Why This Article Exists—And Why You Need It Now
Let me be direct: if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you're standing at the intersection of medical crisis and legal complexity. The asbestos industry knew their products were lethal decades before your exposure occurred. They chose profits over human lives. Now, in 2026, the legal landscape for asbestos litigation has evolved dramatically—some changes favor victims, others create new obstacles you need to navigate with precision.
I've spent years watching families struggle through this process, and I'm writing this to compress that learning curve for you. This isn't a theoretical exercise. This is about securing the financial resources you need for treatment, compensating your family for what's been stolen, and holding corporations accountable. The clock is ticking—not just because of statutes of limitations, but because mesothelioma is an aggressive disease that doesn't wait for anyone.
You're probably overwhelmed. Medical appointments, treatment decisions, emotional devastation. The last thing you want is to wade through legal jargon. But here's the truth: the quality of your legal representation will directly impact your family's financial future. Some firms will treat you like a case number. Others will fight like your life depends on it—because it does.
Understanding Mesothelioma: The Disease That Should Never Have Existed
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that forms in the mesothelium—the thin tissue lining your lungs, abdomen, or heart. Unlike most cancers, we know exactly what causes it: asbestos exposure. Not smoking. Not genetics. Not lifestyle choices. Asbestos. Full stop.
The latency period is what makes this particularly cruel. You were exposed 20, 30, sometimes 50 years ago. You felt fine. You built a life, raised a family, planned for retirement. Then, decades later, symptoms emerge: persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath. By the time most people are diagnosed, they're already in the later stages. The median survival time ranges from 12 to 21 months, depending on the type and stage.
There are four primary types you need to know about:
- Pleural Mesothelioma: Affects the lung lining. This accounts for about 75% of cases. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent cough, and difficulty breathing. It's the most common form because occupational asbestos exposure typically involves inhaling fibers.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Develops in the abdominal lining. Makes up roughly 20% of cases. Symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling, and unexplained weight loss. Interestingly, this form has shown better response rates to newer treatments like HIPEC (heated chemotherapy).
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: Affects the heart lining. Extremely rare, less than 1% of cases. Symptoms often mimic heart disease: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, heart murmurs.
- Testicular Mesothelioma: The rarest form, also less than 1%. Often discovered during surgery for other conditions.
The diagnostic process itself is often traumatic. You'll typically undergo chest X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and ultimately a biopsy. Pathologists need to examine tissue samples to confirm mesothelioma and determine the cell type—epithelioid (best prognosis), sarcomatoid (most aggressive), or biphasic (mixed). Each of these factors affects both your treatment options and the legal strategy your attorney will employ.
The Asbestos Connection: How Corporate Greed Created Your Crisis
Here's what infuriates me: the asbestos industry knew. Internal documents from companies like Johns-Manville, W.R. Grace, and Owens Corning reveal they understood asbestos caused disease as early as the 1930s. They had medical studies. They had autopsy reports. They knew workers were dying. And they made a calculated business decision to continue production and conceal the dangers.
Asbestos was everywhere because it was incredibly useful: heat-resistant, durable, and cheap. Insulation, brake pads, floor tiles, roofing materials, cement products, textile manufacturing, shipbuilding. If you worked in construction, automotive, manufacturing, maritime industries, power plants, or even schools and hospitals built before 1980, you were likely exposed.
The exposure pathways are diverse:
- Occupational Exposure: Direct workplace contact. This is the most common pathway. Shipyard workers, pipefitters, electricians, insulators, boilermakers, construction workers, auto mechanics—these occupations have the highest risk profiles.
- Secondary Exposure: Family members exposed through contaminated clothing. Workers would come home with asbestos fibers on their clothes, hair, and skin. Wives who laundered work clothes. Children who hugged their fathers after work. This pathway has generated some of the most heartbreaking lawsuits.
- Environmental Exposure: Living near asbestos mines or manufacturing facilities. Communities in Libby, Montana, and Ambler, Pennsylvania, were devastated by asbestos contamination.
- Consumer Product Exposure: Talcum powder contaminated with asbestos, older hair dryers, certain art supplies. This pathway has exploded in litigation since 2018, particularly the talc cases against Johnson & Johnson.
The criminal part? Many companies established bankruptcy trusts specifically to limit their liability while continuing to profit from asbestos-containing products in international markets. As of 2026, there are approximately 60 active asbestos bankruptcy trusts with over $30 billion in assets. These trusts were designed to compensate victims, but navigating them requires specialized legal expertise.
Why You Need a Specialized Mesothelioma Attorney—Not Just Any Lawyer
Let's clear up a common misconception: not all personal injury attorneys can handle mesothelioma cases effectively. This is a hyper-specialized field that requires specific knowledge, resources, and experience. Here's why:
The Legal Complexity Is Staggering
Mesothelioma litigation involves multiple defendants, bankruptcy trusts, decades-old employment records, product identification, and complex medical causation testimony. Your attorney needs to:
- Identify every potential defendant—often 20 to 40 companies or more
- Trace your work history back decades to establish exposure pathways
- Navigate multiple jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations
- File claims with bankruptcy trusts while simultaneously pursuing litigation
- Coordinate with medical experts who can testify about causation
- Understand the science of fiber types, exposure levels, and latency periods
A generalist attorney will drown in this complexity. A specialized mesothelioma firm has databases of products, job sites, and defendants. They have relationships with expert witnesses. They know which judges are favorable and which jurisdictions move quickly. This infrastructure is worth millions in case value.
Time Is Your Enemy
Statutes of limitations vary by state, but they're typically one to three years from diagnosis or discovery. Some states pause the clock if you're actively pursuing treatment, others don't. If you die before filing, different rules apply for wrongful death claims—sometimes with shorter windows.
But the real urgency isn't just legal deadlines. It's your health. Depositions and testimony require your participation. If your condition deteriorates, it becomes harder to identify exposure sources, recall work details, and provide compelling testimony. Judges often expedite mesothelioma cases for this very reason—but you need to file first.
Evidence Preservation Is Critical
Think about what you need to prove: where you worked, what products contained asbestos, which companies manufactured those products, and that the exposure caused your disease. Some of this evidence is disappearing:
- Companies go out of business or are acquired
- Employment records are destroyed after retention periods
- Co-workers who can corroborate your testimony pass away or become unavailable
- Product literature and safety data sheets are lost
Specialized mesothelioma attorneys have investigators who track down this evidence before it vanishes. They have repositories of historical documents, product catalogs, and testimony from previous cases. This institutional knowledge is irreplaceable.
What to Look for in a Mesothelioma Attorney: Your Selection Criteria
Not all mesothelioma firms are created equal. Some advertise aggressively but outsource cases. Others have impressive websites but limited trial experience. Here's how you separate the exceptional from the mediocre:
Track Record and Results
Ask directly: What's your average settlement or verdict amount in mesothelioma cases? How many cases have you handled? What's your success rate? Top firms should have secured hundreds of millions in compensation for clients. They should have landmark verdicts, not just settlements.
Why does this matter? Because defendants know which firms have trial capabilities. If you hire a firm with a reputation for settling cheap, you'll get lowball offers. If you hire a firm that's taken cases to verdict and won, defendants take you seriously from day one.
National Reach and Resources
Your exposure might have occurred in multiple states. Products were manufactured in one location, distributed nationally, and used at job sites across the country. You need a firm with:
- Licenses to practice in multiple jurisdictions or partnerships with local counsel
- The financial resources to front litigation costs (these cases can cost $100,000+ to prosecute)
- Access to top medical experts, industrial hygienists, and economic damages specialists
- Established relationships with bankruptcy trustees
Small regional firms might have local expertise, but mesothelioma litigation is increasingly a national game. The biggest verdicts come from firms that can compete at that level.
Personalized Attention vs. Case Mill Operations
This is the tension: you want a firm with massive resources, but you don't want to be case number 4,372 in a factory operation. Ask these questions:
- Who will handle my case day-to-day? Will I meet that person before signing?
- How often will you update me on case developments?
- Can I reach my attorney directly, or do I go through paralegals and assistants?
- What's your current caseload? How many mesothelioma cases are you actively litigating?
You want a firm that combines scale with personal service. Some firms achieve this through team-based models where a senior attorney supervises but a dedicated team manages your case. Others maintain smaller caseloads with more direct attorney involvement. Either can work—what doesn't work is feeling abandoned after you sign the retainer agreement.
Contingency Fee Structure and Transparency
Reputable mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation. Typical fees range from 25% to 40% of the recovery, depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial.
But the fee percentage isn't the only cost consideration. Ask about:
- Costs and Expenses: Are these deducted before or after the attorney fee is calculated? Who pays if the case is lost?
- Bankruptcy Trust Fees: Do they charge additional fees for trust claims, or is everything covered under one contingency arrangement?
- Settlement Authority: Can the firm settle your case without your explicit approval?
Get this in writing. A good firm will provide a clear, understandable retainer agreement that spells out fees, costs, and your rights.
Trial Experience—Not Just Settlement Mills
Here's an uncomfortable truth: some mesothelioma firms exist primarily to generate quick settlements. They sign clients, file claims, collect settlements from trusts, and take their fee. They rarely, if ever, go to trial.
Why does this matter to you? Because trial capability creates leverage. If defendants know your attorney has never tried a case to verdict, they have no incentive to offer fair value. They can lowball you knowing you'll probably take it.
Ask: When was the last time you took a mesothelioma case to trial? What was the verdict? Can you provide references from clients whose cases went to trial?
You might never go to trial—most cases settle. But you want that option. You want defendants to fear the courtroom. That fear translates directly into settlement value.
The Legal Process: What to Expect Step-by-Step
Let me walk you through what actually happens after you hire an attorney. Understanding this process reduces anxiety and helps you prepare.
Phase 1: Case Investigation and Preparation
Your attorney will conduct an extensive intake interview. They need to understand:
- Your complete work history, including part-time jobs, military service, and even brief assignments
- Specific job duties and the products you worked with or around
- Co-workers who can corroborate your exposure
- Your medical history and current treatment plan
- Financial losses: medical expenses, lost wages, projected future costs
They'll gather medical records, employment records, military service records, and any documentation of asbestos exposure. They'll consult with medical experts to review your diagnosis and establish causation. This phase typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Phase 2: Filing the Lawsuit and Identifying Defendants
Your attorney will file a complaint in the appropriate jurisdiction. Choosing the right venue matters—some states are more plaintiff-friendly, some move faster, some have favorable laws on damages.
The complaint will name multiple defendants: product manufacturers, distributors, property owners, contractors, and potentially bankruptcy trusts. A typical mesothelioma lawsuit might name 30 to 50 defendants initially. Many will be dismissed or settle early; others will fight through trial.
Phase 3: Discovery—The Information War
This is where your case is built or destroyed. Discovery involves:
- Interrogatories: Written questions both sides must answer under oath
- Document Production: Defendants must provide internal documents, safety data sheets, product literature, and correspondence
- Depositions: You'll give sworn testimony, typically in a conference room with attorneys from all sides present. Your deposition might last several hours or even multiple days. This is recorded and transcribed.
- Expert Depositions: Medical experts, industrial hygienists, and economic damages experts will be deposed
Your deposition is crucial. Defendants' attorneys will test your credibility, probe your memory, and look for inconsistencies. A good attorney prepares you thoroughly—often through multiple preparation sessions and mock examinations.
Phase 4: Bankruptcy Trust Claims
Simultaneously with litigation, your attorney will file claims with relevant bankruptcy trusts. This is a parallel process with separate deadlines, documentation requirements, and claim forms.
Trust payments vary wildly. Some trusts pay quickly—within 6 to 18 months. Others take years. Payment percentages range from 1% to 100% of claim value depending on the trust's solvency and payment schedule. Your attorney should pursue multiple trusts simultaneously to maximize recovery.
Phase 5: Settlement Negotiations or Trial
Most mesothelioma cases settle before trial—roughly 95%. Settlement negotiations often intensify as trial approaches. Defendants evaluate their exposure, your attorney demonstrates case strength, and both sides assess risk.
Settlements can be structured as:
- Lump Sum Payments: One-time payment, typically the goal for immediate medical needs and family security
- Structured Settlements: Periodic payments over time, sometimes offering tax advantages
- Combination Arrangements: Immediate lump sum plus periodic payments
If settlement negotiations fail, your case goes to trial. Mesothelioma trials typically last 2 to 6 weeks. You'll testify, experts will testify, and a jury will determine liability and damages. Verdicts can range from zero to tens of millions of dollars. The uncertainty is significant, which is why most cases settle—but trial capability drives settlement value.
Compensation: What You Can Actually Recover
Let's talk numbers. Settlement and verdict amounts in mesothelioma cases vary dramatically based on multiple factors, but understanding the range helps you set realistic expectations and evaluate attorney promises.
Average Compensation Ranges in 2026
Based on current data:
- Settlements: $1 million to $2.4 million on average, though this includes cases that settle early for much less and cases that settle during trial for much more
- Jury Verdicts: $5 million to $11.4 million on average, though many verdicts are reduced on appeal or through post-trial motions
- Bankruptcy Trust Claims: $200,000 to $600,000 total across all trusts, though this depends entirely on which trusts apply to your exposure history
These are averages. Individual results depend on case-specific factors. I've seen settlements below $500,000 for cases with limited evidence. I've seen verdicts exceeding $30 million for particularly egregious cases with strong facts.
Factors That Drive Compensation Value
Your case value depends on:
- Age and Life Expectancy: Younger victims with longer projected lifespans typically receive higher awards for lost future earnings and loss of consortium
- Extent of Exposure: Long-term, high-intensity exposure to multiple asbestos products increases both liability strength and damages
- Number of Viable Defendants: More defendants with insurance coverage means more potential recovery sources
- Jurisdiction: Some states allow punitive damages, others don't. Some states cap damages, others don't. Jury pools in different regions have different attitudes about corporate liability
- Comparative Fault: If you smoked, defendants will argue cigarette smoking contributed to your disease. This can reduce recovery in some jurisdictions
- Quality of Evidence: Strong testimony from co-workers, product identification documentation, and expert opinions substantially increase case value
- Medical Prognosis: While cruel, prognosis affects damages calculations. Cases involving longer survival with aggressive treatment often result in higher awards for pain and suffering
Types of Damages You Can Recover
Mesothelioma compensation typically includes:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future costs of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials, palliative care, and hospice
- Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: Income you've lost due to inability to work, plus projected future earnings if you're unable to return to work
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and reduced life expectancy
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation to your spouse for loss of companionship, affection, and marital relations
- Punitive Damages: Available in some jurisdictions when defendants' conduct was particularly reckless or malicious. These are designed to punish and deter
Tax Considerations
Generally, compensation for physical injury or illness is not taxable under federal law. This includes both settlements and verdicts. However:
- Punitive damages are taxable
- Interest on awards is taxable
- Compensation for lost wages may be taxable
- State tax rules vary
Consult with a tax professional about your specific situation, especially for large recoveries. Proper structuring can preserve more money for your family.
Veterans and Mesothelioma: Special Considerations
If you're a veteran, you face a unique situation. The military used asbestos extensively from the 1930s through the 1970s—in ships, barracks, vehicles, and equipment. Navy veterans, particularly those who served on ships, face the highest risk. But all branches used asbestos.
VA Benefits vs. Legal Claims
You can pursue both VA disability benefits and a mesothelioma lawsuit simultaneously. These are separate systems:
- VA Benefits: Monthly disability payments, healthcare through the VA system, and potential dependency benefits for your spouse. The VA uses a percentage-based disability rating system. Mesothelioma typically qualifies for a 100% disability rating.
- Legal Claims: File suit against manufacturers of asbestos products used by the military. You cannot sue the military itself, but you can sue the companies that supplied asbestos-containing products.
The VA benefits process is notoriously slow and bureaucratic. Many veterans find they need legal assistance just to navigate VA claims. Some mesothelioma law firms have dedicated veterans' departments that handle both VA claims and civil litigation.
Evidence Challenges for Veterans
Military service records help establish that you served and where you were stationed, but they rarely detail specific asbestos exposure. Your attorney needs to:
- Identify the ships, bases, or facilities where you served
- Document which asbestos products were used at those locations
- Find expert witnesses familiar with military use of asbestos
- Locate former service members who can corroborate exposure
Specialized mesothelioma firms have databases of military vessels, the asbestos products used on them, and testimony from previous cases. This institutional knowledge is invaluable for veterans' cases.
Common Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case
Let me warn you about pitfalls I've seen devastate otherwise strong cases:
Waiting Too Long to Contact an Attorney
You're focused on treatment and dealing with the emotional shock. I understand. But every week that passes:
- Memories fade and details become harder to recall
- Witnesses become unavailable or their memories deteriorate
- Evidence disappears
- Statutes of limitations tick closer to expiration
Contact an attorney within weeks of diagnosis, not months. Initial consultations are free. You're not committing to anything by having a conversation.
Signing with the First Firm That Contacts You
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, you'll likely receive calls and letters from law firms. Some are top-tier specialists. Others are middlemen who will refer your case out and take a cut. Some bought your contact information from data brokers.
Interview at least three firms before deciding. Compare their experience, approach, and how they make you feel. This is a relationship that will last months or years. Choose wisely.
Failing to Disclose Complete Work History
That summer job in construction during college? That six-month stint in a factory before you changed careers? That military service you never mention? These could be critical to your case.
Asbestos exposure is cumulative. Even brief exposures contribute to disease development. Your attorney needs complete information to identify all potential defendants and exposure pathways.
Discussing Your Case on Social Media
Defense attorneys monitor social media. That Facebook post about going on vacation? They'll use it to argue you're not as impaired as you claim. That photo of you doing yard work? They'll argue your damages are exaggerated.
Lock down your social media or better yet, stop posting during litigation. Assume everything you post online will be seen by defense counsel and used against you.
Accepting a Quick Settlement Without Understanding Its Adequacy
Early settlement offers often seem tempting. You need money now. You're scared. You don't want to fight.
But early offers are often a fraction of true case value. Defendants make lowball offers hoping you'll take it before understanding what your case is worth. Before accepting any settlement:
- Ensure all bankruptcy trust claims have been filed
- Get a full assessment of your damages, including future medical costs
- Understand whether the settlement releases all potential defendants
- Have your attorney explain why this amount is fair given your specific circumstances
The Emotional and Practical Dimensions: What People Don't Tell You
Beyond the legal mechanics, let's talk about what this process actually feels like and how to navigate it while living with a terminal diagnosis.
The Psychological Toll of Litigation
Pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit means reliving your work history, confronting your mortality, and engaging in an adversarial process while you're already fighting for your life. This is exhausting.
Defense attorneys will question your credibility. They'll imply you can't remember details because you're lying, not because events happened 40 years ago. They'll suggest other factors caused your disease. This isn't personal—it's their job—but it feels personal.
Build a support system. Lean on family, friends, support groups, therapists. Many cancer centers offer psychological support services specifically for mesothelioma patients. Use them.
Having "The Conversation" with Your Family
Your lawsuit isn't just about you—it's about securing your family's financial future after you're gone. This means having difficult conversations about estate planning, life insurance, how the settlement will be structured, and what your spouse and children will need.
These conversations are painful but necessary. Your attorney can facilitate them and ensure the legal and financial structures are in place to protect your family.
Balancing Treatment with Legal Requirements
Depositions, medical examinations, document review—these require time and energy you need for treatment and living. A good attorney structures the legal process around your treatment schedule and limitations.
Communicate openly with your legal team about your capabilities. If you're too fatigued for a full-day deposition, say so. If you need to reschedule because of treatment side effects, speak up. Reputable firms accommodate these realities.
What Happens If You Pass Away During Litigation
This is the hardest part to discuss, but you need to know: if you die before your case resolves, it doesn't disappear. The claim converts to a wrongful death action that your estate and family can continue.
However, the nature of recoverable damages may change. Some states limit wrongful death damages compared to personal injury claims. Your testimony is also lost, which can weaken the case.
This is why timing matters. The stronger your case is established while you're alive and can testify, the better positioned your family is if the worst happens.
Emerging Trends and Considerations for 2026
The legal landscape continues evolving. Here's what's different in 2026:
Secondary Exposure Litigation Is Exploding
Family members who developed mesothelioma from handling a worker's contaminated clothing are increasingly successful in litigation. Courts are recognizing that companies had a duty to warn not just workers, but their families about take-home exposure risks.
If you developed mesothelioma and never worked directly with asbestos, but your spouse, parent, or sibling did, you may have a viable claim. Don't assume you don't qualify just because you weren't the worker.
Talc Litigation Remains Active
Johnson & Johnson's bankruptcy strategy to resolve talc liabilities is still playing out in courts. If you used talcum powder products for decades, particularly before 2000, and developed mesothelioma, you may have claims related to asbestos contamination in talc.
These cases are distinct from occupational exposure cases and require different legal approaches and expertise.
Bankruptcy Trust Abuse Allegations
Some defense attorneys and industry groups claim plaintiffs "double dip" by settling with solvent defendants without disclosing bankruptcy trust payments. This has led to laws in some states requiring disclosure of trust claims.
These laws affect litigation strategy. Your attorney needs to coordinate bankruptcy trust claims with litigation settlements to ensure compliance while maximizing recovery. This is another reason why specialization matters—these are technical, evolving issues that general practitioners can't navigate effectively.
Accelerated Trial Dates
More courts are implementing expedited procedures for mesothelioma cases, recognizing the time sensitivity. This benefits plaintiffs by forcing quicker resolutions, but also requires attorneys who can prepare cases rapidly and effectively.
Your Action Plan: Next Steps Right Now
If you're reading this because you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, here's what you should do immediately:
Step 1: Document Everything
Start a journal or digital file recording:
- Every job you've held, with dates, locations, and job duties
- Names of supervisors and co-workers who can corroborate your work
- Specific products or materials you worked with
- Any safety equipment (or lack thereof) provided
- Military service details, including ships, bases, and assignments
- Your medical appointments, treatments, and symptoms
Your memory will fade as stress and illness progress. Capture details now while they're fresh.
Step 2: Secure Your Medical Records
Request complete medical records from every provider involved in your diagnosis and treatment. Your attorney will need these, but getting them yourself speeds the process. Pay attention to:
- Pathology reports confirming mesothelioma diagnosis
- Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, PET scans)
- Treatment plans and protocols
- Oncologist notes and consultations
Step 3: Research and Interview Attorneys
Identify at least three mesothelioma-specialized law firms. Look for firms with:
- National recognition and significant verdicts/settlements
- Specific mesothelioma practice groups, not just general personal injury
- Positive client reviews and testimonials
- Clear explanations of fees and costs
Schedule consultations. Most are free. Come prepared with questions about their experience, approach, and what they see as strengths and challenges in your specific case.
Step 4: Don't Sign Anything Until You're Comfortable
Take time to review retainer agreements. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. A good firm will explain everything clearly and never pressure you to sign immediately.
Step 5: Focus on Your Health While Your Attorney Handles the Rest
Once you've hired qualified counsel, trust them to manage the legal process. Your job is to fight your disease, spend time with family, and live as fully as possible given the circumstances.
Respond promptly when your attorney needs information or your participation, but otherwise, let them carry the legal burden while you focus on what matters most.
The Hard Truth and the Real Hope
I'm not going to sugarcoat this: mesothelioma is a brutal disease that never should have existed. You were exposed because companies prioritized profits over human lives. That's not speculation or rhetoric—it's documented fact proven in thousands of court cases.
The legal system can't give you your health back. It can't restore the years you'll lose. It can't eliminate the fear and pain you're experiencing.
But here's what it can do:
It can ensure you receive the best possible medical care without worrying about cost. It can provide financial security for your spouse and children after you're gone. It can hold corporations accountable for the harm they caused. It can send a message that human lives matter more than balance sheets.
And sometimes—not always, but sometimes—it can provide a sense of justice and closure that helps you and your family find peace in an impossible situation.
The companies that exposed you to asbestos are counting on you being too overwhelmed, too sick, or too uninformed to fight back. They have massive legal teams, unlimited resources, and decades of experience minimizing liability.
But you have something they don't: the truth on your side, a legal system that increasingly recognizes their culpability, and specialized attorneys who have dedicated their careers to holding them accountable.
You didn't choose this fight. But now that you're in it, fight with everything you have. Get the best legal representation you can find. Document your story. Participate in the legal process to the extent you're able. And know that by doing so, you're not just securing your family's future—you're contributing to a body of evidence that may protect others from the same fate.
This is your moment to be heard. Make it count.