If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has learned that exposure has led to a catastrophic illness, you need to understand your legal rights and options. In many cases, it is possible to file a lawsuit, but some people shy away from this decision.
One explanation for this is may be that people read about asbestos litigation and get overwhelmed and intimidated. It is true that in many asbestos cases, there are multiple companies or individuals named as defendants. In fact, there may be dozens of parties involved. However, there are a couple good reasons for this.
One important reason is that many victims of asbestos exposure were exposed over long periods of time at a number of different locations or after using different products. It can take years for these illnesses to develop, so every party that was negligent in protecting people from exposure during the appropriate time period can be named.
Naming multiple parties can also be a benefit to victims and their families because it can increase the chances of collecting maximum compensation. Overall damages can be spread among the parties. This means that each party may have to pay less, but victims can still receive everything they are entitled to.
Additionally, even if one party is ultimately removed from a lawsuit, there will still be others who may be held accountable.
It is generally preferable to identify as many negligent parties as possible in order to help victims and their families pursue maximum compensation, as mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses can take a considerable toll on those affected by the illness.
While it can be difficult to focus on anything but treating a disease, we want to encourage readers to remember that compensation could be available and it could prove to be a crucial resource in the aftermath of a devastating diagnosis. Being armed with information and the guidance of a personal injury attorney can make a big difference when it comes to taking legal action after asbestos exposure.