Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer are more likely to file a lawsuit over the past decade, new report finds
The number of mesothelioma lawsuits filed in the U.S. has risen significantly in recent years, according to a new report from KCIC, the consulting firm that published the mesothelioma litigation study, specializes in managing asbestos product liabilities.
According to the KCIC report, the number of lawsuits filed by patients with mesothelioma in the U.S. increased by more than 65% between 2007 and 2017. Most experts believe that the number of mesothelioma claims filed in the three years following the period analyzed in the study has continued to increase.
Overall, the number of individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma between 2007 and 2017 fell by 16%. Legal experts have attributed this decline to greater awareness about the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, and a decrease in the use of asbestos-containing products in the U.S.
More Data on Mesothelioma Lawsuits in the U.S.
KCIC’s data about the frequency of lawsuits involving mesothelioma cancer was drawn from medical data from the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database, U.S. Census Bureau data, and publicly available information about asbestos complaints filed in the U.S.
The KCIC report found that the average time between when a person receives a mesothelioma diagnosis and when they file a lawsuit is less than one year.
As the time between diagnosis and legal action has shortened, so too has the percentage of patients with mesothelioma who file a lawsuit increased: KCIC reports that while only about 40% of mesothelioma patients filed a lawsuit in 2007, by 2017, about 80% decided to take legal action.
KCIC also reports that while the rate of men who are diagnosed with mesothelioma has fallen over the past decade, the number of women who develop mesothelioma cancer has remained steady. As a result, the number of mesothelioma lawsuits filed by women who were diagnosed with the disease has accounted for a larger portion of the total number of asbestos cancer cases that are filed.
Patients With Other Asbestos Diseases May Qualify to File a Lawsuit
Although mesothelioma cancer is the most well-known disease linked to asbestos, exposure to products with asbestos can cause a number of other diseases, including asbestosis, silicosis, and other types of cancer. Patients who are diagnosed with other diseases linked to asbestos exposure may also be eligible to file a lawsuit.
In addition, workers who believe they were exposed to asbestos but who have yet to be diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may also qualify for free asbestos testing in order to determine whether they may have developed an asbestos illness. A mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer can tell you more about how to receive free asbestos testing to find out whether you have been affected by asbestos exposure.
Free Legal Consultation for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, silicosis, or other diseases linked to asbestos exposure, you may qualify to file a lawsuit and receive compensation to help with medical expenses. The first step in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit or a claim with an asbestos trust is to speak with an experienced asbestos litigation attorney, who can advise you of your rights and discuss the options to handle your case.
For a free legal consultation from an attorney — and to find out if you qualify for free asbestos testing — contact the lawyers at Hissey, Mulderig & Friend by calling toll-free at 1-866-863-3848. You can also reach us by completing the free case evaluation form located on the right side of this page. After we receive your information, a member of our staff will contact you in order to schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys.