It is critical to move forward with a mesothelioma case as soon as possible. Every state has what is known as a “statute of limitations”, or the maximum amount of time someone can bring a claim regarding an injury. For some states, or in the case of special defendants such as governments or government agencies, the time to bring a claim can be as short as 1 year. The time period can start depending on the state, but typically it begins as soon as you knew or should have known you had mesothelioma which was caused by prior asbestos exposure. If you do not file a claim before the statute of limitations expire, you will be unable to file a claim at all and will not be able to recover damages for you or your family. Investigations into your work history and which companies or corporations exposed you to asbestos take time, so you should try to find and select a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.