Mesothelioma Litigation

Companies that owned and operated facilities where workers were exposed to asbestos may be liable for injuries that occurred from this exposure. Many of the companies were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure and did not educate the workers to these dangers. Some companies went so far as to conceal medical records and health histories of certain employees so as to not alarm them to the extent of the potential injuries caused by asbestos exposure. Due to this negligence on the part of these companies, numerous lawsuits have been filed to collect settlement monies for the victims of mesothelioma and asbestos injury.

In 2003, 953 asbestos cases were filed in the United States. Of these cases, 457 were filed in Madison County, Illinois. In Madison County, over 300 cases were set for trial, more than in New York or Chicago.

Madison County is viewed by the defense attorneys as a “fast track” for mesothelioma litigation. Defense attorneys suggest that the number of cases filed in this county, along with the rapid time frame in which the cases are brought to trial, makes it difficult for them to effectively defend their clients. Many of the defendant companies are located in different parts of the country. Typically they are located in areas where shipbuilding or other major construction projects have been undertaken.

On the other hand, judges from Madison County feel that the rapid trials are imperative. They recognize the relatively short time period that most mesothelioma patients are expected to live. The average life span of most mesothelioma patients, after mesothelioma has been diagnosed, is 10 to 14 months. As such, the judges feel that a rapid trial is necessary to obtain settlements that can be used during the lifetimes of the persons who have suffered injuries from mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos, then you may have suffered injuries from this exposure. You should seek an attorney with experience in mesothelioma litigation who can potentially file a mesothelioma lawsuit and obtain a settlement. While the settlement cannot restore health, it can help the injured person to improve his or her lifestyle, thus offsetting some of the pain.