Mesothelioma cases hold companies liable for asbestos exposure. These lawsuits are meant to compensate those who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases and those who have lost loved ones due to these diseases.

Mesothelioma compensation can also cover medical bills, assist families with caregiving and related costs, and even cover lost wages. However, errors in your mesothelioma case can jeopardize your claim. Discussed below are four mistakes to avoid in mesothelioma lawsuits.

1.    Not hiring a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer

Asbestos cases are complex because the exposure might have occurred decades ago, and the related laws aren’t easy to navigate. These lawsuits require a mesothelioma lawyer’s extensive legal knowledge and experience to ensure you’re fairly compensated. Building a solid mesothelioma lawsuit requires specific evidence to be collected. Without a skilled mesothelioma attorney, you risk losing your lawsuit. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you by:

• Ensuring you understand your rights and assisting you in choosing the best course of action
• Accurately valuing your claim to ensure maximum compensation
• Collecting evidence and building a solid case against the companies responsible for asbestos exposure
• Handling the mesothelioma case on your behalf

The best mesothelioma lawyer, including a New York mesothelioma lawyer, should have experience handling asbestos-related cases and a proven track record to ensure success.

2.    Waiting too long to file your mesothelioma lawsuit

The statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases refers to the time you (the victim) and your loved ones have to file their lawsuits. The average time to file an asbestos-related case is three years from the date of diagnosis. Failure to file your mesothelioma lawsuit before the statute of limitations time limit lapses robs you of the opportunity to claim compensation later on.

Since the statute of limitations for asbestos-related claims varies from one state to another, familiarizing yourself with your state’s timelines can help ensure your lawsuit is filed on time. Also, a skilled attorney can guide you on the right time to file your mesothelioma case.

3.    Failure to gather evidence

When it comes to mesothelioma, it can take decades before you can start experiencing its symptoms. This makes it harder to secure records, and some asbestos manufacturers might have gone bankrupt. Proving asbestos exposure requires you to gather sufficient, relevant evidence, which can be challenging because of the passage of time. Failure to collect proof can make it nearly impossible to win your mesothelioma lawsuit. To ensure success and maximum compensation, you need the following documents:

• Pathology report supporting your mesothelioma diagnosis
• Blood tests showing your cancer diagnosis
• Employment records
• Contact details for former co-workers
• Your doctor’s statement linking your mesothelioma diagnosis to asbestos exposure
• Pay stubs showing past employment
• Imaging scans proving the extent of your mesothelioma

Since gathering proof for your mesothelioma case isn’t easy, a skilled mesothelioma lawyer will collect evidence of your asbestos exposure to build a strong lawsuit.

4.    Not valuing your claim correctly

Valuing your mesothelioma claim correctly is key to ensuring you’re fully compensated for medical bills, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and lost wages. Failure to value your claim correctly means you may receive less compensation than you deserve. Considering the following factors can help you value your claim accurately:

• Extent of asbestos exposure
• Medical expenses
• Economic losses
• The number of asbestos companies responsible
• Number of dependents
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral expenses, where a loved one passes away

Endnote

While mesothelioma cases can help ensure you’re fairly compensated, mistakes can jeopardize your chances of receiving maximum settlement. Familiarize yourself with the mistakes to avoid in mesothelioma lawsuits to ensure success.