Chicago Asbestos Exposure Lawyers
Asbestos was a common form of insulation in buildings across the United States. However, it has been found to release microscopic particles that can be breathed in and cause mesothelioma, a life-threatening form of lung cancer.
People who are exposed to asbestos and contract mesothelioma can bring an action or file suit against those responsible and recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. This also applies to cases of wrongful death due to mesothelioma.
Due to the ever-changing nature of asbestos litigation, it is important to contact the Chicago asbestos exposure lawyers of Lane & Lane, LLC if you feel you have a case. We can meet with you free of charge, and if you have a case, we will charge no attorneys' fees unless and until a recovery is made.
Past Asbestos Litigation
In March of 2003, two landmark cases changed the landscape of asbestos litigation. The cases granted victims of asbestos exposure in Illinois and across the country new avenues of recovery.
First, a jury in New York State awarded a plaintiff $42 million after he contracted mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos-containing material. The importance of this case lies in the fact that one of the defendants was found liable not for producing or refining asbestos, but for owning the property in which the victim was exposed. This made such cases subject to the laws governing premises liability.
The second case is equally noteworthy because it awarded damages to a plaintiff who had not actually developed mesothelioma cancer or suffered respiratory malfunctions. The plaintiff was merely the victim of fear that they might develop cancer, and was rewarded damages for the pain and suffering experienced.
Asbestos Exposure Statistics
The RAND Institute for Civil Justice reported the following asbestos exposure statistics:
- Over 600,000 asbestos claims have been filed against more than 6,000 defendants.
- Defendants have already spent more than $54 billion in defense costs and judgments.
- Of the $54 billion, between $20 and $24 billion were not covered by insurance.
- By the end of the 1990s, 60 percent of all litigation costs were covered by non-traditional asbestos defendants (e.g. tertiary manufactures, service industries, and property owners).
- In the next 20 years between 600,000 and 3 million additional asbestos exposure claims are expected to be filed with an estimated total cost between $200 and $265 billion.
Contact Us
Asbestos exposure and mesothelioma lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations, meaning that you only have a certain mount of time after exposure to file a lawsuit. It is thus imperative to contact an attorney immediately after becoming aware of potential asbestos exposure.
If you or a love one has experienced a serious personal injury or death due to the negligence of another, we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Lane & Lane, LLC's Chicago personal injury lawyers have experience in cases involving a wide range of areas, including auto accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, premises liability, and much more.
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