What Damages Are Available From a San Francisco Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
Mesothelioma lawsuits can provide compensation for various damages that patients and their families have incurred due to asbestos exposure and resulting illness.
Here are some common types of damages that may be sought in a mesothelioma lawsuit:
- Medical expenses: Mesothelioma treatment can be expensive, including costs for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medication, doctor's visits, and other medical services. Compensation may cover both current and future medical expenses related to the disease. Also if the patient needs to travel for specialized medical treatment or consultations related to mesothelioma, the associated travel and accommodation expenses may be considered as part of the damages.
- Lost wages: If the patient is unable to work due to mesothelioma or its treatments, they may be eligible to receive compensation for lost wages, including future earning potential that has been impacted by the illness.
- Pain and suffering: This category of damages seeks to compensate the injured person for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by mesothelioma and its ongoing care. Family members may also seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and services that the victim would have provided if not for the illness.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the responsible parties' actions were especially irresponsible or knowingly unsafe, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the defendant for their misconduct and to serve as a deterrent to similar behavior in the future.
- Wrongful death expenses: In the unfortunate event of a mesothelioma-related death, the family may be eligible to recover expenses associated with the funeral, burial, or memorial services.
If you or a loved one is considering pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit, it's crucial to consult with experienced legal counsel who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique situation.
The damages your mesothelioma lawyer demands from the other side should reflect the actual cost of your injury — from bills, to losses in time and enjoyment, to the emotional effect this illness has on your whole family. Contact Levin Simes at (415) 426-3000 for personalized attention to your needs
What Does a San Francisco Mesothelioma Law Firm Do For Your Case?
Levin Simes has years of experience in navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding asbestos exposure and pursuing compensation for individuals and families. Here's what our San Francisco mesothelioma law firm typically does for asbestos-related injury cases:
1. Case Evaluation and Consultation
Our attorneys will start by assessing the details of your case, including the circumstances of asbestos exposure, the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and any potential liable parties. We provide our prospective clients with a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to lay out your legal options.
During the consultation, we will explain your rights, the legal process, potential negotiation strategies, and the expected outcomes. We do this so you can make an informed decision about how to move forward with the case.
2. Investigation and Identification of Responsible Parties
A crucial aspect of building a strong case is a thorough investigation. Our law firm will gather relevant evidence — such as medical records, employment history, and exposure sources — to establish a clear link between asbestos exposure and your illness.
Mesothelioma cases often involve multiple parties, including manufacturers, employers, contractors, and distributors that contributed to asbestos exposure. Levin Simes will work to identify all potentially responsible parties and assess their liability.
3. Lawsuit Filing and Negotiations
Based on the collected evidence and identified parties, your mesothelioma attorney from Levin Simes will develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific case. This may involve filing a lawsuit, negotiating settlements, or a combination of both, depending on the circumstances.
If litigation is pursued, our law firm will file the necessary legal documents on your behalf, including complaints, petitions, and other court filings. We will manage all legal procedures and deadlines associated with the lawsuit so you need not worry about the paperwork.
Many mesothelioma cases are resolved through negotiations, often involving settlements with liable parties or their insurers. Your lawyer will engage in negotiations to secure the best possible outcome for you, taking into account medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
4. Litigation at Trial (If Necessary)
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, our law firm is fully prepared to represent you in court. In that scenario, we will present your case before a judge or jury, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
The decision to settle or pursue trial litigation is ultimately your decision to make based on your needs and circumstances at that time. Throughout the process, our mesothelioma attorneys will provide updates to keep you informed about the progress of your case.
5. Maximizing Compensation Results
The ultimate goal of a mesothelioma lawsuit is to secure the maximum compensation possible for you and your family. Results should cover medical expenses, lost wages, and all other possible emotional damages caused by such a devastatingly preventable illness.
We do this by utilizing resources like expert witnesses in the fields of oncology (cancer treatment) or pulmonology (the respiratory system). Occupational health experts may be brought in to establish the jobsite or residential building failures that led to your asbestos exposure.
Additionally, economic and vocational experts can testify to how much the care for your treatment will cost in the coming years, and what kind of limitations are associated with mesothelioma symptoms that affect your skills and ability to work, drive, or tend to ordinary tasks in life.
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Choosing an experienced mesothelioma law firm is essential to ensuring that your case is handled holistically. At Levin Simes, we leave no stone unturned in seeking real, tangible results that will improve your life and your family’s future.
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