Can a victim’s family sue because of past negligence? | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Although there is a statute of limitations as to how long a family has to file a wrongful death lawsuit, there are some cases where they may be able to pursue for past negligence. For example, our firm has represented the families of many retired railroad workers who developed mesothelioma. This is a type of lung cancer that is a result of working with asbestos. Although the exposure happened years ago, the courts have said that railroad companies can be held liable for the victims’ illness and subsequent death.