FAQs on Mesothelioma in Massachusetts

Every year, thousands of men and women are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. This tragedy could have been prevented if companies profiting from the use or sale of products containing asbestos had shared their knowledge of the dangers with consumers, workers, and the general public.

Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of asbestos exposure victims and their families. Here, we provide answers to commonly asked questions about mesothelioma.

Where Has Asbestos Exposure Occurred in Massachusetts?

Workers may have been exposed to asbestos in the many shipping and manufacturing job sites in Boston and the surrounding area. In addition to those industries, thousands of people have been exposed during construction of colleges, universities, and hospitals. Common asbestos exposure sites in the Boston area include:

• Boston Edison Company
• Charlestown Navy Yard (currently called the Boston Navy Yard)
• Bethlehem Hingham Shipyard
• Fore River Shipyard
• Salem Harbor Power Station

Many other victims were exposed to asbestos in the workplace at commercial and industrial job sites.

Can a Person Exposed to Asbestos in the Military Get Government Compensation?

Veterans who have developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos while serving in the military may file a VA claim for benefits from the U.S. government. This will not prevent a victim from filing a civil lawsuit to recover compensation from responsible third parties.

How Do You Know if You Have Mesothelioma?

If you have a history of asbestos exposure, see your doctor as soon as possible. A physician can monitor your health and order any necessary diagnostic testing. Mesothelioma is most common in the tissue surrounding the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma causes the following symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Painful coughing
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin of the chest

Are Mesothelioma Claims Class Action Lawsuits?

Class action lawsuits are group actions in which a class representative represents the interests of other similarly situated individuals. Mesothelioma claims are not class actions – they are individual lawsuits. However, in some jurisdictions, the court may join several individual mesothelioma claims in a single trial when the cases share common issues for decision by a jury.

Does Workers’ Comp Cover Mesothelioma?

An employee who develops mesothelioma after asbestos exposure on the job is entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the injury. Workers’ comp also includes weekly payments for disability, based on a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage. These benefits are usually not be sufficient for asbestos exposure victims. Most often, it is advisable to file a third-party claim against a manufacturer, supplier or other at-fault parties.

Do Mesothelioma Cases Usually Go to Trial?

More than 90% of mesothelioma claims settle out of court. Large amounts of compensation are often recovered from the asbestos industry. Our Massachusetts mesothelioma attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the maximum compensation available in your case.

What Happens If the Responsible Party Declares Bankruptcy?

When an asbestos manufacturer declares bankruptcy, that company is required to set up a trust with the bankruptcy court for asbestos exposure victims. To obtain compensation from a trust, a person diagnosed with mesothelioma will need to present proof of exposure to the asbestos-containing products of that company. The victim may also need to present evidence that he or she was present at an approved work site recognized by that particular bankruptcy trust.

Our Massachusetts mesothelioma attorneys at Levy Konigsberg can advise you of your options under the law and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve for asbestos exposure leading to mesothelioma. Contact us today at (800) 315-3806.