Mesothelioma Lawsuit
An asbestos lawsuit allows someone diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness to pursue financial compensation from those responsible for their asbestos exposure. Compensation from an asbestos exposure lawsuit may be substantial and cover damages such as your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and household services.
Brendan Little, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: October 22, 2024
At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, our award-winning mesothelioma lawyers have recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for asbestos-exposure victims, and we are ready to fight just as hard for you.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in 2024 – What You Need to Know
Why File a Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuit?
Bergman Oslund Udo Little, the Pacific Northwest’s Premier Asbestos Lawsuit Law Firm
How Long Do I Have to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
Mesothelioma Claim Payout Timeline
Alternative Compensation Options
- If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you might be eligible to recover substantial compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit against companies who are responsible for your asbestos exposure.
- A mesothelioma attorney will investigate your asbestos exposure history, pinpoint the source of your exposure, gather evidence, file your claim before the statute of limitations expires, negotiate a settlement, fight for you at trial if the responsible companies refuse to settle for fair compensation, and pursue the case through appeal if necessary.
- A mesothelioma lawsuit provides financial security for you and your family, allows you to access the most advanced treatment available, holds asbestos product manufacturers and suppliers accountable, and encourages other asbestos exposure victims to pursue justice.
- We are the Pacific Northwest’s Premier mesothelioma law firm, with 29 years of experience handling asbestos-exposure claims and a proven track record, including the highest mesothelioma settlements and verdicts in Washington and Oregon.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in 2024 - What You Need to Know
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer that develops in the tissue lining bodily organs such as the lungs, the heart, and the abdomen. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of this disease.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma following asbestos exposure, you can take legal action and seek compensation for your damages. Generally, pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit involves the following steps:
Step 1: Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney at Bergman Oslund Udo Little
The first step when filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is to consult attorneys specializing in such cases. It is especially important to contact a lawyer who specifically handles mesothelioma claims and knows the jobsites and products where you worked. Our team of mesothelioma lawyers offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your legal options and the best path forward based on the unique aspects of your case.
Step 2: We Gather Evidence To Prove Your Asbestos Exposure History
One of our Washington or Oregon mesothelioma attorneys will come to your home to explain the litigation process and work closely with you. At the same time, we are very aware that this is an extremely challenging time for a family, and we do our best to make it as easy as possible.
Your lawyer will gather evidence to demonstrate that asbestos exposure was the direct cause of your illness. This evidence includes your own recollection, employment records, witness statements, corporate records, medical reports, and documentation of asbestos-containing products you encountered.
Step 3: Filing Your Mesothelioma Legal Claim
Our legal team will then prepare and file your mesothelioma claim on your behalf. Filing a lawsuit involves identifying and naming the correct solvent defendants, procuring evidence during discovery, and submitting the necessary paperwork on time.
Defendants in a mesothelioma lawsuit may include manufacturers, property owners, contractors, or product suppliers. We will identify the responsible parties and fight to hold them accountable for putting profits over your life.
Step 4: Negotiating a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlement
Most mesothelioma lawsuits are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than trial. A case can settle at many stages in the lawsuit – shortly after it is filed, during the discovery phase of the case, before trial, or even during trial. Our attorneys have fought for clients since 1995 and possess extensive experience securing fair and just settlements that compensate victims for their damages.
Step 5: We Fight for You in Court
If negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement, we can take your case to court. Our attorneys are always prepared to try your case and have litigated and won numerous settlements and verdicts amounting to $1 billion. It is especially important to prepare every case for trial because the threat of trial produces the best settlements. At BOUL, we are always prepared to successfully try your case. We have the resources and fortitude to present evidence and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
Why File a Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuit?
A mesothelioma lawsuit can provide the financial resources to cover the high cost of a mesothelioma diagnosis, giving you access to the most advanced treatment methods available. It can allow you and your family to focus on your health and spend quality time together without worrying about finances. A mesothelioma settlement or award can also provide financial security for your family.
The compensation you can pursue in a mesothelioma lawsuit includes the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Household services
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of bodily functions
- Loss of society
Mesothelioma litigation holds asbestos product manufacturers, suppliers, and jobsite oweners accountable for knowingly marketing or using harmful products to the public without disclosing the truth about its dangers. It sends a message that putting profits over public safety will cost more in the long run. It also gives other asbestos-exposure victims the courage to pursue justice for themselves.
Pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit has many benefits. First and foremost, it holds responsible parties accountable for causing a preventable disease. It can also help obtain compensation to ease the financial burden of a diagnosis and take care of loved ones.
Chadler H. Udo – Partner,
Bergman Oslund Udo Little PLLC.
Bergman Oslund Udo Little, the Pacific Northwest's Premier Asbestos Lawsuit Law Firm
We understand the toll a mesothelioma diagnosis can take on a family. Thus, we are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process with patience and compassion. When you choose us, you will work closely with a small team that will take the time to understand the impact of your diagnosis and build a personalized strategy to hold asbestos defendants accountable. We go beyond legal representation, providing holistic support, including education, service, and advocacy during this difficult time.
We are the Pacific Northwest’s premier mesothelioma law firm. Our world-class asbestos attorneys have been securing significant compensation for asbestos exposure victims since 1995 and have a proven track record of the highest settlements and verdicts in Washington and Oregon.
BOUL is a local law firm with a long history of representing mesothelioma victims in the Pacific Northwest. What sets us apart from other law firms is our depth of knowledge in Washington and Oregon job sites, our compassionate client-centered approach to cases, and our dedication to trying cases to verdict.
Brendan Little, Partner,
Bergman Oslund Udo Little
Contact us today for a free case evaluation if you or your loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Over a Billion Recovered in Asbestos Lawsuits Across Washington & Oregon
We have recovered over $1 billion in mesothelioma compensation, including numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts, such as the following:
- $30 million verdict in Oregon for the family of a deceased mesothelioma client who worked in a plant that made asbestos pipes
- $11.2 million for a shipyard worked diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 75
- $11 million for a boilermaker who was diagnosed with mesothelioma at the age of 78
- $10 million verdict for a 79-year-old mesothelioma victim and his wife for second-hand asbestos exposure
- $8.3 million for a man diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 79
- $6.8 million for a woman diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 37
- $6.3 million for a man diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 61
- $5.75 million for a brake mechanic with mesothelioma
- $5.6 million for a man diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 58
- $5 million for a man diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 77
How Long Do I Have to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims imposes a deadline for filing mesothelioma lawsuits. In Washington, you must file your lawsuit within three years of the date of your diagnosis or your loved one’s death from mesothelioma. In Oregon, you must file your claim within two years of your diagnosis or three years of your loved one’s death.
However, this does not mean you should wait to contact an attorney. Investigating and preparing a case against asbestos product manufacturers and suppliers takes significant time, and you can lose out on compensation if you miss the deadline. Don’t wait. Schedule your free consultation today.
Mesothelioma Claim Payout Timeline
There is no set timeline for how long asbestos claims take. Some cases can be resolved in several months, while others may take a few years. Every case is unique, and it would be impossible to predict an exact timeline for your case.
The most important factors determining how long it will take to receive compensation include the strength of your evidence, the types of claims you can pursue, the number of defendants, the opposition’s willingness to settle, and the skill of your mesothelioma attorney.
Alternative Compensation Options
Mesothelioma lawsuits are just one method of recovering compensation for asbestos exposure. You may also be eligible for compensation through the asbestos trust funds or the VA.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Asbestos lawsuits are typically against asbestos product manufacturers and distributors. Many of these companies declared bankruptcy in response to the large number of asbestos lawsuits against them. You cannot sue these companies for asbestos exposure that occurred before a company filed for bankruptcy.
However, these companies were required to establish asbestos trust funds for the benefit of current and projected future asbestos exposure victims diagnosed with an asbestos illness. Asbestos trust fund claims can provide a faster means of receiving compensation while you wait for your lawsuit to resolve.
VA Disability Claims
If you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military, you may be entitled to VA disability for asbestos exposure. To qualify, you must be diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness and have medical documentation linking your condition to asbestos exposure during your military service.
You cannot sue the military for asbestos exposure, but you can file a lawsuit against the companies that supplied asbestos to the military. Our skilled mesothelioma attorneys are familiar with military asbestos suppliers and can determine which companies are responsible for your exposure.
Get Help Filing Your Mesothelioma Lawsuit
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it means you were exposed to asbestos during your lifetime. Whether you were exposed 10, 20, 30, or more years ago, you may be entitled to substantial compensation from the companies that manufactured and distributed the asbestos to which you were exposed.
With 29 years of experience and over $1 billion in compensation recovered, you can count on us to recover the compensation you deserve. The time you have to file your asbestos lawsuit is limited, so don’t wait.
To schedule your free consultation, contact us online, call us at (206) 957-9510 in Washington, or call (503) 447-6230 in Oregon.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit FAQs
What Are Mesothelioma Lawsuits About?
If you have developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit, which is a civil action against the asbestos product manufacturers, distributors, or other parties responsible for exposing you to asbestos. With a mesothelioma lawsuit, you can pursue compensation for the damages stemming from your illness.
Who Can Sue for Mesothelioma?
You might be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- You have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness as a result of direct asbestos exposure.
- You have been diagnosed with an asbestos disease after experiencing secondary asbestos exposure.
- You are the family member or estate representative of someone who died from an asbestos-related illness.
Do I Have to Hire a Mesothelioma Attorney?
There is no law against representing yourself in a mesothelioma claim, but you will likely need a mesothelioma attorney to succeed in a case against the large, powerful companies responsible for asbestos exposure. You must pinpoint how and when you were exposed and which companies were responsible. It may also be necessary to pursue compensation through an asbestos trust fund claim. An attorney can determine this for you.
You may need testimony from expert witnesses regarding your illness and exposure, which typically requires significant financial resources. You must meet filing deadlines, obtain your medical records, know medical terminology, and understand complex laws. These can be barriers to justice for a novice but not for an experienced mesothelioma attorney. We are the Pacific Northwest’s premier mesothelioma law firm with a proven track record of holding corporations responsible for putting profits over people.
How Much Does It Cost to File a Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuit?
There are no upfront costs to pursue mesothelioma compensation when you work with our firm. We offer every potential client a free consultation with no further obligation. If you hire us, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless and until we recover compensation for you.
We cover your case costs upfront, such as filing fees, travel costs, and expert witness fees. When we win your case, we will collect the costs we advanced and a percentage of your compensation as our fee. This arrangement ensures access to high-caliber legal representation regardless of your financial status.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
The average settlement for a mesothelioma lawsuit is between $1-$1.4 million. However, no two mesothelioma lawsuits are alike and it’s important that you speak to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to get a better idea of your potential settlement.
The amount you recover could range from tens of thousands to millions, depending on your age when you were diagnosed, the severity of your symptoms, the financial and emotional impact of your illness, and the skill and experience of your mesothelioma attorney. We have obtained over $1 million for many clients, including the highest verdicts and settlements in Washington and Oregon.
Can I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit After the Death of a Loved One?
If a loved one has died from mesothelioma, your family may be entitled to compensation through a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit. Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit may include the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Your loved one’s medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, comfort, guidance, love, and affection
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
If the companies responsible have filed for bankruptcy protection, you may also be able to recover wrongful death damages from asbestos trust funds. The VA pays survivor benefits to the spouses and dependent children of veterans who died of service-connected mesothelioma.
Will I Need to Travel to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
You will not need to travel to file a mesothelioma lawsuit when you choose Bergman Oslo Udo Little. We will travel to any location in the Pacific Northwest to meet you and file your claim. We can conduct virtual appointments through phone calls and video chats. We handle the legwork so you can spend time with your family, rest, and focus on treatment. It may be necessary to attend a deposition or testify at trial if your case doesn’t settle, but we can arrange for you to testify from home or avoid testifying if your health doesn’t permit it.
Can I Still File a Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawsuit if the Company Responsible No Longer Exists?
Yes, you may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit even if the company no longer exists. Some asbestos product manufacturers merged with other companies or were bought out. Under the laws of succession, companies that merge with or purchase companies can inherit their liabilities. This means any company with an ownership interest in a former asbestos product manufacturer or distributor may be liable for your illness even if the new company did not manufacture or distribute the asbestos products.
Some asbestos product manufacturers no longer exist because they went bankrupt. You cannot file a lawsuit against these companies because of bankruptcy protection, but you may still be able to recover compensation through the asbestos trust funds established by these companies. Our attorneys can determine which companies are liable for your diagnosis and the types of claims available, even if the company no longer exists or has changed hands.
Is Mesothelioma a Class Action Lawsuit?
No, there is no mesothelioma class action lawsuit. In a class-action lawsuit, all the plaintiffs’ claims are combined into a single case, and the award is divided among the plaintiffs. Class-action lawsuits are common when a large number of individuals experience similar harm from the same defendant or group of defendants. Every mesothelioma case has a unique combination of defendants and circumstances that require separate litigation. Thus, when the case settles or results in a verdict, you will not have to share your proceeds with other plaintiffs.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in 2024 – What You Need to Know
Why File a Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuit?
Bergman Oslund Udo Little, the Pacific Northwest’s Premier Asbestos Lawsuit Law Firm
How Long Do I Have to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
Mesothelioma Claim Payout Timeline
Alternative Compensation Options
520 Pike St. #1125
Seattle, WA 98101
206-957-9510
1355 NW Everett St.
Suite 100
Portland, OR 97204
503-447-6230
