If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, you may be wondering if hiring an attorney is the right step. Asbestos-related illnesses can be life-altering, and seeking legal representation can help you secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
But how do you know when it’s time to take legal action? Here are nine clear signs that hiring a lung cancer attorney is a smart move.
1. You Have a Confirmed Diagnosis Linked to Asbestos
A lung cancer diagnosis is devastating, but if doctors have confirmed that your illness is linked to asbestos exposure, legal action with the help of a lung cancer attorney for asbestos exposure may be necessary.
Asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma are often caused by prolonged exposure in workplaces such as construction sites, shipyards, and manufacturing plants. If your diagnosis is tied to asbestos, an attorney can help you build a strong case and pursue compensation.
2. You Worked in an Industry with High Asbestos Exposure
Certain industries have a long history of asbestos use, and if you’ve worked in one of them, you may be at risk. Common occupations include:
- Construction workers – Asbestos was frequently used in insulation, roofing, and flooring materials.
- Shipyard workers – Many ships were built with asbestos-containing materials.
- Factory workers – Manufacturing plants often used asbestos in machinery and equipment.
- Firefighters – Older buildings that catch fire can release asbestos into the air.
- Military personnel – Veterans, particularly those in the Navy, were exposed to asbestos in ships and military bases.
If you worked in any of these fields and have been diagnosed with lung cancer, an attorney can help you determine if your illness is asbestos-related and whether you have a claim.
3. Your Employer or Manufacturer Knew About the Risks
Many companies were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure but failed to warn or protect their employees. If there’s evidence that your employer, a manufacturer, or another responsible party knew about asbestos hazards but did nothing, they could be held legally accountable.
A lawyer can investigate your case and uncover proof of negligence.
4. You Were Exposed to Asbestos Years Ago
Asbestos-related illnesses don’t develop overnight. It can take decades for lung cancer symptoms to appear, meaning that exposure from 20, 30, or even 40 years ago could be the cause of your illness today.
If you suspect that past asbestos exposure is responsible for your condition, an attorney can help track down responsible parties and navigate legal time limits.
5. You’re Facing Significant Medical Expenses
Lung cancer treatment can be incredibly expensive, with costs for chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other medical needs piling up quickly. If your illness was caused by asbestos exposure, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone.
A lung cancer attorney can help you pursue compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and future care expenses.
6. You Want to Hold Negligent Parties Accountable
If your lung cancer was caused by asbestos exposure due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek justice. Companies that knowingly exposed workers or consumers to asbestos should be held responsible for their actions.
Filing a lawsuit not only helps you get compensation but also raises awareness and pushes for better protections for others.
7. You’re Unsure About Your Legal Options
The legal process surrounding asbestos-related claims can be complex. Many victims don’t realize they have legal rights, and others may not know where to start. If you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, an attorney can review your case and provide guidance on the best course of action.
Most asbestos lawyers offer free consultations, so you can get the information you need without financial risk.
8. You Have Dependents Who Rely on You
If you have family members who depend on you financially, hiring an attorney is even more critical. Lung cancer can make it difficult—or even impossible—to continue working, which can put a strain on your household.
A successful legal claim can help secure compensation to support your loved ones and ease financial concerns during this challenging time.
9. You’re Aware of a Trust Fund for Asbestos Victims
Many companies that used asbestos in the past have set up trust funds for victims of asbestos-related diseases. If you believe you may be eligible for compensation from one of these funds, an attorney can help you file a claim.
These funds exist to ensure that victims receive financial support, even if the responsible company has since gone out of business.
Taking the Next Step
If any of these signs apply to you, it’s time to consider speaking with a lung cancer attorney. A legal expert can help you understand your options, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait too long to take action—legal deadlines apply to asbestos cases, and the sooner you begin, the better your chances of securing justice.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Rhino Rank. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on January 29, 2025.
Cover photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash.