Time is an incredibly important factor when it comes to asbestos litigation. Because illnesses like mesothelioma are often diagnosed in late stages of the illness, victims of an asbestos-related disease often learn that their life expectancy could be measured in months or weeks, rather than years.
This is undoubtedly an extremely devastating time in the lives of victims and their families. While people may shy away from exploring their legal options because of the stress they are already under and how complicated it can all seem, it can be crucial to understand that there are restrictions on how long victims and their loved ones have to file a lawsuit.
State laws vary on how long people have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. In some states, a claim must be filed within one year after a person has been diagnosed, or one year after a person has passed away. Other states give people as long as six years to file certain claims.
However, no matter what the statute of limitations may be, time is a critical factor in any personal injury or wrongful death claim. Asbestos cases can be complex, and defendants may try to delay legal proceedings, as they know that people with diseases like mesothelioma may not live long enough to endure a legal battle.
This is why it can be vital to speak with an attorney familiar with asbestos claims sooner, rather than later. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Wallace Graham understand how critical it is to pursue swift resolutions and maximum compensation. We have experience working against a ticking clock and can work on behalf of victims and their families to navigate the legal system.
Filing a legal claim may be the last thing on the minds of people who are coping with a devastating diagnosis. However, the reality is that victims and their families could lose the opportunity to pursue damages if they wait too long to file a claim. For more information on how our law firm can you help during this very difficult time, please visit our website.