Family Rights in An Asbestos Lawsuit
Asbestos lawsuits affect more than just those who have been exposed. The families of those who are suffering from asbestos-related illnesses, or those who have died from asbestos exposure, often have their lives turned upside down. However, they often have legal rights of their own. A good asbestos law firm can help you determine what legal rights you have if your loved one has been exposed to asbestos. Here are some of the most common scenarios that asbestos exposure lawyers see when it comes to families and their rights:
Filing on Behalf of the Deceased
In many situations, families can file on behalf of someone that has died from asbestos-related illnesses. This is often an option for families who had to rely on the deceased for financial support and now need to cover lost wages. There are also some cases where family members may be entitled to compensation for their emotional suffering. Monetary compensation from asbestos lawsuits can also be used by families to cover funeral expenses of the deceased. If your family has lost someone due to an asbestos related illness, it is important that you contact an experienced asbestos law firm to understand your options.
Also, if an asbestos lawsuit has already been filed and the plaintiff passes away before a resolution can be reached, a family member can step in as the plaintiff and continue with the lawsuit. This is a common occurrence due to the aggressive nature of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Secondary Exposure
Asbestos exposure is mostly thought to occur in those who have spent time in a workplace that regularly used asbestos as building material, but secondary exposure can also be an issue for families. For example, a worker who has been exposed to asbestos at the job site may have regularly come home with asbestos dust on his or her clothing. This dust can get into the air and expose his or her family to asbestos. This kind of exposure may not seem as severe as the direct exposure that once came from working directly with asbestos, but it has been known to cause similar health issues.
Asbestos lawsuits that cover secondary exposure are often used to cover hospital bills and other expenses. Naturally, the family of someone who has died from secondary asbestos exposure may be able to file a wrongful death claim as well.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. Asbestos-related illnesses typically don’t develop until years after the initial exposure has occurred, so don’t hesitate to contact the asbestos exposure lawyers at Goldberg, Persky & White to learn more about your legal options, even if your exposure occurred decades ago. Our expertise in asbestos lawsuits make us a leader in our industry and we will help you to fight for the compensation you deserve.