New York Mesothelioma Lawsuits & Asbestos Litigation

What You and Your Family Can Expect

The thought of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit while you are coping with a serious cancer diagnosis can be daunting, but you and your family deserve compensation for the harm you’ve suffered at the hands of large asbestos companies.

The experienced New York mesothelioma lawyers at Belluck & Fox are committed to guiding you through this process and taking as much of the burden off you as possible. For more than 20 years, mesothelioma patients and their families have chosen our firm because:

• Our mesothelioma lawyers specialize in these types of cases. Asbestos lawsuits require experienced attorneys who know the ins and outs of these complicated claims. Over the years, our team has developed extensive knowledge about the companies that produced dangerous asbestos products and the places where people were exposed.
• Our New York mesothelioma law firm is nationally recognized for success in asbestos lawsuits. Our lawyers have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients across the United States.
• Our mesothelioma attorneys treat patients and families with compassion and respect. We want our clients to stay focused on their treatments, so we do all the traveling and the legwork. As one client said: “Thank you so much for your patience, expertise and endurance yesterday at my dad’s deposition. You handled him with care and were mindful of his needs.”
• Our dedicated team connects clients with the help they need in the mesothelioma community. Over the years, we have built relationships with doctors, nurses, caregivers, and families who understand what you’re going through. We work hard to help our clients develop the support network they need to get through this difficult time.

Schedule a free case consultation with our team today to learn how we can help with your mesothelioma lawsuit. One of the partners in our firm will contact you within 24 hours to personally discuss your mesothelioma case.

Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer from our top-ranked legal team will review the details of your case and go over all your legal options for seeking compensation for you and your family. Depending on the circumstances on your case, we may suggest that you pursue:

Mesothelioma Claims

People who have received a diagnosis of mesothelioma can file a personal injury lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for their exposure to asbestos. Through this type of lawsuit, a patient may recover compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Wrongful Death Claims

Families who have lost loved ones to mesothelioma can pursue wrongful death lawsuits to demand justice on their loved ones’ behalf. A wrongful death claim can help family members manage the financial burdens related to the death of a loved one, as well as hold the at-fault party(s) accountable.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, you can receive compensation for funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses, loss of support and services, loss of nurturing and guidance for children, loss of inheritance, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma Lawsuits

UPDATE: Managing Partner Joe Belluck joined the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (CureMeso) for their “Meet the Experts” series. His answers provided a rarely seen window into how the legal process has become so important for mesothelioma patients to get proper compensation but also intertwined with how families pursue treatment and cope with mesothelioma. See what has changed in our 2021 update mesothelioma lawsuits frequently asked questions.

It is normal to have a lot of questions when you are trying to decide whether to pursue a legal claim. Our mesothelioma lawyers are here to explain how the lawsuit process works and what patients and families can expect. Some of the most commonly asked questions we receive include:

How much does it cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer?

Our mesothelioma law firm handles these cases on a contingency-fee basis. This means that our legal fees come as an agreed-upon percentage of the total compensation we recover for you. If our firm does not recover any money for you, we do not charge you any attorney fees.

How long will a mesothelioma lawsuit take?

We know how debilitating mesothelioma can be, so our attorneys work quickly and efficiently to keep your claim moving forward. We can obtain settlements within 30 days.

Although the asbestos companies may try to drag your claim out, our dedicated New York mesothelioma lawyers petition the court to completely resolve these cases within one year.

Can a patient’s family file a mesothelioma lawsuit?

Yes. Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma, and life expectancy for patients is usually one to two years, depending on a variety of factors. Many patients file mesothelioma lawsuits with the goal of recovering compensation that could help their families in the long run.

For patients who pass away before their mesothelioma lawsuit is resolved, family members will be able to step in as plaintiffs and demand the compensation the patient deserved.

For families who have lost someone to mesothelioma, our compassionate attorneys can discuss your options for filing a wrongful death claim. You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering your family member endured.

If I don’t know where/how I was exposed to asbestos, can you still help me?

A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney from our firm will talk to you about your work history or military service history to determine where and when you were exposed to asbestos.

Because our firm focuses on asbestos litigation, we already have extensive research and records on the companies that manufactured asbestos materials and the jobsites where they were used. We may also talk with your former co-workers or fellow servicemembers to find out what they can remember about asbestos exposure.

What if I’ve never worked for an asbestos company but have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?

Asbestos-containing materials were used in thousands of industrial, building and household products. Although some workers were exposed to the cancer-causing fibers by handling raw asbestos in factories, many innocent people were also exposed in homes, schools or offices. We will help you figure out were you were exposed to asbestos.

Can I still get compensation if the asbestos company where I worked has gone bankrupt or been bought by another company?

Yes. When asbestos companies file for bankruptcy, they must set aside money in an asbestos trust fund to pay future mesothelioma patients and their families. Filing a claim through a trust fund is not the same as filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, but our attorneys have extensive experience in this area of law and can help you navigate the complex process.

How much is my mesothelioma case worth?

Every case we handle is different, and the amount of compensation we demand for you will be based on the damages you and your family have suffered. Our dedicated attorneys will take into consideration your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, etc., to calculate what maximum compensation should be in your claim.

Will I need to travel if I file a lawsuit?

No. We will meet with you in your home. Most cases are settled without ever going to court. And even if your case does go to trial, we will make the arrangements so that you never have to travel to appear in court.

Who decides whether to settle or go to trial?

You make that decision. Our lawyers will discuss all settlement offers with you throughout the process and explain your options. However, it is ultimately up to you to determine what is best for you and you family.

Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney

Selecting the best mesothelioma attorney to represent you and your family in an asbestos lawsuit is an important decision. Because asbestos litigation is a very specialized area of law, it is crucial that you choose a lawyer with significant experience successfully handling these complex cases.

When you choose the dedicated asbestos lawyers at Belluck & Fox to handle your case, you can feel confident that you are in good hands. For years, mesothelioma patients and families have recommended our firm because:

• Our asbestos law firm has a long track record of securing top results for people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.
• Our trusted legal team has already done a majority of the legwork in terms of researching and collecting evidence on the companies that manufactured asbestos products and the jobsites where the dangerous materials were commonly used.
• Our compassionate lawyers have a true understanding of the serious medical issues mesothelioma patients face, and we can connect you with the best mesothelioma experts in the field for treatment.
• Our respected law firm has a large network of medical professionals and other specialists who can provide expert testimony in support of your mesothelioma claim.
• Our knowledgeable lawyers will help you explore all the possible sources of compensation beyond a lawsuit, including bankruptcy trust fund claims, veterans’ benefits, Social Security Disability benefits and workers’ compensation.
• Everyone at our firm, from the partners to the receptionists, have the utmost respect and compassion for clients, and it shows in everything we do.
• Our attorneys communicate regularly with clients to give case updates and answer questions. We are always available to talk.

Our law firm is ready to evaluate your case in a free consultation today. We will not charge anything upfront to begin work on your case. In fact, you only pay us if and when we recover money for you. Call or contact us online today to get started.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Process

At Belluck & Fox, we work with patients and their families to review all of your options for pursuing mesothelioma compensation. Although not every case will require filing a lawsuit, we feel it is important for clients to have a general understanding of the process so they know what to expect.

Free Consultation

Get to know our lawyers and discuss your options during a free case consultation. One of our firm’s partners will meet with you wherever is most convenient ─ at home or in a treatment facility. We will talk about your diagnosis, what types of treatment you are pursuing, and your work history or military service.

Research and Investigation

Our mesothelioma lawyers will open an investigation to start building your case. A mesothelioma diagnosis can come decades after asbestos exposure, so we will take detailed notes on where you worked or served. We will also review what you remember about the types of products you handled or worked around. Our goal is to determine which asbestos companies are responsible for your exposure.

Filing a Complaint

Once we have gathered the evidence, we will file a complaint with the court. In this complaint, we will provide details about your mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment plan, and we will name the companies or other parties that we plan to hold responsible.

(You should know that a mesothelioma lawsuit is not typically filed against a former employer or the military. Instead, your lawsuit will likely be against the manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and/or installers of asbestos products.)

Discovery Process

We will exchange information with the other side during the discovery process. You will be asked questions about your case when you testify at a deposition. However, you will not be asked to travel to court, as our mesothelioma lawyers can arrange for a deposition to be done at a place that is convenient for you.

Our lawyers may also set up interviews with your former coworkers, as well as medical and other experts, to submit as evidence.

Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts

Our attorneys may negotiate a full and fair mesothelioma settlement, or we may pursue your lawsuit before a judge and jury. Most mesothelioma claims result in settlements because the asbestos companies would rather avoid the risk of going to trial. Our attorneys will discuss any mesothelioma settlement offers with you and advise you on your options for moving forward.

Appeals

After a verdict, you may face an appeal, but our skilled team will advocate fiercely for you until your case is resolved. Because mesothelioma lawsuits can lead to large compensation amounts, defendants may appeal those decisions. Our firm provides comprehensive representation and has extensive experience winning major appeals.

Asbestos Trust Recovery

If the company(s) responsible for your asbestos exposure have filed for bankruptcy, we will identify which asbestos bankruptcy trust funds may be liable to you. Although an asbestos trust fund claim would not be part of your lawsuit, it could be a significant source of compensation for you and your family.

Other Recovery Options

As part of every mesothelioma case we take, our lawyers will identify whether you may qualify for compensation from sources such as veterans’ benefits, Social Security Disability benefits or workers’ compensation benefits. Our goal is to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

History of Asbestos Litigation

In 1828, the U.S. issued its first asbestos patent for steam engine insulation.

In the late 1800s, asbestos mine workers and factory workers started reporting lung disease.

In 1906, the first asbestos-related death was reported.

In 1918, the government reported that asbestos workers had an unusually high risk of early death. In addition, insurance companies refused to sell life insurance asbestos workers.

In 1960, although medical evidence was consistently showing that asbestos was causing serious diseases, asbestos companies failed to warn people.

In 1967, the first successful claim over asbestos disease was filed in the United Kingdom, allowing many other victims to begin coming forward.

In 1971, the first claim over asbestos was won in the U.S. when a worker who suffered from asbestosis was awarded $68,000.

In 1994, the U.S. Bankruptcy Code laid out the framework for asbestos trust funds, making sure that companies cannot avoid their responsibility to future asbestos victims.

In 2018, mesothelioma patients and families are still recovering compensation through successful asbestos lawsuits. Unfortunately, the carcinogen is still not banned in the United States, so the risk for exposure continues.

Notable Asbestos Lawsuit Verdicts

Belluck & Fox is one of the most sought-after mesothelioma law firms in the United States. For more than two decades years, our dedicated trial attorneys have been recovering record-setting verdicts and settlements for individuals and families who have been harmed by asbestos diseases.

Some of the notable verdicts we have achieved on behalf of our deserving clients include:

• $32 million for a Navy veteran diagnosed with an asbestos disease
• $22 million for a part-time construction worker diagnosed with mesothelioma
• $19.5 million for a high-rise construction worker who suffered from an asbestos disease

Although every case we handle is unique, our trial lawyers will fight aggressively for the maximum compensation you deserve after a diagnosis of mesothelioma, lung cancer or other asbestos disease.

Contact us today to get started on your claim with a free consultation. We are ready to discuss the details of your case and go over all your options for recovering compensation.

Let Our Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyers Fight for You

If you and your family are coping with a mesothelioma diagnosis, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. Because asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, patients have the right to demand compensation from those companies that exposed them to this deadly material. Our experienced New York mesothelioma lawyers may demand:

• Payment for your medical bills and medications, as well as assistive devices and future medical expenses
• Compensation for lost wages, as well as diminished earning capacity in the future
• Awards for pain and suffering

Schedule a free case consultation with our nationally recognized mesothelioma lawyers today, and learn how we can help you and your family during this difficult time. And keep in mind that there are strict time limits on how long you have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, so don’t wait to get started on your claim.