Kansas City mesothelioma lawyers help victims of asbestos exposure in the area seek compensation. As the largest city in Missouri, Kansas City has a robust economy with many industries that used asbestos for decades. Workers exposed in the past are now at risk of severe illnesses like mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Kansas City, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim and much more.
Take the first step towards justice by contacting us for a free legal consultation. Our team will help you understand how you were exposed to asbestos and gather the crucial evidence needed to support your case. This initial consultation is designed to provide clarity and direction, ensuring that you have a strong foundation for your legal journey.
By combining expert legal advice with comprehensive resources, you can navigate the complexities of your claim with confidence. Let us assist you in identifying the best course of action, from pinpointing exposure sources to establishing undeniable proof, ensuring you maximize your potential compensation.
The law firm has successfully obtained compensation exceeding $9.8 billion for individuals affected by mesothelioma nationwide, encompassing those residing near Kansas City and beyond.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Kansas City Asbestos Facts
- Missouri had 4,711 asbestos-related deaths between 1999 and 2017.
- Of those deaths, nearly 500 were in Kansas City and Jackson County.
- Industries, including chemical manufacturing and vermiculite processing, were major contributors to exposure in the city.
Why Do I Need a Kansas City Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are sick because one or more companies negligently exposed you to asbestos. You have a legal right to hold those companies accountable and to seek compensation.
A mesothelioma lawyer plays a crucial role in this process by helping you and your family pursue compensation and justice for your injuries. These specialized lawyers have the expertise to navigate complex asbestos litigation, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and precision.
In many cases, families can recover the money owed without ever going to trial—and sometimes, without leaving their home. This highlights the lawyer’s ability to simplify the legal process, making it as stress-free as possible for you.
Taking legal action against these large companies requires expert legal guidance. Top-rated Missouri mesothelioma lawyers serving Kansas City have the experience, expertise, and resources to help you win your case. Asbestos cases are complicated. A local lawyer who can come to you is essential. They should also be backed by a large firm with broad jurisdiction. They must have the resources necessary to prove your mesothelioma came from asbestos associated with specific companies.
When choosing a mesothelioma lawyer, consider these key factors:
- Decades of Experience: Look for attorneys with a long history of handling asbestos-related cases. This experience translates to a deep understanding of the complexities involved in mesothelioma litigation.
- Proven Track Record: Seek lawyers who have demonstrated success in recovering substantial compensation for their clients. A strong track record is indicative of their ability to effectively advocate on your behalf.
- No Financial Risk: Opt for a firm that operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case. This arrangement alleviates financial stress and aligns their success with yours.
Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference. A seasoned attorney will manage the legal intricacies, allowing you to concentrate on your health and family. Prioritize support, expertise, and a commitment to your well-being during this challenging time.
By reaching out to a Kansas City mesothelioma lawyer, you can take the first step towards holding negligent companies accountable while securing the compensation your family deserves.
What Are My Legal Options for Mesothelioma?
The right Kansas City lawyer will explain all your options for seeking compensation for past asbestos exposure. You might be eligible for one or more of these actions:
- Filing a mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit: Many cases are settled out of court, which means you could receive compensation without going through a lengthy trial. Settlements can provide significant financial relief to cover medical expenses and other related costs.
- Making an asbestos trust fund claim: There are approximately $30 billion in trust funds established by asbestos companies specifically for individuals affected by asbestos-related diseases. These funds offer a viable option for receiving compensation without court involvement.
- Filing a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit: Similar to personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits often conclude with out-of-court settlements. This allows families to secure compensation for their loss and associated expenses without the stress of a courtroom battle.
- Filing for VA benefits: Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for medical and financial benefits through the VA. Specialized attorneys, accredited by the VA, can assist in preparing and submitting claims to ensure veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to.
By exploring these options, mesothelioma patients and their families can potentially secure the financial support they need without the added burden of a court trial.
How Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Can Alleviate Financial Burdens
Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can be a strategic step in managing the financial challenges brought on by this serious illness. Here’s how it can assist with medical costs and ensure your family’s future stability:
1. Financial Compensation for Medical Expenses
- Coverage for Treatment Costs: A successful lawsuit may lead to compensation that directly addresses the high costs of medical treatments, including surgeries, chemotherapy, and ongoing care.
- Funds for Future Needs: Settlements often account for future medical needs, ensuring patients have the resources to continue treatment without financial stress.
2. Securing Your Family’s Future
- Income Replacement: If mesothelioma has impacted your ability to work, a lawsuit can result in compensation that serves as a substitute for lost wages, providing a financial safety net for your family.
- Support for Dependents: The compensation might include provisions for dependents, ensuring that their educational and day-to-day needs are met.
3. Guidance Through the Legal Process
- Expert Legal Support: Partnering with experienced attorneys can simplify the legal process, making it less overwhelming and more manageable for you and your loved ones.
- Stress Reduction: Instead of navigating complex legal terrain alone, legal professionals handle the intricacies, allowing you to focus on health and family.
By pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit, you may find relief from financial pressures and peace of mind for your family’s well-being. This legal avenue serves both as a financial safeguard and a pathway to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
What Are the Costs Associated with Hiring a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Kansas City?
When considering legal representation for mesothelioma cases in Kansas City, understanding the costs involved is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- No Upfront Fees
- Many law firms specializing in mesothelioma cases operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not need to pay any initial fees or costs out-of-pocket to hire their legal services.
- Payment Based on Results
- These firms only receive payment if they secure compensation for your case. This approach aligns their interests with yours—ensuring dedication to achieving a successful outcome.
- Transparent Agreements
- Before proceeding, you will typically enter into a clear agreement outlining the percentage of any settlement or compensation that the lawyer will receive. This provides transparency and allows you to understand the financial commitment involved.
- Peace of Mind
- The contingency fee structure removes the financial barrier of accessing experienced legal help, allowing you to focus on your health and family while the legal team works on your behalf.
By choosing a mesothelioma lawyer in Kansas City who offers these terms, you can pursue your case without the stress of financial risk or upfront legal costs. This arrangement not only facilitates access to justice but also ensures that the legal team is motivated to fight for the best possible outcome for your situation.
Understanding Missouri’s Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims
When it comes to filing a mesothelioma claim in Missouri, timing is everything. The statutes of limitations in Missouri set a finite window during which patients and their families can initiate legal action.
What is the Time Frame?
- Personal Injury Claims: Typically, individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma have five years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury claim. This time frame allows individuals to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one has unfortunately passed away due to mesothelioma, families generally have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Why Act Promptly?
Understanding and adhering to these time constraints is crucial. Missing the deadline could mean losing the right to seek rightful compensation. Therefore, it is crucial to act swiftly upon diagnosis.
Next Steps
If you or your loved ones have been affected by mesothelioma, it is advisable to consult with legal professionals who have experience in asbestos-related claims. Prompt action ensures that you are within the legal timeframe to stand a chance in pursuing justice and compensation.
How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Kansas City?
Asbestos was once used heavily in many industries, including several that operated in Kansas City. If you lived and worked here decades ago, you were likely exposed to asbestos on the job.
Some of the industries that most used asbestos in Kansas City in the past include:
- Construction
- Chemical manufacturing
- Industrial manufacturing
- Oil refining
- Steel working
- Mineral processing
Some examples of specific companies and workplaces that put Kansas City workers at risk of asbestos exposure include:
Harcros Chemical Incorporated
Chemical manufacturing is an industry that once heavily relied on asbestos. Harcros Chemical Incorporated once used it in all of its plants, including at its headquarters in Kansas City.
High-temperature machinery and equipment contained asbestos to prevent overheating and fires.
Subsequently, thousands of workers at Harcros facilities risked asbestos exposure. The company had manufacturing plants across the country.
Although Harcros stopped using asbestos in the late 1970s, this didn’t stop lawsuits after workers developed serious asbestos-related diseases.
Zonolite Vermiculite Processing
Kansas City was once home to a W.R. Grace/Zonolite vermiculite exfoliation facility. In the 1960s, the plant received thousands of tons of vermiculite from the Libby, Montana, vermiculite mine, which was found later to be contaminated with asbestos.
Exfoliation of vermiculite is particularly risky for asbestos exposure. The process releases fibers and puts workers and even nearby residents at risk. Anyone who worked there or lived in the area could have been exposed.
Asbestos in the Jackson County Courthouse
While much asbestos exposure in Kansas City occurred in the past, some workers continue to be at risk. This is because asbestos lingers in many older buildings, including in public buildings like the Jackson County Courthouse.
Workers in the courthouse won a major victory in 2016 when they received an $80 million settlement for asbestos exposure. The county hired U.S. Engineering to renovate the old building’s pipes and air-handling units, which contained asbestos.
The company failed to protect workers from asbestos dust while doing the work in the 1980s. One worker in the building, Nancy Lopez, died from mesothelioma in 2010 at the age of 56. Her family sued U.S. Engineering and settled for $10.4 million.
The thousands of other workers in the courthouse joined a class-action lawsuit, suing for damages even though they did not yet show signs of asbestos illnesses. The settlement of $80 million will pay for medical monitoring for the plaintiffs over the next 30 years.
Other Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Kansas City
Chemical and mineral industries were major sources of asbestos exposure in Kansas City, but not the only ones:
Hospitals
- Children’s Mercy Hospital
- Grace Hospital
- St. Joseph Hospital
- Research Medical Center
- Saint Luke’s Hospital
- Kansas City VA Medical Center
Schools
- Pasco High School
- Kansas City Art Institute
Electric Companies
- Association Electric
- Edison Electric and Power Company
- Empire District and Electric Company
- Kansas City Electric Light Company
- Kansas City Public Utilities
Hotels
- Alcazar Hotel
- Grand Avenue Hotel Company
- Muehlebach Hotel
- The Raphael Hotel
Steel Companies
- Armco Steel Corporation
- Midwest Steel Division
- Scullin Steel Company
- Sheffield Steel Corporation
- United Aluminum & Steel
Other Companies
- Colgate Palmolive Plant
- Philips Refinery
- Procter & Gamble Plant
How Asbestos Exposure Leads to Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is a hidden danger that can have serious, long-term health effects. Here’s how it happens:
- Inhalation or Ingestion: When asbestos fibers are released into the air, either through damaged materials containing asbestos or other disturbances, they can be inhaled or swallowed. This is particularly common in environments where asbestos is used in construction, manufacturing, or worn down over time.
- Lodging in Organ Linings: Once these tiny fibers enter the body, they can embed themselves in the protective linings of major organs, such as the lungs, in a layer called the mesothelium.
- Persistent Irritation: Over the years, these fibers can irritate the healthy tissues they come into contact with. Unlike other foreign particles, asbestos fibers are not easily expelled or broken down by the body.
- Onset of Disease: This irritation can eventually lead to cell damage and genetic changes, fostering the development of mesothelioma. The latency period of this cancer is exceptionally long, potentially spanning 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.
- Final Stages: By the time symptoms arise, mesothelioma is often in an advanced stage, making early detection challenging.
Understanding the mechanics of asbestos exposure and its long-term effects underscores the importance of preventive measures and stringent regulations in places prone to asbestos presence.
Are There Any Costs Associated with Hiring Mesothelioma Attorneys?
When considering legal representation for mesothelioma cases, financial concerns are often top of mind. Fortunately, many mesothelioma lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which can ease these worries substantially.
- No Upfront Payments: You won’t be required to pay any hourly fees or initial out-of-pocket costs. This structure allows you to focus on your health and case without financial stress.
- Payment Upon Success: Attorneys typically receive their fees only if they secure compensation for you. This means their payment is contingent on a successful outcome, aligning their interests with yours.
- Transparent Agreements: Before starting your case, your attorney will provide a detailed agreement outlining the contingency fee percentage, ensuring you are fully aware of how they get paid.
By choosing a legal team that follows this payment model, you can pursue justice and potential compensation without financial burden.
Mesothelioma Treatment in Kansas City
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, getting specialist care is essential. Kansas City is home to one Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute:
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
4001 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS
844-323-1227
The lung cancer department can treat patients with pleural mesothelioma. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma benefit from HIPEC treatment here, the leading treatment type for this kind of mesothelioma that is not available everywhere.
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.
Getting Legal Help in Kansas City
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.
