but lower payouts, or individual reviews that take longer but can potentially offer greater compensation.

While the claim-filing process is relatively straightforward, gathering the proof of eligibility you need will be difficult without an attorney’s help. You will also need a Connecticut mesothelioma lawyer to handle any unexpected complications that arise with your claim. 

Personal Injury Claims for Asbestos Exposure

When a specific product manufacturer, property owner, employer, or other party is directly responsible for the asbestos exposure that caused your mesothelioma, this can form grounds for a personal injury claim for toxic exposure. Success with your personal injury claim will require proof that the defendant’s negligence, misconduct, or regulatory noncompliance directly resulted in your mesothelioma diagnosis.

In Connecticut, the plaintiff in a personal injury case has the right to pursue compensation for any economic and non-economic losses they suffered because of the defendant’s actions. In many cases, these include medical expenses, future medical treatment costs, lost income, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.

Mesothelioma is a life-changing diagnosis, so if you have grounds to file this type of case against a specific defendant, it is crucial to have legal counsel you can trust representing you. It will also be crucial to find legal representation you can trust if you have recently lost a family member to mesothelioma. Depending on how and where they were exposed to asbestos, your family may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. 

The attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC have successfully represented more than 40,000 clients nationwide, and there is strength in these numbers. We will carefully review the details of your diagnosis and help you determine your legal options. Our team has a vast well of experience to draw from in handling your case, so reach out to our team today to learn how we can help. 

FAQs

How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma? 

Any amount of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. There is no “safe” level of exposure, but a single incident of exposure will not definitively result in a mesothelioma diagnosis. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases with repeated exposure and with the intensity of exposure. Additionally, those who have a genetic predisposition to developing cancer have a greater chance of developing mesothelioma following asbestos exposure. 

What Is a Mesothelioma Case Worth in Connecticut? 

The value of a mesothelioma case in Connecticut varies based on several factors. Generally, claimants are often eligible to claim compensation for all medical expenses related to their diagnosis, including the cost of future palliative care. They may also claim any income they have been unable to earn due to their diagnosis as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Your Connecticut mesothelioma attorney can estimate the full potential value of your case. 

Is Mesothelioma Curable? 

No, mesothelioma is an incurable cancer and considered a terminal diagnosis. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, and at the localized stage, the average five-year relative survival rate is just 23%. This drops much lower to 11% once it has spread to distant parts of the body. Treatment can slow the cancer’s progression and help manage symptoms, and some mesothelioma patients may qualify to participate in clinical trials and experimental treatments. 

Why Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer? 

You should hire a mesothelioma lawyer because these are inherently challenging cases in many ways. Experienced legal counsel significantly improves your chances of not only successfully recovering compensation, but also of securing as much compensation as state law allows. Your attorney can help you thoroughly explore all of your legal options following your mesothelioma diagnosis. 

What Does it Cost to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer? 

The cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer depends on the lawyer’s billing policy. At Kelley Ferraro, LLC, we take mesothelioma cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we will only charge our client a percentage of the total compensation we obtain on their behalf. Additionally, there is no cost to the client if we are unable to secure a recovery for them. 

The team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC has the skills and experience necessary for handling the most challenging mesothelioma cases. It costs you nothing to meet with our team and discuss your legal options, so if you are unsure whether you have grounds for legal recourse following your mesothelioma diagnosis, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Connecticut mesothelioma lawyer.