Annapolis Mesothelioma Lawyer

An Annapolis mesothelioma lawyer can help if you suffered asbestos exposure and resulting illness in the area. The construction of many of the buildings, facilities, and naval ships in Annapolis involved asbestos, leading to exposure, illness, and lawsuits.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Annapolis, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

Annapolis Asbestos Facts

• Only Baltimore has more asbestos-related deaths than Annapolis in Maryland.
• Between 1999 and 2017, 656 people in Anne Arundel County and Annapolis died from illnesses related to asbestos exposure.
• The maritime and naval industry in Annapolis were major contributors to exposure.

When Do I Need an Annapolis Mesothelioma Lawyer?

If you have a diagnosis of mesothelioma, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Top-rated asbestos lawyers in Annapolis can explain your legal options for seeking compensation.

Mesothelioma is a devastating and expensive illness. It is almost always caused by negligent asbestos exposure. The companies responsible for exposing you to asbestos can be held liable for damages, but you must act quickly.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me Get Mesothelioma Compensation?

As a victim of negligent asbestos exosure in Annapolis, you have several options for seeking compensation. The right lawyer will explain these options and guide your choices. You could be eligible for one or more types of asbestos or mesothelioma claims:

• Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit
• Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit
• Asbestos trust fund claim
• VA benefits claim

Exploring Compensation Options in Annapolis

In Annapolis, victims of asbestos exposure have multiple avenues to pursue compensation, each offering unique benefits and challenges. Understanding these options can help you make informed decisions about your case.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Lawsuits: These lawsuits aim to recover economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering. Maryland has specific statutes that limit non-economic damages but allows for punitive damages in cases of malicious conduct.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Due to the widespread impact of asbestos-related diseases, many companies have established trust funds through bankruptcy proceedings. There are approximately 60 asbestos trust funds available, holding an estimated $30 billion. These funds provide a vital resource for victims seeking economic and non-economic damages.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

For those exposed to asbestos at work, workers’ compensation offers benefits like free medical care and partial wage replacement. These benefits are crucial for employees, although they typically preclude the ability to sue employers directly. Dependents of deceased workers may also qualify for death benefits and funeral expense coverage.

VA Claims for Veterans

Maryland’s strong military presence means many veterans have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses can file VA claims for disability benefits and medical care. Surviving family members may also be eligible for VA survivor benefits.

Lawsuits for mesothelioma typically end in a settlement. Only rarely do they go to trial. A trial can lead to a large jury award, but there is also the risk of receiving nothing. Trials also take longer to resolve.

If an asbestos company went bankrupt, they likely set up an asbestos trust fund to compensate victims. Your lawyer can find the trusts you qualify for and help you make a claim. This process involves more than just filing paperwork; it’s about thorough investigation and precise identification. Your legal team will dig deep to uncover all potential sources of asbestos exposure.

1. Identifying Employers and Sources: They’ll start by pinpointing past employers and other direct sources where asbestos exposure might have occurred.
2. Tracing Asbestos Providers: Beyond just identifying where exposure happened, your lawyer will also trace back to the companies that supplied asbestos to those locations.

This meticulous approach ensures that every potential avenue for a claim is explored, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome. With this comprehensive strategy, you can feel confident that no stone will be left unturned in your pursuit of justice.

Annapolis has a long military history; unfortunately, the military has a long history of using asbestos. Veterans have high rates of mesothelioma compared to the general population.

Navy veterans are most affected by asbestos illnesses. If you are a veteran and have mesothelioma, you could be entitled to monthly disability compensation.

Challenges in Proving Punitive Damages in Mesothelioma Cases

Proving punitive damages in mesothelioma cases poses several distinct challenges:

1. Evidentiary Requirements: To justify punitive damages, it must be established that companies knowingly endangered health by using asbestos. This involves gathering substantial evidence that demonstrates the firms were aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure and took measures to hide these facts.
2. Corporate Conspiracy: Demonstrating that there was a deliberate conspiracy by companies to conceal the health hazards of asbestos from the public is crucial. This requires unveiling internal documents, emails, and other communications that reflect the company’s intent to mislead regulators or consumers.
3. Regulatory Standards: Different states have varying standards for what constitutes punitive damages. In some jurisdictions, there must be clear evidence of an egregious disregard for safety. Therefore, aligning the evidence with these specific legal criteria is a formidable task.
4. Complex Litigation Process: Mesothelioma cases often involve going up against large corporations with significant legal resources. These companies invest heavily in defense strategies, making the litigation process lengthy and complex.
5. Historical Context: Many mesothelioma cases stem from exposure that happened decades ago. Collecting evidence from that era and ensuring it meets today’s legal standards presents unique hurdles. Records may be lost, and witnesses may be unavailable or difficult to locate.

Despite these challenges, a well-prepared legal team can effectively present the case by utilizing historical documents, expert testimonies, and strategic legal arguments to meet the stringent requirements for awarding punitive damages.

Understanding Compensation in a Maryland Mesothelioma Claim

When pursuing a mesothelioma claim in Maryland, the potential compensation can be significant. Some verdicts have reached up to $11.5 million, showcasing the serious financial repercussions associated with asbestos exposure. Those affected have several avenues to seek compensation, which include lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, worker’s compensation, and VA claims.

Types of Claims

1. Lawsuits: Victims often file mesothelioma lawsuits to seek damages related to asbestos exposure. This can cover a range of compensatory categories, such as economic and non-economic damages.
2. Asbestos Trust Fund Claims: Those exposed may claim compensation from established asbestos trust funds set aside by companies who used these dangerous materials.
3. Worker’s Compensation: Occupational exposure may qualify individuals for worker’s compensation benefits, covering medical expenses and lost wages.
4. VA Claims: Veterans with asbestos exposure resulting from military service can seek compensation through VA claims.

Compensation Categories

Economic Damages: This covers direct financial losses, including:

• Medical bills from diagnosis to treatment
• Lost wages due to inability to work
• Future medical costs and anticipated wage losses
• Personal and domestic care expenses

Non-Economic Damages: These focus on the intangible impacts, primarily pain and suffering. Maryland imposes a limit on these damages, which is adjusted annually. As of recent figures, it stands at $920,000.

Punitive Damages: In situations where companies acted with malice or deceit regarding asbestos dangers, punitive damages might be awarded. These are designed to punish and deter such conduct, although they require substantial evidence to justify.

Compensation for Wrongful Death

If a family member succumbs to an asbestos-related disease, Maryland law allows families to pursue wrongful death claims. This may include:

• Coverage of medical and personal expenses incurred by the deceased
• Compensation for the family’s emotional grief and suffering
• Loss of companionship and comfort
• Loss of parental or spousal care and advice

Overall, the compensation structure in Maryland mesothelioma claims is comprehensive, addressing both tangible and intangible losses suffered due to asbestos exposure.

Understanding Non-Economic Damages in Mesothelioma Lawsuits

When pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit, it’s crucial to comprehend the concept of non-economic damages. These damages serve as compensation for intangible losses experienced by the victim. Unlike economic damages, which cover measurable costs such as medical bills, non-economic damages address the pain and suffering endured due to the illness.

Key Aspects of Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by mesothelioma. It is a crucial component since the disease significantly affects quality of life.
• Loss of Enjoyment: Compensation also covers the inability to enjoy life’s activities as before, such as hobbies, family gatherings, and other personal interests.
• Emotional Distress: Understandably, dealing with a severe illness like mesothelioma induces significant emotional turmoil. Non-economic damages account for these psychological impacts.

Maryland’s Approach

In Maryland, the law has imposed a cap on non-economic damages since October 1, 1994, starting at $500,000, with an annual increment of $15,000. This cap adjusts over time, and as of October 1, 2022, it stands at $920,000.

Understanding these damages and their limits can guide victims and their families through legal proceedings, ensuring they seek appropriate compensation for their suffering beyond just financial losses.

Understanding Economic Damages in a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

When you’re dealing with a mesothelioma lawsuit, one critical aspect is securing economic damages. But what exactly does that entail? Essentially, economic damages refer to the financial compensation for tangible losses resulting from an illness like mesothelioma. These losses, which can be quantified with evidence, cover a wide range of areas:

• Medical Costs: This includes everything from initial diagnoses to ongoing treatments related to your condition. Every doctor’s visit, hospital stay, and prescribed medication contributes to these expenses.
• Lost Income: If your illness prevented you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you could claim the wages you would have otherwise earned. This takes into account past income as well as potential future earnings that you may never realize due to your health condition.
• Future Financial Needs: Beyond current expenses, you’ll want to consider anticipated medical bills and any expected loss of income that might arise as your condition progresses.
• Business Revenue Losses: If you’re a business owner, your disease may obstruct operations and generate losses. These are accounted for as well, capturing the economic impact on your company.
• Cost of Personal and Domestic Care: Many mesothelioma patients require personal assistance, whether it’s skilled nursing or domestic help, such as cleaning or cooking. The financial burden of these services can be substantial and are therefore included as economic damages.

In summary, economic damages provide a comprehensive monetary compensation framework, addressing the direct financial impacts mesothelioma has on your life’s journey. Whether through lost income, rising medical costs, or necessary personal care, economic damages aim to alleviate the monetary strain imposed by this challenging illness.

Understanding the Time Limits for Asbestos Exposure Claims in Annapolis

When pursuing an asbestos exposure claim in Annapolis, it’s essential to be aware of the specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations. These deadlines are crucial for ensuring that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

1. Personal Injury Claims: In Maryland, individuals have three years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury claim related to asbestos exposure. This period begins when a doctor formally identifies the condition as linked to asbestos.
2. Wrongful Death Claims: For cases of wrongful death due to asbestos exposure, the statute of limitations is either ten years from the date of death or three years from when the cause of death is uncovered—whichever happens first.

Trust Fund Claims

• Varying Deadlines: Asbestos trust fund claims have their own deadlines, which can vary depending on the specific trust fund. Many of these deadlines are aligned with the state’s statute of limitations for mesothelioma and related claims.

Importance of Timely Legal Action

It’s paramount not to delay contacting a qualified attorney in Annapolis. Legal professionals need ample time to thoroughly investigate your case and prepare a strong claim. Engaging a lawyer early can significantly impact the strength of your case against asbestos companies that may deploy extensive defenses to avoid paying compensations.

By acting swiftly, you enhance the likelihood of securing a favorable settlement or verdict, ultimately aiming for maximum possible compensation. The sooner you start, the better your chances of a successful outcome become.

Exposure to Asbestos in Annapolis

With its strategic location on the water, Annapolis has long been an important port, shipping, and naval center. Ships were once constructed with asbestos in nearly every component. Any industry involving ships put workers at risk of exposure.

Annapolis and the Maritime Industry

Ships and shipbuilding, both civilian and military, used asbestos components and materials for decades until 1980.

Any workplace that involved building, repairing, maintaining, or crewing ships put workers at risk of asbestos exposure. As an important naval and shipbuilding center, asbestos has long been a risk in Annapolis.

Asbestos at the U.S. Naval Academy

The Annapolis Naval Academy, also known as the U.S. Naval Academy, was in the spotlight when officials found asbestos in the school’s public works department in March 1995.

Sheeting materials with asbestos were found, putting students, staff members, workers, and school mechanics at risk of exposure.

The sheeting was initially created for gaskets and pipes in the school’s heating plants and mechanical rooms.

The materials, found to contain 80 percent asbestos, were used for decades with no appropriate protections for workers.

Although the occupational health manager of the school ordered all of the sheeting to be removed, it only occurred well after several people had already been exposed.

Other Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Annapolis

• Kevin Hughes LTD
• Old Mill Senior High School
• Court of Special Appeals Building
• Tawes Fine Arts Building (University of Maryland)

Understanding Secondary Asbestos Exposure

What is Secondary Asbestos Exposure?

Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when individuals come into contact with asbestos fibers indirectly, rather than through direct interaction with asbestos-containing materials. This type of exposure is particularly concerning because it affects people who don’t work directly with asbestos but are nonetheless at risk due to its presence in their environment.

How Does It Happen?

1. Transfer Through Work Clothing:
   • Workers in environments with asbestos use may inadvertently bring fibers home. These microscopic particles cling to their clothing, shoes, and even skin.
2. Home Contamination:
   • Once inside, these tiny and lightweight fibers can spread throughout the house. They often travel through the air and can infiltrate the ventilation systems, reaching various rooms.
3. Family Exposure:
   • Family members face risks primarily through regular household activities. Hugging the worker or handling their laundry can lead to exposure, as fibers can transfer from clothing to the skin and respiratory system.

Key Points to Consider:

• Invisible Threat: Asbestos fibers are exceedingly small and difficult to detect without specialized equipment.
• Widespread Presence: Once dispersed in a home, fibers can remain suspended in the air, posing an ongoing health risk.
• Health Risks: Even low levels of exposure can contribute to serious health issues over time, making awareness and prevention crucial.

Understanding secondary asbestos exposure is vital for preventing unintentional health risks to those who might otherwise be unaware of the dangers lurking in their everyday environment.

Annapolis Residents Still at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

A lot of the risk of asbestos exposure is in the past. But, because asbestos was used so heavily in building and ship construction, it remains an ongoing risk to residents and workers. A few incidents in Anne Arundel County and near Annapolis highlight the issue:

• Anne Arundel County residents protested the development of the River Glen subdivision in Pasadena near Annapolis because of asbestos concerns. Residents claim that the county government knew about the risks but proceeded anyway. The site was once an asbestos dumping area. Many residents fear it is too late and that they have been exposed to asbestos due to the activities at the site.
• Another community near Annapolis, Odenton, is facing the introduction of a new landfill that would accept asbestos waste. Odenton residents protest the landfill as a local blight and a potential source of exposure to asbestos and other toxic materials.

Maryland Governor Sponsors Asbestos-Related Lawsuits

In 1991, Governor William Donald Schaefer agreed to sponsor a bill for asbestos victims seeking to file a lawsuit against both local and state governments. This was an effort to recover millions of dollars from distributors and manufacturers of asbestos.

The bill changed the state of Maryland’s “statute of repose.” The law previously stated that building manufacturers and their insurers were protected from lawsuits for at least 20 years after the construction of the buildings.

Due to the long-term latency period associated with asbestos-related diseases, the repose law was unfair. It prevented most victims of asbestos illnesses from seeking damages for life-threatening diseases.

Mesothelioma Treatment in Annapolis, Maryland

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, treatment from a comprehensive cancer care center with experts in mesothelioma. These cancer specialists can offer the best treatment for life-threatening and rare asbestos illnesses.

Maryland is home to several excellent cancer centers that can treat mesothelioma and offer spots in clinical trials:

• Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Care Center at John Hopkins: Weinberg Building, 401 N. Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland, 21231, 410-502-1133
• The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center: 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, 800-888-8823
• National Cancer Institute: 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 300, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, 800-422-6237

Physicians who offer comprehensive cancer care treatment

• Dr. Stephen Yang (Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Care Center at Johns Hopkins)
• Dr. Petr F. Hausner (the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center)

These lawyers made us feel so much better about going through this terrible process. We had no idea where to begin and they helped get us all the compensation we possibly could. They were friendly understanding and very hard-working. They answered any questions we had about compensation and even medical advice

– Natalie F.

Getting Legal Help in Annapolis

As aforementioned, if you’ve been exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. For questions and assistance, feel free to contact us at 800-793-4540.