Discovering that you or a loved one has been affected by asbestos exposure can be devastating. The consequences can include severe conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other forms of cancer and lung disease. The symptoms and treatments of these ailments can effectively upend your life.
Asbestos exposure produces not only health concerns but also financial and legal ones. The attorneys at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., understand the challenges you are facing. Let our Georgia asbestos lawyers review your case and explain your legal options. Call or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Why Do I Need an Asbestos Attorney?
Mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer, may take years or even decades to manifest after asbestos exposure. However, the impact of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases is life-changing. Knowing what steps to take in an asbestos lawsuit requires an in-depth understanding of complex laws and medical facts. Enlisting the services of an asbestos lawyer to work on your case is essential.
At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., our knowledgeable asbestos attorneys have the experience to help you fight for the best possible outcome from your asbestos case. We understand the nuances of asbestos-related laws, the complex medical issues related to exposure, and the financial options open to individuals like you. Our lawyers will work to recover compensation for you from all possible sources.
Who Can File an Asbestos Claim in Georgia?
Any person who has been subject to asbestos exposure and developed related health conditions could be eligible to file an asbestos claim in Georgia. Such individuals include workers exposed to asbestos on the job, family members who may have been exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on a worker’s clothing, residents of older buildings where asbestos deteriorated, and even bystanders on worksites where asbestos was present. Consulting a lawyer is advisable if you are unsure whether you have a valid asbestos claim.
What Georgia Asbestos Laws Exist?
Asbestos laws have evolved over the years in response to the dangers posed by this toxic material. Georgia laws regulate the use, handling, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
In addition, Georgia personal injury laws allow people with asbestos-related diseases to hold negligent parties liable for their exposure. Employees with a work-related asbestos illness may also be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
However, many companies that used asbestos extensively declared bankruptcy once the material’s dangers were revealed and its use discontinued. As part of their bankruptcy proceedings, the businesses created asbestos trust funds setting aside money for current and future victims. Depending on the facts of your case, you could be entitled to compensation from multiple sources.
What Are the Steps of an Asbestos Lawsuit?
Not all asbestos cases go to trial, but it may be the best option to maximize your compensation. Your lawyer will know.
Embarking on an asbestos lawsuit can seem daunting, but the skilled asbestos attorneys at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. will lead you through every step.
Selecting an Asbestos Attorney
Your journey begins with choosing an experienced asbestos attorney. Our team offers a complimentary consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options. This step is a conversation, either in person or virtually, where we will gather information about your diagnosis and exposure to asbestos. You can ask questions about our experience, results, fee arrangements, and how we communicate with our clients. While we encourage you to prepare any relevant information for this discussion, our team will investigate your asbestos exposure case and uncover evidence to strengthen your claim as soon as we’re hired.
Filing Your Asbestos Claim
With a clear understanding of your individual needs, our attorneys will determine the best claim and compensation options for you. We will assist you in collecting and preparing all necessary documents to support your claim, whether it’s a personal injury lawsuit, a wrongful death lawsuit, or a claim with an asbestos trust. Once we file, we will manage all legal proceedings, advising you on whether and when to accept settlement offers or negotiate for increased compensation.
Responses and Discovery
Following the filing, each defendant will receive a copy of your complaint. They will typically have 30 days to respond. Defendants often deny allegations and may question the validity of your complaint. However, our attorneys will aggressively fight these assertions and advocate for you.
Both sides will then engage in a discovery phase, gathering information and evidence for the trial. During this phase, you may need to participate in a deposition, answering questions under oath from both your attorney and the defendant’s lawyers. Rest assured that your attorney will be present during this process.
Settlement or Trial
Before the trial, the defendants may propose a settlement to resolve your asbestos case. The decision to accept a settlement offer depends on several factors, and our attorneys will advise you during these negotiations. If you decline an offer, the defendants might present a counteroffer for your consideration.
If your case does proceed to trial, the process varies based on several factors, including the location of your claim, your medical history, and your history of asbestos exposure. If you win the trial and the defendant chooses not to appeal, you can expect to start receiving payments within a few months after the verdict.
The defendants may choose to appeal the verdict if they lose. This process can delay any monetary award, but defendants must post a bond for the amount awarded while the appeal is ongoing. If the appeal is unsuccessful, you will receive the full payment. If the appeal is successful, the payment may be reduced or nullified.
Contact an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer in Georgia for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, acting promptly to protect your rights is crucial. The experienced Georgia asbestos attorneys at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., are passionate about helping our clients navigate their claims effectively and receive full and fair asbestos lawsuit payouts.
Our team of top-notch asbestos lawyers is ready to guide you through the complex legal process and advocate for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to help you every step of the way in your journey toward justice and recovery.
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