Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The near-exclusive cause is exposure to asbestos fibers, which were widely used in construction, shipbuilding, automotive, and manufacturing industries throughout much of the 20th century. In many cases, workers inhaled microscopic fibers that became lodged in their lungs or in case of peritoneal mesothelioma in the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms of these malignant tumors may not appear until decades later, making it difficult for victims and their families to understand when and where exposure occurred.
Unfortunately, the disease is almost always fatal, and treatment costs are significant. Because asbestos exposure is preventable, and since its hazards and the means of reducing them have been known by manufacturers for decades, many courts in the United States have held companies accountable for failing to protect employees, consumers, and their families. This has led to compensation claims and verdicts in the millions of dollars for victims and their surviving relatives.
Who We Are: Urban Thier & Federer (UTF)
Urban Thier & Federer, P.A. (UTF) is an international law firm with offices across the United States, Germany, Spain, France, the United Kingdom as well as in Middle East and South America. For more than 25 years, our attorneys have represented foreign individuals and companies in U.S. litigation. We understand that navigating the American legal system can be overwhelming for clients based abroad.
What sets us apart:
- International focus: Our team is fluent in multiple languages, ensuring that clients can receive advice and guidance in their native language.
- Cross-border litigation experience: For decades, we have bridged the gap between U.S. courts and international clients, explaining complex procedures in clear, practical terms.
- Partnerships with U.S. trial firms: We work closely with highly experienced local trial lawyers across all 50 states, ensuring our clients benefit from both local courtroom expertise and our international coordination.
Our Role in Mesothelioma Litigation
Pursuing a mesothelioma claim in the United States requires deep knowledge of both state and federal law as well as experience with asbestos litigation. Each state has different procedural rules, statutes of limitations, and compensation funds available to victims of asbestos mesothelioma.
At UTF, we do not act in isolation. Instead, we cooperate with trusted U.S. law firms that focus exclusively on mesothelioma and asbestos litigation. Many of these firms have secured large settlements and jury verdicts for their clients. By combining their state-level expertise with our international representation, we provide a seamless experience for non-U.S. clients.
Our role includes:
- Initial consultation: We meet with clients (virtually or in person) in their language to explain the process.
- Case evaluation: We assess whether a U.S. connection exists, such as prior work, residence, or exposure to asbestos in the U.S. This is essential, because a lawsuit in the U.S. can only proceed if there is a clear U.S. connection.
- Coordination with local counsel: We connect clients with our local partner firms and ensure consistent communication and strategy.
- Court representation: Together with our U.S. colleagues, we appear before courts and represent our clients’ interests throughout the litigation process.
Why Foreign Clients Choose UTF
Many foreign victims of mesothelioma are unsure whether they can pursue claims in the United States. With UTF, clients benefit from:
- Trusted guidance from day one: Our attorneys understand both European and U.S. legal systems, bridging cultural and procedural gaps.
- Clear communication: We avoid legal jargon and keep clients updated throughout their case.
- Local presence, global reach: With offices in New York, Orlando, Munich, Barcelona, and London, we are accessible worldwide.
- Proven track record: For more than two decades, we have helped foreign clients secure justice in U.S. courts, including personal injury, product liability, and mass tort cases.
How Mesothelioma Lawsuits Work
The goal of mesothelioma litigation is to obtain compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and financial support
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
In many cases, compensation may also come from asbestos trust funds, established by companies that have gone bankrupt but were legally obligated to set aside money for victims they wrongfully exposed to asbestos.
Every case is unique, and statutes of limitation (filing deadlines) vary by state. That is why immediate consultation with an experienced attorney of a mesothelioma law firm is crucial.
The Importance of a U.S. Connection
While mesothelioma is a worldwide problem, not every victim can bring a claim in the United States. A key requirement is that there must be a connection to the U.S., which can be dependent on a number of factors, such as:
- Exposure to asbestos while working or living in the U.S.
- Employment by a U.S. company, in some cases even if abroad
- Use of asbestos-containing products manufactured or distributed by a U.S. company
UTF carefully evaluates these connections at the outset to ensure that a case is legally viable in the American courts. Since each case has unique circumstances and needs to be assessed individually, the U.S. Supreme Court abandoned mesothelioma class action lawsuits in 1997 to ensure better compensation of individual plaintiffs.
Mesothelioma is a devastating disease caused by asbestos exposure, but victims and their families are not without options. The U.S. legal system provides powerful remedies — yet for foreign clients, the process can seem impossible to navigate alone.
That is where Urban Thier & Federer comes in. With over 25 years of experience representing international clients in U.S. litigation, and through close cooperation with specialist asbestos law firms in all 50 states, we ensure that mesothelioma victims abroad can pursue justice and compensation in the United States.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe there is a U.S. connection, we invite you to contact us for a confidential consultation in your language.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen facing mesothelioma, contact Urban Thier & Federer today. Our international team and U.S. trial partners stand ready to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.