Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can be complicated. You need to abide by court rules, and you’ll need to obtain proof that supports your position for your claim to be successful. If you were exposed to asbestos in Southern Illinois or Eastern Missouri and developed mesothelioma, understanding what you need to prove in a mesothelioma case is the first step toward seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Document Your Asbestos Exposure
Due to its fire-resistant properties, asbestos was common in construction, manufacturing, military, and other industries until the discovery of its highly toxic nature and connection to cancers such as mesothelioma.
To prove asbestos exposure, you should document where, when, and how you were exposed. This documentation could include employment records, military service records, or detailed records about working conditions that show you worked close to this hazardous material.
Additionally, witness testimony from coworkers who faced similar exposures can be valuable in backing up your claims. If one person in a work setting suffered asbestos exposure, others did as well.
If possible, you should also identify specific products you came in contact with, manufacturers you worked with, or job sites you worked on that contributed to your asbestos exposure. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
Prove Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis
The next element you need to prove is that you have mesothelioma. This is generally the most straightforward piece of the puzzle, as all you need are documents that support your diagnosis, such as medical records, pathology reports, or expert testimony from your healthcare provider.
Additional documentation may include reports from oncologists, radiologists, and other medical experts who can establish your condition’s severity. Medical evidence such as X-rays, CT scans, and biopsies can further support your mesothelioma diagnosis.
Connect Your Diagnosis to the Exposure
Once you have proof that you suffered asbestos exposure and that you have mesothelioma, you need to connect the dots. Although asbestos is the cause of the majority of mesothelioma cases, making this connection can be surprisingly difficult.
It’s not enough to show that you came into contact with asbestos and now have mesothelioma. You must prove that this particular asbestos exposure directly caused your mesothelioma. Proving this often involves relying on expert testimony and scrutinizing the timeframe between your exposure and the onset of your symptoms.
How Can a Mesothelioma Attorney Help?
A mesothelioma attorney can assist you by gathering supporting evidence, hiring expert witnesses, calculating your losses, filing your claim, negotiating with the insurance company, and litigating your case at trial. They’ll also be able to provide sound legal advice throughout the entire process so you can make informed decisions about your case.
Illinois Mesothelioma Attorney
If you were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma in Southern Illinois or Eastern Missouri, you can seek compensation for your condition and its impact on your life. Call Menges Law Firm at (618) 424-4450 or contact us online for a free consultation with one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers. We’ll evaluate your case by assessing your evidence and providing guidance on any additional evidence you need to make the most of your claim.