Philadelphia, PA 19103
- $50 Million Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated in the Top 10 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers
Pittsburgh Mesothelioma Lawyer
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Hiring an experienced Pittsburgh mesothelioma lawyer with extensive knowledge of the city’s exposure risks and specific sites can be an asset in managing your asbestos lawsuit. Speak with a Pittsburgh mesothelioma attorney to learn more about your legal options.
Written by Joe Lahav, Esquire | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: February 27, 2024
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Written by Joe Lahav, Esquire | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: February 27, 2024
How a Pittsburgh Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help You
Choosing to hire a Pittsburgh mesothelioma lawyer can offer a key advantage because your attorney has local knowledge to help you build a strong case. If your asbestos exposure happened in Pittsburgh, your legal team can use their understanding of the common risks, known exposure sites and history of asbestos use in the city to compile facts and documentation.
The ideal Pittsburgh mesothelioma attorney has a history of success with similar claims. Your initial consultation with a firm is not only an opportunity to discuss your case, but a chance to ask questions and learn more about a lawyer’s record of settlements and verdicts in Pittsburgh asbestos litigation.
Benefits of Working With a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Pittsburgh
The right lawyer for asbestos-related claims provides a range of benefits, including the legal skills and expertise needed to litigate your case and a knowledge-base of local facts and history that can bolster your case. Many national law firms have attorneys practicing in Pittsburgh who can bring both local knowledge and national resources to their handling of your case.
Pittsburgh Asbestos Attorney Benefits
- Pittsburgh-based attorneys know the prevalence of asbestos exposure, high-risk occupations and history mesothelioma lawsuits in the area.
- Lawyers with a local office allow clients to easily have in-person meetings, though many clients prefer to have lawyers meet with them in the comfort of their home.
- Top mesothelioma lawyers who are part of national firms and practice in Pittsburgh have extensive knowledge of legal precedents and relevant laws on both a state and federal level.
While some clients enjoy meeting at their lawyer’s office or in their home, in-person meetings can be a challenge when immunocompromised or not feeling well during mesothelioma treatment. Mesothelioma lawyers in Pennsylvania as well as top mesothelioma lawyers in each state will also arrange to meet with you via Zoom, Google Meets, etc.
When to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Seek out an experienced mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as possible after receiving a diagnosis. Litigation takes time, so the sooner you arrange to speak with a lawyer, the earlier the process begins and you can benefit financially from litigation to cover medical costs, lost wages and other related expenses.
Scheduling a consultation with a lawyer early can help get your answers to your questions and put your mind at ease about how the process works. You and your attorney will discuss your exposure history, your diagnosis, the parties responsible for your exposure and how to collect evidence and where best to file based on the specific details of your case. and where you should file.
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Get Help NowPittsburgh Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma cases in Pittsburg typically are connected with occupational exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos products were also widely used in the construction of older buildings including schools, hospitals, airports, residences and offices.
Naturally occurring deposits of asbestos in Pennsylvania, asbestos manufacturing and industry in Pittsburg and other cities across the state and past extensive use of asbestos products has made the state No. 3 in the nation for asbestos-related deaths. The Pittsburgh area is home to several Superfund sites where the Environmental Protection Agency oversees clean up of the hazardous material.
Asbestos Exposure Sites in Pittsburgh
- Cheswick Generating Station: This site in Springdale, PA burned coal to power the area with electricity until its destruction in 2023. Plants like this one used asbestos in many building materials.
- Pittsburgh Airport: An old terminal, now demolished, contained asbestos. The EPA received a complaint of violation of asbestos regulations during demolition.
- SCI-Pittsburgh: Experts found asbestos at this once-notorious though now empty prison. Countless inmates and staff may have come into contact with the toxic mineral.
- WRG4 Vermiculite Site: Located in Ellwood City, this site processed vermiculite, releasing fibrous amphibole asbestos into the environment.
Despite new laws and regulations regarding asbestos use and handling that limit exposure, legacy asbestos in older buildings and products and the long latency period of mesothelioma may mean new cases of mesothelioma may rise over the next decade or more. Most cases of mesothelioma don’t present with symptoms until 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure.
Occupations & Industries Known for Asbestos Exposure in Pittsburgh
Several industries common in Pittsburgh have a high risk of asbestos exposure. The material’s strength, flexibility and low conductivity for electricity and heat made it a popular choice across many occupations.
High-Risk Industries in Pittsburgh
- Construction: Asbestos was present in many building materials, from insulation to floor tiles and roofing shingles.
- Industrial work: Asbestos was prevalent in shipbuilding, pipefitting and demolition, with the material appearing both in equipment and machinery and in manufactured products.
- Mining: Pennsylvania has four former asbestos mines. The material was also popular in other mining operations for its heat resistance.
- Power Plants: Insulation, equipment, fireproof materials, turbines, pipes and more commonly used asbestos.
- Schools: Inspections at several Pittsburgh schools detected asbestos in building materials.
- Steel industry: Steelworkers may have come into contact with asbestos via insulation, boilers, brakes, gaskets and even the protective gear they wore.
Asbestos fibers cause several serious conditions, such as mesothelioma. Anyone who worked in one or more of these industries has an increased risk of asbestos exposure. Discuss your history with your doctor and about scheduling mesothelioma screenings.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure in Pittsburgh
Secondary exposure occurs when workers come into direct contact with asbestos and bring the fibers home on their clothing, boots and equipment, exposing their families. The fibers can transfer to another person from sitting on the same furniture, exchanging a hug or handling dirty laundry.
Safety measures employers must follow, such as providing a place to change out of asbestos-contaminated clothing, have helped reduce secondary asbestos exposure. However, new diagnoses happen as the latency period for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases is from 20 to 60 years.
Finding the Right Pittsburgh Mesothelioma Lawyer
Choosing the right Pittsburgh mesothelioma attorney is the first crucial step toward gaining financial compensation. Research your options to find a law firm that specializes in lawsuits for asbestos-related diseases.
A top asbestos lawyer has a clear record of success in obtaining settlements and verdicts for their clients in cases similar to yours. It’s important to work with a lawyer you’ll feel comfortable working with throughout the course of your litigation.
Look for a Law Firm Experienced in Handling Asbestos Cases
Discuss the lawyer’s and the firm’s track record of success in asbestos litigation. Ask for examples of how they worked hard fighting for their client. Experienced asbestos lawyers can easily provide this information.
Questions for Asbestos Lawyers
- Can you tell me about your record of success in asbestos litigation?
- How familiar are you with asbestos exposure in Pittsburgh?
- How many cases have you litigated in Pennsylvania?
Consider working with a national firm for a lawyer with access to national resources. Top mesothelioma firms have attorneys across the nation. These lawyers have experience at the state and federal levels.
Pittsburgh Mesothelioma Law Firms
Nationwide mesothelioma law firms that practice in Pittsburgh can help you determine the best state to file your claim depending on the specifics of your asbestos exposure. They have access to national databases and resources to help their clients.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- $500 Million Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated a “Hall of Fame” law firm by The Legal 500
New York, NY 10003
- $8.5 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated #1 by U.S. News & World Report for 2022
Alton, Illinois 62002
- $8.9 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated a Tier 1 Law Firm in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report
Chicago, IL 60602
- $7 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated a National Tier 1 Firm by U.S. News & World Report in 2022
Honolulu, HI 96813
- $600 Million Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- 30+ Years Experience
Top asbestos law firms have the skills, experience and resources needed to handle complex mesothelioma claims, even when they go up against large corporations. They not only understand the history of asbestos exposure, but the complexities of mesothelioma treatment.
Filing an Asbestos Claim in Pittsburgh
Filing a claim and building a case requires support from an experienced attorney. Working with a mesothelioma lawyer gives you the best chance of securing the compensation you need.
While each case is different, the process of filing a claim has several basic steps in common. First, you must schedule a consultation with an attorney specializing in mesothelioma cases to discuss your options. Your lawyer can help you gather the necessary documentation to determine your eligibility.
Next, your lawyer files the lawsuit on your behalf and gathers relevant information during discovery. This may include depositions and interviews with experts and witnesses. Most cases resolve in 18 months or less with a settlement offer, although some may go to trial.
What Type of Compensation is Available?
The majority of asbestos compensation comes from trust funds, as many companies sued for asbestos exposure are now bankrupt. In these instances, the company sets up a trust fund to ensure compensation for claimants.
Types of Mesothelioma Compensation
- Settlements: Amounts typically range from $1 to $2 million.
- Trial verdicts: The average awarded to plaintiffs is between $5 million and $11.4 million.
- Trust funds: Payouts from trust funds vary widely. Mesothelioma survivors have received 6 figures after filing claims with multiple trust funds.
The amount of compensation a person may receive varies. Your lawyer can provide guidance and advice on the ideal type of claim to file for your specific case.
Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations in Pittsburgh
The statute of limitations in Pittsburgh for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is 2 years from diagnosis. While it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your file before the end of this time limit, there are special exceptions in certain circumstances and your lawyer can assess if they apply to your case.
The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is also 2 years for wrongful death lawsuits. With this type of case as well, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed or to assess if there are any exceptions to the statute that may apply to the specific circumstances of your case.
What to Expect From a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Pittsburgh
After you meet with a Pittsburgh mesothelioma lawyer in person or via phone, your lawyer begins to gather evidence to build your case. Your legal team advocates for your rights and acts on your behalf and will ask you for information and documentation to support your claim.
Mesothelioma lawyers handle every step of the litigation process, from filing a lawsuit to negotiating a settlement so you can focus on your health and mesothelioma treatment in Pennsylvania. Most lawsuits resolve in 12 to 18 months. You may resolve a claim with a trust in less time.
The Initial Consultation
The initial consultation is a chance for you to ask your potential lawyer questions and get to know each other to determine if you want to work with them. This is the ideal time to learn about their qualifications and get insights into the litigation process so you know what to expect.
During your consultation, an asbestos lawyer will also ask you questions about your exposure history, your diagnosis of mesothelioma and anything else that pertains to your case. It’s helpful to bring along a list of questions you have, as well as any documentation that can support your claim.
Collecting Evidence and Preparing Your Case for Court
Your lawyer will help you gather evidence to prepare your case. They understand the types of evidence necessary for mesothelioma cases and what proved helpful in past cases that won. National agencies have access to more resources to aid this process.
Evidence for Asbestos Cases
- Depositions with testimony that support your claim
- Employment records for the company named as the defendant
- Financial records showing the financial impact of your diagnosis
- Medical records confirming a diagnosis
Your Pittsburgh mesothelioma lawyer will support you throughout the entire litigation process until your case gets resolved. Working with an experienced attorney can give you greater peace of mind and help you get justice.
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