Asbestos exposure: esophageal cancer claim eligibility

How does asbestos exposure lead to esophageal cancer?

Asbestos, a mineral fiber historically used by a number of industries because of its resistance to heat, electricity, and chemical damage, has now been classified as a carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. Exposure to asbestos, even decades ago, carries the risk of esophageal cancer - cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.

Asbestos-related symptoms do not become evident until at least 10-20 years after the initial exposure. An accurate and early diagnosis can significantly improve patient survival rates but also entitles him/her to compensation. If you developed esophageal as a result of occupational exposure to asbestos in an industrial setting or the military, you are eligible for compensation or financial assistance. Victims of secondary exposure to asbestos are also able to recover compensation for the pain and suffering that they have endured.

What are the eligibility criteria for filing an esophageal cancer claim?

Decades ago, many negligent manufacturers that knowingly exposed workers to asbestos were inevitably headed for bankruptcy. As a measure of protection against litigation, many of these companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, these companies were required to set aside significant sums of money to help former workers injured by occupational asbestos exposure recover the financial compensation they deserve.

To obtain the compensation you deserve, you have to prove the following:

• you have an esophageal cancer diagnosis and a history of asbestos exposure;
• you have to get copies of X-rays, pathology reports, and doctors’ notes that indicate you have esophageal cancer;
• you have to get employment records if your exposure was a result of your employment at a location where asbestos was found;
• if you developed esophageal cancer based on a family member’s exposure, document the relative’s exposure to asbestos.

Our team of legal experts can help you gather the necessary evidence to support the connection between your disease and asbestos exposure so you can focus on your health.

If you developed esophageal cancer after serving in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for compensation granted by the VA if you meet the following requirements:

• you were discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general);
• you were exposed to asbestos-containing products during your military service;
• you have a disability caused by your exposure to asbestos during your military service.

If you have a diagnosis of esophageal cancer that may stem from asbestos exposure, you may qualify for substantial compensation through one or more of the established asbestos trust funds as well as VA claims, if you are a veteran. You can also receive compensation by filing a claim against the companies responsible for exposing you to asbestos, even if the companies in question have no trust fund established. Veterans, dependents, and survivors can recover compensation from all these sources.

Asbestos-related esophageal cancer and our legal process

Are you a former industrial worker or served in the military and subsequently developed esophageal cancer? Our qualified legal professionals can help you navigate each trust fund’s statute of limitations, rules, and requirements. We are available to evaluate your cancer diagnosis and employment history and discuss your right to seek compensation consisting of payment for:

• medical bills related to your cancer treatment;
• lost wages or lost future earning capacity;
• pain and suffering.

We can also help you estimate the health care costs of newly diagnosed esophageal cancer so you can request the maximum amount of compensation available. Additionally, we can claim and successfully recover the compensation on behalf of family members who underwent secondary asbestos exposure.