Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, you’re likely overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. Oslund Udo Little helps families across Washington, Oregon, and the greater Pacific Northwest get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our team can guide you through every step of filing an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit, including taking your case to court if necessary.
Call us today or complete our online contact form to get started.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer From Asbestos Exposure?
Are Asbestos Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma the Same Thing?
Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Lung Cancer from Asbestos Exposure?
What Are the Steps to Filing an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit?
Why Should You File an Asbestos Lawsuit?
What Is the Deadline To File an Asbestos Lawsuit?
Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit Timeline and Payouts
What Other Compensation Claims Are Available if I Have Lung Cancer From Asbestos Exposure?
Why You Need an Asbestos Lawyer Like Oslund Udo Little for Your Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit
Contact the Asbestos Lawyers at Oslund Udo Little for a Free Consultation Today
- Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer and cause symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.
- Legal action holds negligent companies accountable and helps victims recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
- Washington’s statute of limitations is three years, while Oregon’s is two years. Missing this deadline may forfeit your right to compensation.
- Besides filing a lawsuit, compensation may be available through asbestos trust funds or VA benefits for veterans exposed during military service.
What Is Asbestos Lung Cancer?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing due to its heat resistance and durability. However, exposure can over time lead to serious diseases, including cancer.
Lung cancer is a disease where cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that interfere with breathing and may spread to other parts of the body. When asbestos exposure triggers the development of cancerous cells, the diagnosis is referred to as asbestos lung cancer.
Disturbed asbestos breaks into tiny fibers that are easily inhaled or swallowed. When someone breathes in asbestos fibers, they travel deep into the lungs. Once there, the fibers can linger for years before causing detectable harm. Asbestos irritates lung tissue, potentially leading to scarring, cellular changes, and, eventually, cancer.
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even the smallest disruption of materials—such as drilling into drywall or removing old insulation—can release fibers into the air. Inhalation is the most common and dangerous form of asbestos exposure, though fibers can also be swallowed if they are caught in mucus and ingested.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer From Asbestos Exposure?
Lung cancer may not appear for decades after asbestos exposure. When it does, symptoms often mimic other respiratory illnesses and can include:
- Intense coughing
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
- Spitting and coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm
- The occurrence of other respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Unexplained feelings of weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
Are Asbestos Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma the Same Thing?
No, asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma are different types of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Both conditions are serious, but their treatments, progression, and legal options differ.
Lung cancer affects the lung tissue itself. It typically presents as a tumor within the lung and can be non-small cell or small cell cancer. Smoking and asbestos exposure together greatly increase the risk.
Mesothelioma forms tumors in the lining around the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The disease is almost exclusively linked to asbestos and tends to spread more aggressively.
Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Lung Cancer from Asbestos Exposure?
Which Occupations Have the Highest Asbestos Exposure Risk?
Certain industries carry a higher risk due to the historical use of asbestos in construction materials, machinery, and insulation. Oslund Udo Little has extensive knowledge of exposure sites throughout the Pacific Northwest and can assist you in gathering evidence for your case.
High-risk occupations include:
What Is Secondary Asbestos Exposure?
Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when someone who works around asbestos unknowingly brings fibers home on their clothing, hair, or skin. Family members who inhale these fibers can face the same health risks as those with direct asbestos exposure.
What Are the Steps to Filing an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit?
Step 1: Consult an Experienced Asbestos Attorney
The first step is to speak with a lawyer who focuses on asbestos-related cases. We have the resources and background to build a strong case and make sure nothing is missed.
Step 2: Gather Evidence To Prove Asbestos Exposure
We work with you to collect documents such as employment history, military records, witness statements, and medical reports. This evidence helps show how and when exposure happened and ties it to your lung cancer diagnosis.
Step 3: Filing Your Asbestos Claim
Your asbestos cancer lawyer handles the preparation and filing of your lawsuit on your behalf. This includes identifying the responsible companies, choosing the appropriate court, and meeting all applicable deadlines.
Step 4: Negotiating an Asbestos Settlement
Many asbestos claims are resolved through settlement. We work to negotiate a fair amount that reflects your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Step 5: Taking Your Case to Court if Needed
If a settlement isn’t reached, we’re fully prepared to argue your case in court. We’ll present evidence, call witnesses, and fight for a verdict that holds the responsible parties accountable.
Why Should You File an Asbestos Lawsuit?
If your cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos, whether decades ago or more recently, you deserve accountability and compensation. Taking legal action allows you to seek justice and financial relief.
Holding Companies Accountable for Asbestos Exposure
The dangers of asbestos have been well-documented since the 1930s, and restrictions on its use date back to the 1970s. Many companies understood the risks but continued using asbestos in their products—ranging from insulation and ceiling tiles to automotive parts and hair dryers—without warning employees or consumers.
Filing a lawsuit exposes this negligence and forces asbestos companies to answer for the harm they caused.
Receiving Compensation for Damages: Lost Wages, Medical Bills and More
Treating lung cancer from asbestos places a heavy financial burden on your family. Filing a lawsuit gives you a chance to recover damages, both economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover tangible losses with monetary value, such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Transportation for treatment
- In-home care or rehabilitation
Non-economic damages address the impact on your quality of life. These are harder to quantify, but an experienced asbestos attorney can fight to get you appropriate compensation. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Protecting Your Family’s Future
Lung cancer impacts the whole family. A successful asbestos lawsuit can ease the financial strain by helping to cover daily expenses, medical care, and housing costs. It’s a way to regain control of an otherwise overwhelming situation and protect the people who matter most.
What Is the Deadline To File an Asbestos Lawsuit?
Asbestos and lung cancer cases are subject to a legal deadline called the statute of limitations. This is the length of time you have to file a lawsuit after receiving a diagnosis or after a loved one passes away.
Missing this window could mean giving up your right to seek compensation. That’s why consulting a knowledgeable asbestos lawyer right away is crucial. The team at Oslund Udo Little can determine how much time you have to file and keep your case on track.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Oregon and Washington?
Filing deadlines vary by state. If you live in Seattle or Portland, here’s what you need to know:
- Washington statute of limitations: You have three years from the date of diagnosis or death to file.
- Oregon statute of limitations: You have two years from the date of diagnosis or death to file.
Are There Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations?
Yes. Some situations may extend or alter the deadline, especially in instances of wrongful death or when exposure history takes time to uncover. A skilled asbestos attorney can help evaluate whether an exception applies to your case.
Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit Timeline and Payouts
No two lung cancer and asbestos cases are exactly alike. These lawsuits may resolve in as little as 6 to 18 months. However, this is just an estimate. Some claims take much longer, depending on a range of factors.
Cases may wrap up more quickly if:
- The medical and exposure evidence is clear and compelling.
- The companies involved are willing to settle out of court.
- Only one or two defendants are named.
- The court schedule is relatively open.
- Trust fund claims are available and properly filed.
Other cases may take longer if:
- The claim goes to trial rather than settling.
- Multiple companies are involved and delay negotiations.
- Witnesses need to be located or deposed.
- Additional time is required to gather employment or military records.
- The court is facing backlogs or procedural delays.
What Other Compensation Claims Are Available if I Have Lung Cancer From Asbestos Exposure?
A lawsuit isn’t your only option. Other forms of compensation may be available based on your work history, diagnosis, or military service.
What Are Asbestos Trust Funds?
Asbestos trust funds were created by bankrupt companies that once used asbestos in their products. These companies were required to set aside money for future victims.
If you qualify, you can file a claim directly with a trust fund without having to go to court. We can identify which trusts you’re eligible for and help you submit your claim correctly.
VA Disability Claims for Military Veterans
Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service may qualify for VA disability benefits. These claims provide monthly compensation and access to additional healthcare resources.
Why You Need an Asbestos Lawyer Like Oslund Udo Little for Your Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit
sbestos cases require knowledge of product history, exposure sites, medical science, and legal strategy. Working with a skilled lawyer can make the difference between a denied claim and a successful recovery. With offices in Washington and Oregon, our firm is familiar with the regional exposure history and has decades of experience representing asbestos victims and their families.
Since 1995, we have fought on behalf of thousands of clients affected by asbestos exposure. In that time, our team has recovered over $1 billion in compensation through settlements and court verdicts, and we’re ready to help you pursue the justice you deserve.
Contact the Asbestos Lawyers at Oslund Udo Little for a Free Consultation Today
We’re ready to speak with you at no cost. Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. You may not even need to travel—we’ll come to you or set up a virtual meeting at your convenience.
Call us at 206-957-9510 if you’re in Washington or at 503-447-6230 if you’re in Oregon to speak with an attorney today. We’re ready to help you take the next step toward justice and recovery.
Asbestos Lawsuit FAQs
Who Can Sue for Asbestos Exposure?
If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, you may have the right to sue. This includes people exposed at work, in the military, or through secondary contact, such as handling a spouse’s contaminated work clothes. Family members of deceased victims can also file a wrongful death claim.
Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure Before a Lung Cancer Diagnosis?
In general, asbestos lawsuits are only allowed after a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma. If you were exposed but are not sick, document your exposure now and speak with an asbestos attorney to understand your options.
Can I Sue if I Was Exposed to Asbestos Years Ago?
Yes. Many people diagnosed today were exposed to asbestos several decades ago. The law allows claims to be filed once a disease is discovered, regardless of when the exposure happened.
Do I Have To Hire an Attorney for My Asbestos Lung Cancer Case?
You’re not legally required to hire an attorney, but doing so greatly increases your chances of success. An experienced asbestos lawyer knows how to prove exposure, identify the companies responsible, and maximize your compensation.
How Much Does It Cost To File a Lung Cancer Lawsuit?
We don’t charge upfront fees or ask you to pay anything out of pocket. We work on a contingency basis, so we only get paid if we recover money for you.
What Is the Average Settlement for an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit?
Many asbestos or mesothelioma settlements range from $1 million to $1.4 million. We’ll help you understand the potential value of your case during your consultation.
How Long Do Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuits Take To Settle?
Some asbestos lung cancer lawsuits resolve within 6 to 18 months. The fastest settlements usually involve clear evidence and trust funds. Cases that go to court or involve multiple defendants may take several years.
Can I File an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit After the Death of a Loved One?
Yes. If your loved one passed away from lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, you may have the option to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf to cover funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of their passing.
Will I Need To Travel To File a Lawsuit?
Usually, no. We can travel to your home for the initial consultation and conduct much of the legal process by phone or video call. We aim to make the process as convenient and stress-free as possible.
Can I Still File a Lawsuit if the Company Responsible No Longer Exists?
Yes. Many companies that used asbestos have since gone bankrupt, but they were required to set up trust funds for future victims. Our lawyers can help you access those funds, even if the original company is no longer in operation.
