Investigators play a crucial role in mesothelioma cases. They help gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case. This involves several key activities, each aimed at uncovering the details of asbestos exposure.
Interviewing the Client
The first step in the investigation process is interviewing the client. Investigators ask detailed questions about the client’s work history and any other potential sources of asbestos exposure. Your memory is an important piece of this puzzle. Investigators are trained to dig deep into the client’s past to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Exploring Work and Personal History
Investigators also explore the client’s work and personal history. This includes looking into past jobs, hobbies, and even household items that might have contained asbestos. They aim to identify all possible sources of exposure, ensuring a comprehensive investigation.
Identifying Secondary Exposure
In addition to direct exposure, investigators also look into secondary exposure. This occurs when someone is exposed to asbestos indirectly, such as through a family member who worked with asbestos. Identifying secondary exposure is crucial for building a strong case, as it can significantly impact the outcome.
Utilizing Product Identification Tools
Understanding Asbestos-Containing Products
Mesothelioma law firms often start by identifying asbestos-containing products. These products were commonly used in construction, automotive, and other industries. Knowing which products contained asbestos helps in tracing the source of exposure.
Client Interaction with Identification Tools
Clients play a crucial role in this process. They are asked to recall and identify products they may have come into contact with. This can include items like insulation, tiles, or even talc-based products. The more details clients provide, the stronger the case becomes.
Strengthening the Case with Product Links
Linking a client’s exposure to specific products is vital. Law firms use databases and historical records to connect asbestos companies to the products in question. This helps in holding the right parties accountable and strengthens the legal case.
Gathering Documentation and Witness Testimonies
In mesothelioma cases, collecting documentation and witness testimonies is crucial. This evidence can significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome, whether in a trial or settlement.
Tracing Asbestos Exposure to Specific Companies
Mesothelioma law firms play a crucial role in tracing asbestos exposure back to specific companies. This process is essential for building a strong case and securing compensation for victims. Here’s how they do it:
Cross-Referencing Job Sites
Investigators start by asking clients about their work history, including the job sites where they were exposed. Law firms maintain extensive records of job sites known for heavy asbestos use. By cross-referencing this information, attorneys can pinpoint exact locations where exposure likely occurred.
Identifying Responsible Parties
Once the job sites are identified, the next step is to determine which companies were responsible for the asbestos exposure. This involves researching the companies that operated at those sites and identifying their role in the exposure. This step is crucial for holding the right parties accountable.
Using Databases and Historical Records
Law firms utilize various databases and historical records to support their findings. These resources include employment records, safety reports, and other documentation that can help trace the exposure to specific companies. By gathering this evidence, attorneys can build a compelling case that links the exposure to the responsible parties.
The Importance of National Law Firms in Asbestos Cases
Advantages Over Local Firms
National mesothelioma law firms have a significant edge over local ones. They have years of experience helping people affected by mesothelioma. These firms know how to investigate your history of asbestos exposure and can trace it back to specific companies’ wrongdoing. They work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid until you do. This minimizes client stress as they handle most of the work and provide frequent updates on your case.
Access to Extensive Resources
National firms have access to extensive resources that local firms might lack. They represent clients around the country and will travel to you if needed. Their dedicated careers to helping asbestos victims and studying the wrongdoings of asbestos companies make them more capable of fully investigating your claim. They will find all liable asbestos companies and determine where to file a lawsuit.
Experience with Multi-State Claims
Experienced national law firms know how to file a case in a jurisdiction that is most favorable to their client. This helps in terms of the amount they will receive and the speed of receiving the compensation. They have helped families in all 50 states secure compensation from the companies that exposed them to asbestos. Their ability to handle mesothelioma lawsuits often leads asbestos companies to settle rather than risk a battle in court.
Proving Secondary Asbestos Exposure
Understanding Secondary Exposure
Secondary asbestos exposure happens when someone comes into contact with asbestos fibers indirectly. This often occurs when a person who works with or around asbestos brings the fibers home on their clothing, hair, or skin. Family members can then be exposed to these dangerous fibers without ever stepping foot in a workplace where asbestos is present.
Gathering Evidence from Primary Exposure
To prove secondary asbestos exposure, it’s crucial to gather evidence from the person who had primary exposure. This includes:
- Employment records: These documents can show where and when the primary person worked with asbestos.
- Workplace safety reports: These reports can provide details about the presence of asbestos at the job site.
- Witness statements: Co-workers can offer testimonies about the working conditions and the presence of asbestos.
Interviewing Family and Colleagues
Talking to family members and colleagues of the person with primary exposure is another key step. They can provide valuable insights and testimonies about how the asbestos fibers were brought into the home. Even if the person with primary exposure has passed away, these interviews can still help build a strong case.
Piecing together this evidence helps lawyers build a compelling case demonstrating secondary asbestos exposure. They help plaintiffs hold those responsible accountable.
