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Asbestos & Mesothelioma Claims – What You Need to Know

December 9, 2021

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to know your rights and the potential damages you may be entitled to. If your illness was caused by exposure to asbestos in Missouri or Kansas, then you may qualify for compensation.

Occupational exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma in the U.S. The following jobs are known to be high-risk for asbestos exposure and asbestos-related illness:

• Firefighter,
• Construction worker,
• Power plant worker,
• Mechanics,
• Industrial foreman,
• Machinery operators,
• chemical workers, and
• Shipyard workers.

If you work in a high-risk occupation and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, you have legal rights. Our law firm would like to share some information about these diseases and compensation that we hope will help answer any questions you might have.

What is Asbestos & What Are the Health Risks?

Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in many products made before the 1970s, including building materials and insulation. While the use of asbestos has been banned for decades, it can still be found in some parts of homes built before this time period.

Asbestos has also been used in a variety of materials, including:

• Shingles,
• Ceiling and floor tiles,
• Paper products,
• Cement products,
• Auto clutch, brake, and transmission parts,
• Heat-resistant fabrics,
• Packaging,
• Gaskets, and
• Coatings.

Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis, or mesothelioma – a rare form of cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. If you have been diagnosed with one of these diseases after being exposed to asbestos when you were employed with a company that dealt with this substance, you may have considerable legal rights and options available to you.

What Are My Legal Rights if I’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos?

If you have been exposed to asbestos and become ill as a result, there may be legal options available for you. If your illness was caused by exposure at work or during the course of employment with another company, then that company could potentially be held legally responsible for any damages or medical bills.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and more.

Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney

There are no one-size-fits-all answers to legal questions because every case is highly unique. However, it’s important to ask an attorney questions to get informed about your rights before making a decision to retain.

Below are some questions you may want to ask a lawyer if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma:

• What is my case worth?
• Can I file a lawsuit?
• What is the statute of limitations?
• How can a lawyer help me?
• Do I have to go to court?
• What will I need to do to prove asbestos-related disease?

These are just a few of the questions you may want to ask an attorney if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer after exposure to asbestos. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit seeking compensation for asbestos-related injuries is three years from the date of diagnosis.

In Kansas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of diagnosis. However, it is important to note that these time limits may be extended if you were not aware of your illness until after the applicable deadline has passed.

It is also important to seek legal help as soon as possible if you are considering filing a lawsuit, as there are many complex legal issues that must be considered in these cases.

How to File a Claim for Asbestos-Related Illness in Missouri & Kansas

Whether you are located in Kansas or Missouri, the first step to filing a claim for compensation is meeting with an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Your attorney will help you determine if you have a viable claim, where you can file a lawsuit, and whether you meet the requisite statute of limitations. Secondly, you will want to work with your attorney to obtain the documentation needed to prove your condition and exposure to asbestos.

The Attorneys at Grissom Miller Can Help

Our experienced personal injury and employment attorneys can help you recover maximum compensation for your asbestos-related disease. At Grissom Miller Law Firm, we offer free consultations and contingency fees for victims of asbestos exposure in Kansas and Missouri – where you are not charged unless we recover a monetary award or settlement. There’s no obligation or fee to determine if you have a claim for compensation. Contact our office today and get the