There are many different chemicals that are used in different industries or different products in Washington and Oregon. These various chemicals have various purposes that can be valuable for the product or industry, but they can also be harmful to the workers in the industries and people who use the products. One of these chemicals is asbestos. This was used and is found in many different types of industries.
It is common for people working in shipyards and on ships, firefighters, pipefitters, military and navy personnel, construction and other industries to be exposed to asbestos. People working in these industries must take the proper safety precautions when working with asbestos because many years after exposure to asbestos, people can develop mesothelioma, which can have many serious health complications for those who develop the disease.
They may incur significant medical bills as they treat the disease. While they are treating it, they also may not be able to work and lose income as a result. People who find themselves with mesothelioma may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit and seek compensation from those responsible for exposing people to asbestos. This could be the employer if they did not provide the proper safety equipment or potentially the manufacturer of the asbestos as well.
Average compensation received through lawsuits
People who file successful lawsuits can receive significant amounts of compensation as they have many damages as a result of the mesothelioma. Over the years average mesothelioma settlements have ranged between $1 million and $1.4 million while jury verdicts have averaged $2.4 million. Some of this compensation is being paid by companies no longer in existence through asbestos trust funds they were required to set up for future victims.
Many people in the Pacific Northwest work in industries that expose them to asbestos. Many of these people have or will develop mesothelioma. This is a very serious disease that can completely change people’s lives. Many people who develop this disease do so because employers or others do not adequately warn them of the dangers or provide them with adequate protection. This should not happen and holding the appropriate people accountable is important. Experienced attorneys understand the process of these lawsuits and may be able to guide one through it.