Michigan Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you were harmed by asbestos, an experienced Michigan mesothelioma lawyer could help you get compensation for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and more. Many Michigan residents have received diagnoses of asbestos diseases due to years of workplace exposure.

If you or someone you love suffers from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation.  Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Michigan, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

We are happy to offer assistance to asbestos victims and their families in all cities and towns in Michigan, including:

Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint,Clinton Charter Township, Dearborn, Livonia, Canton, Macomb, Troy, Westland, Farmington Hills, Shelby Charter Township, Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Southfield, Waterford, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, Taylor, St. Clair Shores, Pontiac, Royal Oak, Dearborn Heights, Novi, Ypsilanti Charter Township, Battle Creek, Saginaw City, Kentwood, Georgetown, Redford, Roseville, Portage, East Lansing, Chesterfield, Midland, Bloomfield Charter Township, Commerce, Meridian, Saginaw Charter Township, Lincoln Park, Muskegon City, Grand Blanc Charter Township, Holland Charter Township, Orion, Pittsfield, Independence, Bay City, Jackson, Delta, Eastpointe, Plainfield Charter Township, Flint Charter Township, Bedford Township, Brownstown, White Lake, Madison Heights, Southgate, Oak Park, Port Huron City, Burton, Northville Township, Van Buren, Allen Park, Garden City, Plymouth Charter Township, Holland, Mount Pleasant, Delhi, Washington Township, Gaines Charter Township, Wyandotte, Inkster, Harrison Charter Township, Blackman, Walker City, Norton Shores, Romulus, Summit Township, Charter Township, Hamtramck, Oshtemo, Auburn Hills, Marquette City, Hamburg, Mount Morris Township, Allendale, Genesee, Byron Township, Adrian, Oxford Charter Township, Monroe, Scio, Birmingham, Frenchtown, Ferndale, Genoa, and more.

Am I Eligible to File an Asbestos Claim in Michigan?

If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, you are likely eligible to make an asbestos claim. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by negligent exposure to asbestos, usually on the job. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was widely used throughout the 20th century due to its strength and heat-resistant properties. However, it has since been linked to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the lining of organs, irritating healthy tissues and cells. Over time, these irritated tissues may mutate and become cancerous. This process is what often leads to the development of mesothelioma.

One of the challenges with mesothelioma is its delayed onset. Symptoms might not appear until 20-50 years after the initial exposure, making early detection difficult. Complicating matters further, the symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to those of other illnesses, posing additional diagnostic challenges.

Understanding the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is crucial for those at risk, particularly individuals who have worked in environments where asbestos was prevalent. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking timely medical advice can be vital in managing this condition.

Companies had a duty to warn workers of the risks of asbestos. If you got sick because of asbestos in the workplace, you can hold asbestos companies accountable and seek compensation from them. There are a few types of claims you could be eligible to make:

• Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit. Asbestos illnesses are considered personal injuries because they are caused by negligence. You can file a lawsuit to recover damages. Most of these cases end in settlements for the victims.
• Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit. If you lost a loved one to an asbestos illness, you can sue for damages for a wrongful death.
• Asbestos Trust Fund Claim. If the companies responsible for your illness went bankrupt, you cannot sue them. Instead, you can make a claim with an asbestos trust fund. These are funds bankrupt asbestos companies set up to compensate victims. You could be eligible for one or more trusts.

• VA Benefits. Many mesothelioma patients encountered asbestos while serving in the military. Veterans who can trace their exposure to their service can claim benefits, such as monthly disability compensation.

If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during military service, you may be eligible for VA benefits. With mesothelioma rated at 100% disability, veterans might receive over $3,800 a month in compensation and access to free health care.

For those needing assistance, VA-accredited lawyers are available to help prepare your claim, even if you’ve faced a denial in the past. It’s important to note that pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit won’t affect your VA claim, ensuring you can explore all avenues of support.

How Long Does a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Take?

Mesothelioma is a terrible disease with a poor prognosis, so time is of the essence when seeking compensation. Every case is different, but most asbestos lawsuits are resolved with settlements in a few months. In many cases, clients begin receiving compensation in as few as 90 days. This initial payment often marks just the beginning, with additional checks potentially arriving over the next year as the case progresses toward resolution.

It’s important to remember that the mesothelioma payout timeline can vary depending on the specifics of each case. Factors such as the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and the jurisdiction can all influence the speed of the process.

While the timeline may differ, rest assured that your legal team is committed to securing the maximum compensation as swiftly as possible, providing you with financial support when you need it most.

If the case goes to trial, it generally takes longer to resolve. In many cases, the courts will expedite asbestos lawsuits because of the limited life expectancy of the plaintiff.

Steps to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Michigan

When you’re ready to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit in Michigan, it’s important to follow a structured process to build a strong case. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Initial Consultation

• Begin by contacting a qualified attorney who specializes in asbestos-related lawsuits.
• Use their expertise to get a free case evaluation, during which they will discuss your work history and any potential asbestos exposure.

2. Evidence Collection

• If your case is viable, your legal team will gather crucial details about your occupational history, asbestos exposure, and medical diagnosis.
• This includes collecting medical records, employment documents, and possibly testimonies from co-workers or expert witnesses.

3. Filing the Claim

• Your attorney will draft and file a legal claim in court against the parties responsible for your exposure to asbestos.
• This may involve multiple defendants, such as previous employers and manufacturers.

4. Negotiation and Settlement

• A large majority of mesothelioma cases settle outside of court. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf, aiming for a fair compensation package.
• Settlements can cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to your diagnosis.

5. Trial Process

• In situations where a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial.
• Your attorney will represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguing your case before a judge and jury to secure a favorable verdict.

Following these steps can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Proper legal guidance is crucial throughout this process to navigate the complex legal landscape effectively.

When considering an asbestos lawsuit, you might wonder if it will be part of a class action. Today, it’s uncommon for these cases to be filed as class actions. This is because such lawsuits might not offer the most financial compensation for medical costs and other related expenses.

Instead, your asbestos case will typically be pursued on an individual basis. This approach allows your attorney to focus exclusively on your circumstances, striving for the highest possible compensation tailored specifically to your needs. By working individually, your lawyer can devote more attention to the unique aspects of your situation, ensuring a personalized legal strategy.

Choosing a Michigan Mesothelioma Lawyer

For the fastest resolution of a mesothelioma or asbestos claim, you need the right lawyer. Top-rated Michigan mesothelioma lawyers are the ideal advocates for you in this process. Choose a lawyer based on these factors:

• They have proven experience working on asbestos cases and winning for clients like you.
• They are local but part of a nationwide firm that tries cases in other states.
• They have the resources necessary to investigate your case, find evidence for your asbestos exposure and illness, and bring your case to a successful conclusion.
• They have a record of big wins for clients.
• They have asbestos litigation experience.
• They offer free initial consultations and contingency payment plans.

How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Michigan?

Asbestos exposure mostly took place on the job, especially in the middle of the 20th century. Michigan has a history of asbestos use in several industries, including the automotive industry. In addition to the automotive industry, people who worked at construction sites, paper mills, hospitals, chemical plants, and power plants were left vulnerable to the dangerous effects of asbestos. Several public buildings in Michigan were also built when asbestos was used frequently. Many of these buildings are still in use today.

The danger of asbestos lies in its microscopic fibers, which can be easily inhaled or ingested. Once inside the body, these fibers can become lodged in the lining of organs, such as the lungs, and begin to irritate healthy tissues and cells. Over time, this persistent irritation can cause these cells to mutate and become cancerous.

Health conditions linked to asbestos exposure include:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Other asbestos-related diseases

Mesothelioma, in particular, can be challenging to diagnose. Its symptoms often mimic those of more common illnesses and may not appear until 20-50 years after the initial exposure. This delayed onset makes early detection difficult, further complicating treatment options.

Understanding both the historical context of asbestos exposure and its long-term health effects is crucial for those affected and for ongoing public health efforts.

The Automotive Industry

Detroit’s automotive industry was one of the most significant sources of asbestos exposure in Michigan.

Thousands of employees faced asbestos exposure on automobile assembly lines and factories. Many car parts assembled were made with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) up until the early 1980s:

• Buick, Flint
• Chrysler, Detroit
• Chevrolet, Flint
• Plymouth, Plymouth
• Oldsmobile, Detroit
• General Motors Assembly Plant, Grand Rapids
• Cadillac, Detroit
• Ford River Rouge Plant, Dearborn

Vermiculite Processing

Dearborn, Michigan, was once home to a vermiculite processing plant. Workers here were exposed to asbestos through the vermiculite they handled.

The plant received shipments of vermiculite from the W.R. Grace mines in Libby, Montana. The vermiculite was contaminated with natural asbestos, and the company shipped the product to plants nationwide. The Dearborn plant received more than 200,000 tons.

How prevalent is asbestos exposure in Michigan? The state is home to more than 3,500 locations identified as having potential asbestos exposure risks.

Other Job Sites in Michigan with Asbestos

Schools, Churches, and Public Buildings

• Ferris State University, Grand Rapids
• Bridgeport Community Church, Bridgeport
• Bridgeport High School, Bridgeport
• Capac Elementary School, Capac
• Charlotte High School, Charlotte
• Detroit Central High School, Detroit
• Chelsea High School, Chelsea
• Hill Center School, Lansing
• Michigan State University, Lansing
• Erie High School, Erie
• Farmington Community School, Farmington
• Ferndale High School, Ferndale
• Greenville High School, Greenville
• Highland Park Community College, Highland Park
• Highland Park High School, Highland Park
• Bailey Elementary School, Hillsdale
• Hillsdale Community Health Center, Hillsdale
• Howell School District, Howell
• Livingston Community Care, Livingston
• Troy High School, Troy
• Troy Montessori, Troy
• White Pine Middle School, White Pine
• Sisters of Mercy Hospital, Farmington

Power Plants

• Cook Nuclear Power Plant, Benton Harbor
• Wolverine Power Supply, Boyne City
• Big Rock Nuclear Power Plant, Charlevoix
• Weadock Power Plant, Essexville
• Marysville Power Plant, Marysville
• Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, South Haven

Michigan Asbestos Laws

Each state in the U.S. has its own laws regarding asbestos safety and handling, as well as asbestos lawsuits.

Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a time limit or deadline for filing a lawsuit:

• In Michigan, a plaintiff who intends to file an asbestos-related lawsuit must file within three years after determining the asbestos exposure.
• The three-year rule also applies to those that are filing a wrongful death lawsuit. In these instances, the plaintiff must file within three years of the victim’s death.

In addition to the statute of limitations, the plaintiff must be able to demonstrate how and when the asbestos exposure occurred. This rule applies to exposure at job sites or via a product manufacturer.

The Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims Transparency Act

Michigan passed the Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims Transparency Act in 2018. The law affects how much asbestos victims can recover in damages. It requires that plaintiffs in asbestos cases disclose any claims they have made with asbestos trusts.

In a lawsuit, the jury award can be reduced by the amount of compensation a plaintiff received from an asbestos trust.

Secondhand Asbestos Exposure in Michigan

Secondhand asbestos exposure occurs when someone inadvertently brings asbestos fibers home on their clothing, exposing family members. This happened frequently in the past when workers were unaware of the risks. Some people got sick from secondhand asbestos exposure.

Courts in all states have found that companies had a duty to warn workers of the risks of asbestos. But not all have extended that duty to family members.

Carolyn Miller sued Ford Motor Company in 2007 for her mesothelioma diagnosis. Her stepfather worked at Ford, and she washed his clothing that contained asbestos fibers. Her case went to the Michigan Supreme Court, which ruled that Ford did not have a duty to warn workers’ family members.

This ruling makes it more difficult for secondhand exposure victims to recover damages. Known as take-home duty, the court set a precedent that companies do not have this duty to warn.

Asbestos Safety Regulations in Michigan

The Construction Safety and Health Division’s Asbestos Program typically handles most asbestos-related issues, regulations, and laws in Michigan, including the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( MOSHA) Regulations, Michigan Public Act 135 of 1986, and Michigan Public Act 440 of 1988.

Further, the OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 and the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1001 are strictly enforced.

Asbestos was regulated in Michigan in 1986 after officials found people were dying from mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer after exposure to harmful fibers in asbestos while working around the mineral for too long.

As a result, employees, contractors, employers, and anyone working around or handling asbestos must be trained appropriately, according to Michigan law.

For detailed information on Michigan rules and regulations on asbestos, contact MOSHA at 517-322-1320.

Understanding Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis Challenges

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer primarily associated with asbestos exposure. One of the key challenges in diagnosing mesothelioma lies in its symptomatology, which often mirrors that of more common illnesses. Let’s delve deeper into the symptoms and reasons why it might be difficult to diagnose.

Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma

1. Respiratory Issues
   • Persistent cough
   • Shortness of breath
   • Chest pain
2. Systemic Signs
   • Unexplained weight loss
   • Fatigue
3. Specific Manifestations Depending on Type
   • Pleural Mesothelioma: Difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face or arms
   • Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Abdominal pain and swelling, changes in bowel habits

Why Diagnosis is Challenging

• Symptom Overlap: The symptoms often resemble those of more prevalent health conditions like pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to potential misdiagnosis.
• Latency Period: Symptoms may not manifest until decades after initial asbestos exposure, with a latency period ranging from 20 to 50 years. This delay can make it challenging to connect present symptoms with past asbestos exposure.
• Non-Specific Symptoms: Early indicators are often nonspecific, triggering assumptions of less severe conditions, thus delaying the pursuit of further diagnostic testing.

This confluence of factors makes it imperative for individuals with known asbestos exposure to undergo regular medical check-ups, especially if symptoms suggestive of mesothelioma arise. Early detection is crucial for better management and treatment outcomes.

Examples of Asbestos Lawsuits in Michigan

Since Michigan is one of the top 10 states for asbestos-related illnesses, it’s not surprising that several asbestos lawsuits have been filed. In fact, Michigan holds the record for the highest verdict amounts. For example, a Michigan plaintiff was awarded over $50 million after suing a car brakes manufacturing plant.

While such notable cases capture attention, it’s essential to understand the broader landscape of mesothelioma settlements and verdicts. Typically, the average mesothelioma settlement ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million. In contrast, average verdicts can be significantly higher, ranging between $5 million and $11.4 million.

These figures can vary greatly, influenced by numerous factors. The severity of the illness and the duration of asbestos exposure are crucial elements that can impact the final amount. Each case is unique, and outcomes are often dependent on the specifics of the situation.

For those navigating this challenging journey, legal expertise can be invaluable. Experienced lawyers in Michigan and beyond are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation possible, ensuring victims and their families receive the justice they deserve. These types of lawsuits have been frequent in Michigan for people who worked in car assembly factories and plants.

Mesothelioma Treatment in Michigan

Most of Michigan’s leading cancer centers are in the southeastern part of the state and offer mesothelioma treatment.

The Karmanos Cancer Institute is a top-notch cancer treatment center in Detroit with locations in the surrounding area. Multidisciplinary teams at Karmanos include specialists in mesothelioma.

The Van Elsander Cancer Center is located in Grosse Ponte Woods, just outside of Detroit. Multidisciplinary teams provide patients with advanced treatment options. Van Elsander has a Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program to treat patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

The Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is home to the Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Clinic. Specialists here can treat pleural mesothelioma with a range of advanced treatments. Specialists at Rogel also offer HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma.

It’s imperative to seek treatment from centers and physicians trained to deal specifically with asbestos-related diseases. These types of illnesses are much different than other types of cancers.

When my husband was diagnosed we had no idea what to do. Our doctor said we should reach out to an attorney to talk about compensation. After talking to several firms we found the mesothelioma lawyer center and were grateful we did. They helped with every step of the way. If you need a meso attorney then I would recommend contacting them

– Isabelle D.

Additional Information and Legal Assistance in Michigan

Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for information on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.