ABA Family Legal Guide

Personal Injury

Strict Liability

Product Liability

My father's job exposed him to asbestos. Now he has lung disease. Is it too late to file a claim?

It may not be too late. Many people who suffered injuries from toxic substances such as asbestos did not know at the time of exposure that the compounds were harmful. As a result, some states have enacted laws allowing people to file lawsuits for a certain amount of time from the date when the lung impairment or cancer begins, rather than from the date of exposure. A lawyer can tell you whether your father still has time within the statutes of limitations applicable in your state.