Statute of Limitations

Statute of Limitations Explained

Filing a lawsuit is usually one of the last things to cross a cancer patient’s mind. The stress of a mesothelioma diagnosis is a lot to handle, and finding treatment always comes first. However, patients and family members need to file their claim quickly to ensure they can receive compensation.

The statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases is different than other personal injury claims. While the time to file a typical personal injury claim starts at the time of the injury, mesothelioma cases are different because of the disease’s long latency period.

Therefore, special rules apply to mesothelioma cases that allow the statute of limitations to start from the time a diagnosis is made or the time a patient passed away. This ensures the statute of limitations doesn’t run out before a patient realizes anything is wrong.

Statute of Limitations by State

Each state has its own statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases. Sometimes a mesothelioma case is even filed in multiple states if there are multiple exposures or defendants. If the statute of limitations in one state has run out, there are often other states where a case can still be pursued.

Patients who wish to pursue a lawsuit have anywhere from 1-6 years from their diagnosis to file a claim. Wrongful death claims are different, however. The statute of limitations for spouses and dependents filing a wrongful death case begins on the date when the patient passed away. Below is a list of the statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases in each state based on whether the claim is for personal injury or wrongful death.

Filing a Mesothelioma Claim

It’s important for patients and families to act quickly in filing a mesothelioma claim. Since the statute of limitations is only a year in some states, filing quickly can ensure that you don’t miss out on getting the money your family deserves.

Even if you think the statute of limitations for your case has expired, an experienced mesothelioma attorney may be able to file a claim in a state with a longer statute of limitations.

Mesothelioma Guide can connect you with attorneys who can successfully determine the statute of limitations for your case and get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Get connected with an experienced attorney for free legal advice today.