Once a commonly used building material, asbestos is now known to cause several illnesses, sometimes decades after initial contact with the fiber. Unlike other personal injury cases, asbestos cases allow victims to seek compensation long after exposure. You could still have a case against an employer or manufacturer even if you were exposed years ago.
At Herschensohn Law, our asbestos attorneys serve Bellevue victims like you by investigating even decades-old cases and compiling evidence of asbestos exposure. We don’t just work to resolve your case but also to maximize what you get out of it. You deserve the best care and acknowledgment, and our team works to obtain that. Call (206) 588-4344 for more information.
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Asbestos cases require us to show that because you came into contact with the fiber, you or a loved one developed a related illness. Our core role involves establishing the date of the initial exposure and gathering supporting evidence.
However, our role is much more than that. Services our personal injury lawyers provide as part of your representation include:
Liable parties in asbestos cases are often well-versed in legal procedures, having faced similar claims or suits. They are prepared, but so are we. Our lawyers aim to hold the at-fault party accountable and settle for nothing less than you deserve.
Asbestos exposure is unique among personal injury claims and suits, given its long history in litigation and its delayed symptom onset. You want a law firm with a track record of handling these types of cases.
Our asbestos attorneys working in Bellevue have a documented history of getting verdicts and settlements in cases just like yours. Recent case results include the following for mesothelioma and lung cancer due to asbestos:
Our founder Zach Herschensohn has also been involved in asbestos claims for over 15 years, handling both initial cases and appeals, such as Coulter v. Asten Group, Inc.
Once a commonly used fiber in anything from roofing tiles to car parts, asbestos is now recognized as a human carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that about half of cancer deaths linked to occupations are due to asbestos exposure. It can lead to conditions like:
If you were diagnosed with one of these conditions, especially if you previously worked in certain industries, you could have grounds for a claim or lawsuit based on asbestos exposure.
This is because the risks of asbestos are well-known. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that there is no “safe” level of exposure to the fiber. If you were exposed and developed a related illness, you deserve compensation not only to pay for your care, but also to compensate you for the injustice.
Our asbestos attorneys aim to recover any of the expenses related to the medical care for your asbestos-related illness. These include both past and future costs, like:
If you suffer any complications from your illness, expenses stemming from treatment for that warrant compensation, too. For example, if you contract an infection due to a weakened immune system from cancer treatment, all your medical expenses related to that infection are considered part of your case. After all, you would never have experienced that infection if you weren’t ill due to the asbestos exposure.
Even ancillary medical expenses are potentially eligible. For instance, if you have to take an Uber every time you visit your oncologist, that cost is sometimes compensable. Our personal injury lawyers can help document these related costs.
Asbestos-related illnesses can temporarily or permanently disable you. Even if you can work for some of the time during your treatment, you will likely miss some work. Income losses are therefore a facet of your damages. If you’re retired, only work part-time, or make some side income from a monetized hobby, those income losses count, as well.
If you are permanently unable to work due to your mesothelioma or another life-altering illness, our asbestos lawyers can help you navigate the disability claims process and seek appropriate damages.
Going through aggressive treatments for conditions like cancer is also inherently traumatizing. That experience figures into your compensation, too. Financial recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life damages are available.
Sadly, many of these cancers are terminal. If you are a family member of someone who was exposed to asbestos and passed away from their illness, you can recover damages through a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.
Wrongful death damages can help pay for any medical bills that remain from your loved one’s treatment, as well as cover income they would have provided your family. Non-economic damages can also account for what your family member experienced prior to their passing.
In Washington, personal representatives are the ones who file for wrongful death. They represent everyone who qualifies for damages. Our wrongful death attorneys can help you understand who the personal representative is, how to file, and how to get the compensation you deserve.
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
“Zach and his team performed beyond my expectations! I couldn't have had a better firm in my corner!”
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“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
Because asbestos was once a widely used product, there is no single culprit for liability. Instead, our cancer and mesothelioma lawyers act as detectives to help track down how you were exposed. Our investigation can shed light on who is responsible.
Some common industries where asbestos exposure is more likely include these industries:
In fact, asbestos exposure was widespread enough in the military that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a page dedicated to disability compensation. We can help you explore accessing benefits as a veteran if you were exposed this way.
Some specific products are more likely to have contained asbestos, like brake pads, roofing materials, and fire-resistant products. If you worked with these, that is potentially the source of your illness. Given Bellevue’s proximity to the water, you may have experienced your asbestos exposure in a shipyard, a high-risk location.
Family members of those working in some of these industries are also at risk, exposed to fibers carried home by a loved one from their job. This could make you eligible for compensation, as well.
Not everyone who develops an asbestos-related illness was exposed at their workplace (or through a family member’s profession). Many people are exposed to asbestos present in their home or apartment building. We can help you fight for compensation regardless of how you were exposed to asbestos.
Liable parties in your asbestos cases may include:
More than one party could be liable for your losses, depending on your case’s details. For instance, if you were exposed at work through a product, both the manufacturer and your employer could share liability. Our lawyers analyze all the options in your Bellevue asbestos case.
Because many diseases caused by asbestos take years to manifest symptoms, you may have been completely unaware of any danger at the time of your exposure. As a result, you likely were not keeping evidence or documentation for any future legal case—why would you?
Don’t assume this bars you from taking legal action. Having experience handling mesothelioma and cancer cases means we have experience with finding and preserving evidence for even decades-old exposures.
Depending on the case, we could utilize:
In Washington, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of discovery, according to RCW § 4.16.080. That means the deadline is dated from when you discovered you contracted an illness from asbestos exposure, not from the exposure itself.
While this means you still have grounds for legal action after many years have passed, you shouldn’t delay learning more about your options once you are diagnosed. Three years may feel long, but that time is vital for tracking down records, constructing a legal strategy, and working on settlement negotiations.
The asbestos attorneys at Herschensohn Law serve cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis victims in and around Bellevue by seeking the best possible results. We are passionate about righting the wrong of long-term and widespread asbestos use. Contact our office today at (206) 588-4344 to learn about how we can right the wrong done to you. The consultation is free.
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.
