Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawyer

Why Hire a Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawyer?

The right lawyer provides the necessary skills to fight for the compensation you require for medical care and other expenses associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Hiring an experienced mesothelioma lawyer in Rhode Island gives you access to expert legal counsel familiar with navigating the laws of the legal system both within your state and at the federal level. The top asbestos attorneys understand how to present your case to get you the best outcome possible.

It’s to your advantage to hire an asbestos attorney with a local office that allows for in-person meetings. If you find it difficult to travel to an office setting because of medical treatment or health risks, a lawyer at a nationwide asbestos law firm can travel to your home or provide video conferencing appointments. The latter is particularly helpful for anyone with a compromised immune system. 

When Do You Need to Hire a Mesothelioma Attorney?

Ideally, you should hire a Rhode Island mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after your diagnosis. Every state follows deadlines called the statute of limitations that begins from the date of diagnosis (not the date of exposure to asbestos). The sooner you file your claim after diagnosis, the longer your lawyer has to work at gathering supporting evidence and fighting to get you compensation.

Residents of Rhode Island have three years to file a claim. If your exposure happened in a state outside of Rhode Island, you might benefit from filing in another state. Top nationwide firms have mesothelioma lawyers in each state who can advise you on where to file and the deadlines you must adhere to in your state while guiding you through the legal process. 

Asbestos Exposure in Rhode Island 

Most cases of harmful exposure to asbestos in Rhode Island occurred at places of employment. Rhode Island is a small state primarily known for jobs in health care and education. 

Despite a relatively low rate of mesothelioma-related deaths, Rhode Island still has asbestos exposure sites at job sites and buildings throughout the state. Employees who work in buildings with asbestos have a heightened risk of developing serious health conditions. 

Rhode Island Occupations & Industries Known for Asbestos Exposure

Most cases of mesothelioma stem from occupational exposure. Industries that used asbestos favored the material because it is strong and flexible and has low electrical and thermal conductivity.

Employees working in these sectors have an increased risk of asbestos exposure. There are continuing efforts to hold employers and manufacturers accountable for ensuring the safety of their workers through the use of nonhazardous materials. 

However, some asbestos sources have gone undetected and caused employees to develop health problems. If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness, you should contact a lawyer to learn about your options for filing a lawsuit. 

Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Secondary asbestos exposure refers to exposure to asbestos through contact with fibers brought home by employees who worked with asbestos. Many men who worked in labor jobs during the 20th century had primary asbestos exposure. Secondary exposure is more common in women and children who came into contact with the toxic mineral in their home when a family member brought fibers into the house on their clothes and shoes. The fibers were often transferred through contact with furniture, laundry and even exchanging hugs. 

Regulations put in place in the 1970s helped to limit the high rate of secondary exposure. It’s important to note that secondary asbestos exposure is as serious as primary exposure and can lead to the development of mesothelioma after several decades.

How to Find The Right Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawyer

The ideal candidate for a mesothelioma lawyer has extensive knowledge in this area of the law and a history of success with similar cases. It’s best to find a legal representative who specializes in asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.

The process of filing a lawsuit is often stressful and confusing. Find a lawyer who you connect and feel comfortable communicating with. Take time to determine which qualities are most important to you. For example, you may want a lawyer who demonstrates empathy, who has a local office so you can meet regularly, or who reaches out often to keep you informed of the state of proceedings. 

Rhode Island Mesothelioma Law Firms

Rhode Island residents who want to file a mesothelioma claim have the option to work with various top-rated law firms. You may want to choose a nationwide asbestos law firm if you need advice on which state to file your claim.

Since most cases of asbestos-related lawsuits are against big manufacturers, you must choose legal representation with the power to fight against them. Nationwide mesothelioma law firms are a good choice because they have the skills, experience and resources to go up against these defendants.

Firms that practice nationwide have tried cases in practically every state. They have firsthand experience in taking on large corporations associated with asbestos. Weitz & Luxenburg, a nationwide firm based in New York, secured $43 million in 2022 for a mesothelioma patient from California after a jury found Algoma Hardwoods Inc. responsible for asbestos exposure.

What Is It Like to Work With a Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawyer? 

Hiring a lawyer makes the litigation process easier and less confusing while giving you access to resources to build the best strategy to get the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will do the work of gathering the essential documentation and negotiating with other parties to settle.

Working with an experienced mesothelioma attorney allows you and your loved ones to focus on your treatment while letting your lawyer handle the litigation. You get peace of mind knowing your claim is in the hands of an expert fighting for your rights. 

How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for Compensation?

Contact a lawyer with experience in malignant mesothelioma cases to discuss your situation and discover if you are eligible to file a case seeking compensation. During the consultation, you can expect to answer questions regarding your health and medical history, work history, asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis. 

Your asbestos law firm will help you collect all the necessary documentation to prove your claims of exposure and your diagnosis. They handle every step of the legal process, giving you guidance and advice along the way, so you can concentrate on your health while they fight for compensation on your behalf.