Colorado Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits - A Guide for Lung Cancer Victims

Due to its latent nature, many people who were exposed to asbestos decades ago are just now being diagnosed with lung, larynx, and ovary cancers and other illnesses as a result.

Though it has not been used in manufacturing or building for years, there are naturally occurring asbestos deposits in the Rocky Mountains and other places throughout Colorado, putting workers at nearby mining operations at risk. However, most cases in Colorado occur in cities like Denver, where construction and factory workers, like those at the Western Minerals Plant, were repeatedly exposed over years. If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, consult with an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process.

There are a few ways Colorado asbestos litigation can lead to compensation for medical costs and other damages. If the asbestos exposure occurred in the workplace, you may be able to file a claim through worker’s compensation. If the company responsible for your asbestos exposure has gone bankrupt due to asbestos-related lawsuits against them, you may be able to get a payout from the company’s asbestos trust fund.

Sometimes, the best course of action is to sue the responsible parties. Colorado injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help determine which options are available to you and advocate for you through every step of the process.

The first step toward filing asbestos claims in Colorado is to seek help from an attorney with experience in asbestos exposure lawsuits. They will ask for information about your work history, potential exposures, and medical records.

If your attorney determines you have a case, they will begin the process of building your case. This will include gathering relevant information and receiving a thorough medical evaluation from a qualified professional.

Once your attorney has filed the lawsuit, the company or companies named will have a chance to respond. In Colorado, the defendant has 21 days to respond to a civil suit summons. They may ask for the case to be dismissed or delay the start of the trial.

After they’ve responded, the discovery process begins. During discovery, both sides share any relevant information so that they are building their cases with all available information. This information may be obtained through written questions, requests for documentation, and depositions.

From filing to negotiating settlements, pleading your case in court, and, if necessary, appealing the ruling, our team is prepared to represent you through every part of the process.

Anytime after filing the suit, and before a verdict has been reached, your lawyer may negotiate a settlement. The defendant may prefer to settle out of court so they don’t have to use more resources fighting the case and avoid the negative press that results from a lengthy court battle.

The plaintiff, or party that filed the lawsuit, may be compensated sooner if they reach a settlement, as court cases can last years. Reaching a settlement will also ensure compensation and eliminate the risk of losing in court.

If no settlement is reached before the trial, both parties will make their case in court. Whichever party loses has the option to appeal the decision. This can extend the length of the process, and there’s no guarantee the result will be different from the original ruling.

Carabin Shaw reviews show that we go above and beyond to fight against the parties responsible for your lung cancer diagnosis. Request a free case review by calling 800-862-1260 toll-free. A staff member will be available to speak with you in English or Spanish 24/7.

We also offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.

For more information:

• Cancer.org
• MRDATA
• CDC