Asbestos exposure is a real problem in Walnut Creek, and throughout California. In fact, the Golden State has more naturally-occurring asbestos sites than anywhere else in the country. If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos due to the negligence of someone else, a Walnut Creek mesothelioma lawyer can help you claim compensation that can help with your medical treatment and more.
The Laws on Asbestos Exposure in CaliforniaIn California, there are two sets of safety regulations intended to protect people from the large amount of naturally occurring asbestos in the state. Together, these laws are known as the Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCMs) and they apply to surfacing applications as well as the construction, grading, quarrying and surface mining. Surfacing applications include the sale or production of the aggregate material such as sand and gravel, in known asbestos locations. The ATCMs also apply to the mining and construction activities in and near known asbestos locations.
The California statutes also include general industry safety orders, which is a set of laws on asbestos and other known carcinogens. These laws largely mirror the federal law on asbestos regulations and expands on them. Lastly, to reduce airborne contaminants that are known toxins, California also follows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) national emission standards.
Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma CasesLike all personal injury cases in the state, mesothelioma lawsuits are governed by a statute of limitations. This is the time limit you have to file your claim. Anyone who develops mesothelioma after being exposed due to another person’s negligence has one year from the date of the diagnosis to file their claim. If someone passes away from mesothelioma due to the negligence of another person, loved ones have one year from the date of death to file a claim.
It is critical that these lawsuits are filed on time. If the statute of limitations expires and you have not filed your claim, you will forfeit your right to claim any damages at all. One year is also not a lot of time to file your claim. Prior to filing, a mesothelioma lawyer in Walnut Creek can conduct an investigation to determine what caused the asbestos exposure and which party is liable for it.
Damages Available in Mesothelioma CasesA person can claim damages for all of their losses in a mesothelioma case. Individuals that have been exposed due to someone else’s negligence can hold liable parties accountable for paying their medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Family members who have lost a loved one due to asbestos exposure can pursue damages such as funeral and burial costs and loss of love and companionship in a wrongful death claim.
Call Our Mesothelioma Attorney in Walnut Creek TodayIf you or someone you love developed mesothelioma due to negligent asbestos exposure, our Walnut Creek mesothelioma attorney at Brod Law Firm can help you claim the full damages you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.