It can be difficult to know how to move forward after finding out that you or a loved one has mesothelioma. Coping with this terminal illness takes time and is not something that you need to do alone. Planning for your future can be easier with help from a mesothelioma attorney. An attorney at Bailey & Glasser, LLP can help you understand your legal rights and exercise them in the pursuit of justice and financial compensation for this life-changing illness.
Case Results That Speak for Themselves
Mesothelioma clients have trusted Bailey & Glasser, LLP with their most complicated cases for many years. We have been representing individuals and families in this practice area since 1999. In that time, we have helped numerous clients across the country obtain the results that they need to move forward.
Our attorneys have handled over 3000 cases and recovered over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for asbestos-related cases. Our past case results include:
- A $50 million verdict for steel mill workers who died from mesothelioma after occupational exposure to asbestos.
- $20.8 million in settlements for workers who were exposed to asbestos on the job and died from mesothelioma.
- $22 million in settlements for workers who died from lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos (many of which were cigarette smokers).
- $1 million in settlements for workers who developed asbestosis after being exposed to asbestos.
We are aggressive litigators who are not afraid to go to trial for maximum financial compensation, when necessary. Our law firm has the experience and resources to go up against any defendant during a mesothelioma case.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a dangerous group of minerals that have been confirmed to cause cancer in humans, as stated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in a memo published in 1987. Until this time, however, asbestos was used as a popular ingredient in many consumer products, especially building materials.
Asbestos was a common choice due to its heat-resistant properties, among other desirable qualities. It was mined heavily and available in abundance, making it easy to obtain and cost-effective. Unfortunately, being exposed to asbestos can cause cancer. If asbestos particles are inhaled or ingested, they can cause damage to the cells and tissues, potentially causing cancer and other illnesses. There is no way to remove microscopic asbestos fibers once they have become embedded in the internal tissues.
Mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane that lines many parts of the body, including the lungs and abdominal cavity. This is known as the mesothelial tissue. When asbestos particles get lodged in these tissues, they can remain there for many years. Over time, irritation, damage and scarring caused by the asbestos fibers can result in a range of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
Asbestos Exposure Risks
Exposure to asbestos is often caused by products that contain this substance. Thousands of products were created using asbestos. This material only became regulated for safety purposes in the United States in the late 1980s. Today, the presence of these materials continues to pose an environmental health and safety risk. If any item that contains asbestos gets damaged or disturbed, it could release asbestos dust into the air.
Certain individuals are more at risk of being exposed to asbestos than others, often due to their occupations or where they live. This includes construction workers, firefighters, HVAC workers and electricians, shipbuilders, and military members. These workers interact with asbestos-containing products more than most. These items can include floor and ceiling tiles, shingles, drywall, insulation, paints and spray-on textures, adhesives, cement, boilers and furnaces, and fire-resistant materials.
Iowa Mesothelioma Statistics
In 2019, 28 people in Iowa were diagnosed with mesothelioma and 16 died, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The five-year rate of new mesothelioma cases in Iowa was 163, making it 29th in the country for number of cases. Polk County, Iowa was the only state with high enough numbers to be included in the CDC’s data. It recorded 21 cases from 2015 to 2019, making for an age-adjusted rate of 0.9 mesothelioma cases per 100,000 population.
What Is the Average Mesothelioma Settlement?
Legal action may be available for a victim who is diagnosed with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma lawsuits seek financial compensation for a victim for losses such as medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. These lawsuits are often brought against negligent parties – people or entities who failed to use the right amount of care. The parties that may be at fault include an asbestos product manufacturer, the owner or landlord of an asbestos-contaminated property, an employer, or a combination of parties.
Several types of legal claims may be available to a victim with mesothelioma:
- Personal injury lawsuit
- Product liability claim
- Premises liability claim
- Workers’ compensation claim
- Veterans claim
- Asbestos trust fund claim
- Wrongful death lawsuit
The average financial settlement for a mesothelioma claim is approximately $1 million to $1.5 million. However, this varies considerably from case to case. It is important not to base the potential value of your case on an average amount, as you may undervalue its worth. Instead, speak to an attorney for a personalized estimate. Your lawyer can help you negotiate for a fair amount based on the extent of your family’s losses. If securing full financial compensation requires going to court, your lawyer can represent you in trial.
How Can a Mesothelioma Attorney Help?
A mesothelioma attorney can advocate for you and your family during the legal process. A law firm will have connections to qualified mesothelioma and medical experts who can testify during your case, as well as exceptional legal resources. Your attorney will be able to go up against the defendant(s) in your case, including powerful adversaries, in and out of court to demand justice. Most importantly, your attorney can offer you greater peace of mind during this difficult time.
Contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Bailey & Glasser, LLP can help you understand and preserve your rights. We have years of experience and know how to handle mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits on behalf of our clients. We are here for you and your family. Start with a free mesothelioma case consultation. Contact us online or call (866) 871-7971 to schedule your case evaluation.
