4 Ways You Can Get Compensation For Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a disease that is caused by extended exposure to asbestos, which was a common insulation material in the later half of the 20th century. As a result, many older buildings have asbestos in their walls without anyone knowing. If you were working for a company where you were exposed to asbestos, and subsequently developed mesothelioma as a result, there are four legal avenues through which you can seek compensation for your medical bills.
1. Check Bankruptcy Records
If fault for your development of mesothelioma lies with the company that was producing the asbestos, chances are excellent that you will be seeking compensation for a company that has gone out of business, since asbestos is no longer profitable. The extended time it probably took for your mesothelioma to be diagnosed will also increase the likelihood that the company responsible for your asbestos exposure has gone out of business and declared bankruptcy. All hope is not lost, however. In many bankruptcy cases, the asbestos companies were required to create a pool of money that people who need help paying their medical bills could draw from, as long as they could prove that they developed mesothelioma because of the company. Check the bankruptcy records for the company that is at fault to see if such a pool of money was created.
2. Sue the Company
If you often shopped at a store that used asbestos for its insulation, or went to a school that used asbestos as insulation, then you can sue the store or the school directly, usually forming a negligence personal injury case. Seek assistance from a personal injury attorney like Bailey Law Office Ltd if you choose litigation as your route to get compensation for your medical bills.
3. Seek Workers Compensation
Sometimes, the asbestos company itself will not be responsible for your mesothelioma, but the company which you worked for will be. If your employer had asbestos as an insulation material and you were exposed when you worked there, then your employer is at fault. You can seek workers compensation in order to get the money that you need to cover your medical bills by proving that you were injured (developed mesothelioma) as a result of your job.
4. Seek Veterans Benefits
Many US military barracks were insulated with asbestos before anyone knew it was dangerous. If you served in the military while asbestos was still being used and developed mesothelioma, you can seek veterans benefits because you were injured during your time serving. These should help you cover your medical bills.
For more information about your options, talk to a personal injury attorney.
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