Although many individuals know that asbestos exposure can lead to compensation, the process of pursuing an asbestos-related case is often misunderstood. Generally, you cannot sue for asbestos exposure or access trust fund compensation without a confirmed diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness. If you have been exposed to asbestos but have not developed a related disease or received a formal diagnosis, you are typically ineligible to file a claim.
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- Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits Before a Diagnosis
- Can I File an Asbestos Lawsuit Before I Become Ill?
- Can I File a Claim for Asbestos Exposure If I Haven’t Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
- Why You Should Consult an Attorney for Your Asbestos Exposure
- Don’t Wait After a Diagnosis—Talk To a Local Asbestos Attorney Today.
- Asbestos exposure generally only matters in a legal context when it leads to the development of asbestos-related disease.
- Being exposed to asbestos without developing a related health condition isn’t enough to qualify you for compensation on its own.
- Mesothelioma legal claims rely heavily on medical evidence and can only be filed after receiving a diagnosis.
- After receiving a diagnosis, it’s important to file a claim promptly to preserve your legal right to file a lawsuit.
- If you’re unsure whether you may be eligible to file an asbestos exposure claim, Sieben Polk, P.A. can help.
Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits Before a Diagnosis
Asbestos exposure occurs when you inhale tiny fibers released from asbestos-containing products. These materials, commonly used in insulation and fireproofing before the 1980s, can release harmful fibers into the air. Exposure can happen in various environments, such as the workplace, home, or other locations where asbestos-containing products are present.
Simply being exposed to asbestos isn’t enough to file a lawsuit. Until you develop a disease related to your asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, courts and asbestos trust funds do not consider you to have suffered an “injury” that you can be compensated for.
If you have questions about your eligibility to file a lawsuit or need help filing a mesothelioma legal claim, reach out to a reliable Minnesota asbestos attorney. Taking prompt action can help you assess your right to seek compensation.
Can I File an Asbestos Lawsuit Before I Become Ill?
While it’s not possible to file an asbestos lawsuit before you become ill with an asbestos-related disease, it’s good to be proactive about your health after you learn that you’ve been exposed to asbestos. Talk to your doctor about your exposure, report any chest pain or respiratory symptoms, and request regular lung screenings to catch disease symptoms early.
Mesothelioma and other medical conditions related to asbestos exposure often take a long time to manifest. Asbestos-related diseases have a 10 to 40-year latency period between exposure and diagnosis, with symptoms appearing 20 to 30 years after the initial exposure. Many victims aren’t even aware they’ve been exposed until they develop symptoms.
Because asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma often take decades to show symptoms, the timeframe to file a personal injury claim usually starts at the time of diagnosis, not exposure. For wrongful death claims, the timeframe begins either when the disease is linked to asbestos or on the date of death, whichever comes first.
Can I File a Claim for Asbestos Exposure If I Haven't Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure Without a Diagnosis of Mesothelioma?
You generally cannot file a claim for compensation based on asbestos exposure alone. Asbestos-related lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims require a diagnosis in order for victims to recover compensation.
Do I Need a Mesothelioma Diagnosis to File a Claim?
It’s important to note that qualifying illnesses aren’t limited to mesothelioma. Diseases other than mesothelioma, such as pleuritis, asbestosis, or lung cancer, may also make you eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds. However, the amount of money you’re eligible to recover will depend on the severity of your condition.
Mesothelioma is typically the highest-compensated asbestos diagnosis due to its aggressive progression, painful symptoms, and high fatality rate. It is additionally a frequent cause of wrongful death claims brought by families of exposure victims.
Individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer may also be eligible to file claims and pursue compensation, especially if they were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or via asbestos-containing products.
A knowledgeable attorney can help you determine whether you’re eligible to file a claim for asbestos exposure, including how much your claim could be worth.
Why You Should Consult an Attorney for Your Asbestos Exposure
In Minnesota, if you’re diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you usually have six years to file a personal injury claim. For wrongful death cases, you have three years from the date of death or when the asbestos-related illness was clearly the cause, whichever comes first.
Seek legal counsel as soon as you’re diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Acting early gives your attorney time to gather evidence and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Our firm has over 50 years of experience handling asbestos exposure cases and has successfully represented victims across Minnesota and the upper Midwest. We’ve secured over $840 million in case results for our clients, and our award-winning attorneys are highly experienced in the asbestos field.
Members of our team, such as Chad C. Alexander, Michael R. Strom, and Benjamin E. Alberty, have repeatedly been featured on lists such as Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. With our deep knowledge in asbestos case law, we’re ready to put our skills to work to support you and your family through the asbestos claim process.
What Our Clients Have To Say
We’re committed to providing our clients with knowledgeable, effective legal services during the difficult period following a mesothelioma diagnosis. The testimonials we’ve received from satisfied asbestos plaintiffs are the accolades we’re proudest of.
“Chad was great with our father. The Mesothelioma settlements he was able to reach helped Dad to not have to worry about money during the last 2 years of his life. His legal assistant Cindy was also very helpful. Thanks!!” – C.K. Gloe
“John and Scott, thanks for all the work you have done on our case over the past 2 years. It has been a difficult time for us but you helped us have some justice and peace in our lives by the settlement. We really appreciate all that you have done especially the care and support you have shown us.” – Leann and Rick T.
“My husband died 18 months ago. Chad and his staff were so professional and kind to my husband and I through this difficult time. The best law firm A++++ highly recommend!” – Rhonda Johnson
Don't Wait After a Diagnosis—Talk To a Local Asbestos Attorney Today.
After an asbestos-related diagnosis, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit or a trust fund claim for compensation. Missing the filing deadline can mean losing the right to recover damages. Act as quickly as possible to protect your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
At Sieben Polk, P.A., our knowledgeable mesothelioma attorneys will thoroughly assess your situation and let you know whether you may be entitled to compensation. We can help you determine what kind of trust fund claim or lawsuit you can file and work with you to build a strong case. We assist our clients directly every step of the way to streamline the legal process, handling the heavy lifting for you so you can focus on managing your disease.
Act now to protect your rights and fight for justice after an asbestos-related disease diagnosis. Reach out online or by phone at 651-437-3148 today for your free legal consultation.
