Toledo Mesothelioma Lawyer

Toledo is one of the largest cities in Ohio, and historically, many companies operating in the area posed a risk of asbestos exposure to their employees. Owens-Corning and other major industrial companies in the area produced asbestos-containing products, which caused diseases such as mesothelioma. Over the years, thousands of people have been diagnosed with this and other illnesses from this exposure. A Toledo mesothelioma lawyer can help after such a diagnosis.

Representing Mesothelioma Cases in Toledo, OH

The attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC have an extensive record of successful representation in mesothelioma personal injury cases and other asbestos-related civil claims nationwide. With nearly 30 years of experience handling mesothelioma cases and more than $1 billion recovered in compensation for our clients, we are confident we can provide unmatched representation if you or a family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma in Toledo.

Our firm has successfully pursued claims against employers, product manufacturers, distributors, and many other defendants on behalf of our clients. We have assisted those diagnosed with mesothelioma in filing claims to mesothelioma injury trusts and workers’ compensation claims. We also have a strong record of success with mesothelioma personal injury cases and will explain all of your legal options when you choose our firm to represent you.

Time is a crucial factor for any mesothelioma case in Toledo. It can take a long time to accurately determine the most likely source of the asbestos exposure that caused your diagnosis, and mesothelioma is a terminal form of cancer with an unfortunately short life expectancy following diagnosis. It’s vital to hire a mesothelioma lawyer at your first opportunity so they can help you build a comprehensive case.

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma in Toledo

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. For many years across the US, asbestos was a commonly used construction material due to its insulating and fireproofing properties. Factories across the country produced many asbestos-containing products, exposing workers to asbestos, and those who worked with these products or in places constructed with asbestos-containing materials were also exposed.

Asbestos fibers are very thin, sharp, and light enough to remain suspended in the air for long periods. When these fibers are inhaled, they can embed in the lungs and gradually develop into pleural mesothelioma. If they are ingested, this can cause peritoneal mesothelioma to develop in the abdomen. Mesothelioma typically develops very slowly, but repeated exposure can accelerate this progression.

One of the most challenging aspects of this cancer is the very long latency period; it can often take decades before noticeable symptoms appear. Once these symptoms appear, the mesothelioma is likely to have already reached an advanced stage. Early signs of asbestos-related illnesses often mimic the appearance of pneumonia and other less serious respiratory illnesses, but these symptoms will worsen rapidly without effective medical intervention.

Due to the widespread use of asbestos in the US over several decades, new cases continue to appear every year because of exposure that happened years ago. About 3,000 cases are diagnosed in the US each year. In most of these cases, the diagnosed individual was exposed to asbestos many years ago, and it can be difficult for them to accurately discern the most likely source of their exposure.

Once someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, treatment will focus on slowing the disease’s progression as much as possible, managing their symptoms, and preserving quality of life. However, this is an incurable and terminal form of cancer. Symptoms will gradually worsen, and while mesothelioma commonly appears later in life, some individuals will be forced to quit working due to their symptoms and the demands of their treatment.

Life expectancy at the time of diagnosis depends on the stage of the disease; the average five-year survival rate for localized mesothelioma is only 23%, and this drops sharply to only 11% when it has spread to distant parts of the body. Treatment is not only difficult but also expensive. Medical expenses combined with the inability to work can create a very difficult financial situation for the patient and their family.

Legal Options for Mesothelioma Cases in Toledo

Many companies across the US that previously manufactured asbestos-containing products or managed operations that required handling these materials were required to establish mesothelioma injury trusts to compensate those adversely affected by their products and operations. Each year, these trusts disburse compensation to qualified claimants, and your Toledo mesothelioma attorney can determine whether you are eligible to file a claim against such a trust.

If you believe you were exposed to asbestos at your current job, you may qualify for a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. Most employers in Ohio are required to have this insurance to provide benefits for work-related illnesses and injuries. You need to prove that your exposure happened while performing your job duties, and it’s a good idea to hire a mesothelioma lawyer before attempting to file a workers’ compensation claim for asbestos exposure.

When a specific party is liable for your condition, this can form the basis of a mesothelioma personal injury case. Success in any personal injury case in Ohio requires identifying the responsible party or parties and then proving the full scope of the resulting economic and non-economic damages. Your Toledo mesothelioma lawyer at Kelley Ferraro, LLC will gather and preserve the evidence needed to establish fault.

In the event you have lost a family member to mesothelioma, our firm can provide compassionate wrongful death counsel. Asbestos Nation reported 12,697 asbestos-related deaths in Ohio between 1999 and 2017, of which 638 occurred in Lucas County. The family of the victim has the right to pursue funeral and burial expenses, compensation for lost financial support, compensation for their pain and suffering, and other damages.

Claiming Compensation for Mesothelioma in Toledo

A claim to a mesothelioma injury trust could be an efficient way to secure compensation for your diagnosis, but these claim payouts are relatively limited. Additionally, if you are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim, this may cover medical expenses and a portion of lost income, but it will not fully compensate you for all of the damages related to your diagnosis.

In a personal injury case, the plaintiff has the right to seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. In a mesothelioma personal injury case, economic damages usually include medical expenses, including future treatment costs, and lost wages. If the plaintiff was forced to stop working due to their diagnosis, they may be able to recover compensation for their lost future earning capacity.

In addition to these economic damages, the plaintiff has the right to claim compensation for pain and suffering. Mesothelioma causes painful symptoms, treatment is very challenging, and the psychological distress of receiving a terminal diagnosis can be severe. Your Toledo mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine a suitable amount to seek from the defendant that reflects the severity of your experience.

In some cases, defendants are compelled to pay punitive damages in addition to the other damages claimed by plaintiffs. The court has discretion to require punitive damages to reflect intentional misconduct, egregious negligence, or refusal to comply with regulations that directly contributed to the victim’s exposure. Your Toledo mesothelioma lawyer can explain whether this may be a factor in your case and what you can expect from your recovery.

How Your Toledo Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be traumatic for anyone, and knowing where to turn for legal counsel is crucial in this situation. When you hire a mesothelioma lawyer at Kelley Ferraro, LLC, you will have a dedicated, responsive legal advocate ready to answer your questions and guide you through every step of your case.

Our firm has an extensive record of successful legal representation in mesothelioma cases nationwide, and we are prepared to leverage this experience on your behalf. We can help you determine the most likely source of the asbestos exposure that caused your condition, assess the full extent of the damages you are eligible to claim, and determine the most efficient way for you and your family to recover as much compensation as possible.

We are trial attorneys and have helped many clients through difficult litigation. While some mesothelioma personal injury cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations, litigation is sometimes unavoidable. Our firm prepares every case for trial to strengthen our client’s negotiating position while being fully prepared to litigate when necessary.

If you are concerned about the cost of hiring a Toledo mesothelioma attorney, we handle most of these cases on a contingency basis. Under this policy, there is no cost to you if we are unable to recover compensation on your behalf. If we succeed with your case, the contingency fee is a percentage of the total recovered. This policy gives you access to affordable legal representation when you need it most.

You have a short time to file your mesothelioma case in Toledo, and the team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC is ready to assist you. We develop an individualized strategy for every client, ensuring we address their unique needs and concerns. During your initial consultation with our firm, we will listen to your story and explain the ways our team can assist with your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Toledo mesothelioma lawyer.