Mesothelioma, a severe cancer caused by exposure to asbestos – a mineral widely used in the construction and manufacturing industries in the past – entitles patients to seek compensation for their damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, by filing a lawsuit against the parties accountable for their asbestos exposure. In this article, we will delve into the most common defendants in mesothelioma lawsuits in the USA.
Who Are the Defendants in Mesothelioma Lawsuits?
In the realm of mesothelioma lawsuits in the United States, there are a number of typical defendants that are frequently involved. These defendants are often businesses that either produced, distributed, or sold asbestos-containing products, or businesses that neglected to take the necessary safety precautions to shield their workers from asbestos exposure. The defendants in mesothelioma lawsuits can span across manufacturers, distributors, contractors, suppliers, and property owners, among others. Knowing the types of defendants involved in mesothelioma lawsuits can aid victims and their loved ones in determining who may be responsible for their asbestos-related injuries.
Most common defendants in mesothelioma lawsuits:
In the context of mesothelioma lawsuits, there are a variety of defendants who can potentially be held accountable for the asbestos exposure that caused the illness. In this section, we will delve into the most frequently encountered defendants in mesothelioma litigation.
Manufacturers and Distributors of Asbestos-Containing Products:
In the US, manufacturers and distributors of asbestos-containing products are frequently sued for their role in causing mesothelioma. These companies are responsible for creating, producing, marketing, and selling products that contain asbestos, including materials used in construction and automobile manufacturing. Despite being aware of the hazards posed by asbestos, many companies continued to use it until the late 1970s, leading to numerous cases of asbestos exposure and resulting in mesothelioma. As a result, many of these companies are now being held liable for the harm they caused.
Employers:
In addition to manufacturers and distributors, employers can also be held accountable for their role in exposing workers to asbestos. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace and to protect their employees from hazardous substances. If an employer was aware of the risks posed by asbestos but failed to take necessary precautions, they can be held liable for any resulting harm. This is particularly common in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, where asbestos was widely used in the past.
Premises Owners:
Premises owners are often in the crosshairs of mesothelioma lawsuits, as they can be held liable for allowing asbestos-containing products to be installed on their property or for failing to warn workers or visitors of the presence of asbestos. Whether it’s commercial building owners, landlords, or homeowners, these premises owners can be held responsible if they knew or should have known about the presence of asbestos and failed to take necessary precautions to prevent exposure. With the help of skilled mesothelioma attorneys, victims and their families can hold these premises owners accountable and obtain the compensation they need to cope with the disease’s devastating effects.
Government Entities:
The long arm of the law extends even to government entities in mesothelioma lawsuits in the USA. The government, at the federal, state, or local level, can be held accountable for exposing people to asbestos through their negligence or failure to protect them from asbestos exposure. Veterans, for instance, have a higher risk of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during their service. The government has been found liable for exposing veterans to asbestos, with some receiving compensation for their injuries through VA claims and lawsuits. Local governments, too, may be culpable for exposing citizens to asbestos through their negligence or lack of regulation of asbestos-containing buildings or products. Consultation with a mesothelioma lawyer can shed light on the potential liability of a government entity in a specific case.
Conclusion:
In the realm of mesothelioma lawsuits, the identity of the defendant can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Nonetheless, manufacturers and distributors of asbestos-containing products, employers, premises owners, and government entities are frequently listed as defendants. Correctly identifying the defendants is critical to obtaining just compensation for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Consulting with a skilled mesothelioma lawyer can be an invaluable asset in identifying and pursuing claims against the responsible parties.
