Mesothelioma claims continue to rise across the Canadian regions, as a result of the hazardous effect of exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma lawyers are lawyers/attorneys with a specialty in legal cases related to victims of asbestos exposure. As a result of their experience and knowledge, they can assist victims diagnosed with mesothelioma to get financial compensation and justice.
About Asbestos
Asbestos is a term used to describe a group of natural materials that are composed of microscopic fibres. These fibres enter the body through breathing and can damage the lungs, eventually leading to lung cancer. One of the diseases associated with asbestos exposure is known as mesothelioma.
About Mesothelioma in Canada
Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumour caused by inhaled asbestos fibres. Over the past two decades, the mesothelioma cancer rate in Canada has become one of the highest in the world.
A bill sponsored by the environment and climate change Canada and health Canada ensured that in 2018, the Canadian government passed the prohibition of asbestos and products containing asbestos regulations.
Despite the ban, however, specific uses of asbestos remain legal in Canada, such as in military facilities, and the hazardous effect still lives in many Canadians.
Professions Directly Affected By Mesothelioma
Most Canadian houses built in the 20th century were constructed with asbestos-containing materials. Still, those involved in the construction industry were at a higher risk of exposure to the hazardous mineral.
Most times, it takes between 20 to 50 years before the effect of asbestos exposure begins to materialize in a person’s body system. The following professions and trades, among others, are mostly impacted:
- Asbestos miners
- Ship loaders
- Truck drivers
- Carpenters
- Roofers
- Electricians
- Painters
- Construction workers
- Plumbers
- Insulation installers
- Shipbuilders
- Textile workers
- Maintenance workers
- Builders
Mesothelioma Compensation in Canada
Victims of asbestos exposure who are diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive financial compensation or assistance from provincial governments, the trust fund, or the company that produced the asbestos materials, which caused their illness.
As of 2016, the average settlement on mesothelioma claims is between $1 million and $1.4 million.
With the right lawyer who is experienced in mesothelioma-related or personal injury law cases, it is possible to seek justice and get financial compensation.
The mesothelioma lawyer will assist you in determining the best compensation channel to use. That is, whether to start a lawsuit, seek disability compensation, veterans’ benefits, or file a claim with an asbestos trust fund.
There is currently over $30 billion available in the asbestos trust fund. A Canadian mesothelioma lawyer will help victims get compensation after establishing proof and documents to back the claim.
Although using the services of a mesothelioma lawyer is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to file for compensation only with the right legal representation.
Cost of Hiring a Mesothelioma Lawyer
A lot of victims of mesothelioma don’t have the funds to pay for the services and legal advice of a lawyer. This is partly because a lot of money is expended in their treatment, care, and other therapies. As a result, most mesothelioma lawyers and law firms do not charge their clients upfront.
Mesothelioma lawyers in Canada charge their clients on a contingency basis. By implication, you only pay the lawyer after receiving the financial compensation. Hence, the lawyer will receive nor charge no fees unless he/she wins the case on your behalf.
It is essential to have an agreement on the percentage that the lawyer will claim when the compensation is eventually paid. If the compensation claim is won in your favour, your mesothelioma lawyer will charge a certain percentage of the financial compensation paid to you as agreed. This will relieve you of any financial stress.
How to Choose the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer
Some common traits distinguish mesothelioma lawyers from other lawyers/solicitors based on their experience level, resources, expertise, and client relationship. Here are some of the tips to look out for in choosing the best mesothelioma lawyer:
- Choose a law firm/lawyer with empathy and compassion.
- Choose a lawyer who understands the rules and regulations related to asbestos exposure and how it operates in each province.
- Choose a lawyer with vast experience in handling mesothelioma cases with successful compensation.
- Choose a mesothelioma lawyer who possesses the skill, databases, and resources to document your exposure.
- A good mesothelioma lawyer should give you free legal case review and advice.
- A good mesothelioma lawyer should charge you on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid a certain percentage of the reward if they win the case in your favour.
- Choose a mesothelioma lawyer who is willing to spend time answering your questions, and provide you with updates on the case.
Why Do I Need A Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Although it is not compulsory to hire a lawyer but getting a lawyer who is experienced in mesothelioma lawsuits will help to expedite your claims. Here are the services that you stand to enjoy from a mesothelioma lawyer:
- A reputable mesothelioma lawyer will provide you with a free case review and estimate your options at filing for compensation.
- A mesothelioma lawyer will help you to understand the different compensation options, such as settlement and asbestos trust funds, among others.
- A mesothelioma lawyer will research and investigate how and when your past employers used asbestos and the parties that are responsible for your illness.
- Based on available information and experience, your lawyer will be able to determine the location/venue needed to file your claim.
When Should I Hire A Mesothelioma Lawyer?
There are statutes of limitations, which is the time limit to file a claim. This time limit varies by province. Therefore, you should contact a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma. The lawyer will be able to offer you free legal service on how to file the claim within the time limit.
Types of Mesothelioma Claims
Personal Injury Lawsuit
This pertains to the claim filed by the patient diagnosed with mesothelioma seeking compensation for the illness-related expenses and damages.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
This pertains to claims filed by a family member of, or a person representing a deceased victim of mesothelioma, seeking compensation on behalf of the victim after their death. Compensation claims can be in the form of medical bills, funeral expenses, and more.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a compensable illness in Canada, whereby victims of asbestos exposure can receive financial compensation. The key to getting the reward is to file a claim, which can be made effortless with the service of a mesothelioma lawyer.
