Ruling by Washington Court Judge on Autopsy for Seattle Mesothelioma Patient

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At a court hearing held in October 2008, a Seattle, Washington man diagnosed with mesothelioma challenged the state’s rule that after a mesothelioma patient succumbs to their illness, an autopsy is required for an estate case to move forward. The man did not have a religious or other ethical objection to autopsy, but filed the challenge for his rights to have his final wishes honored. In December, the King County, WA Superior Court Judge issued a ruling in the man’s favor. While the judge prepared her ruling carefully allowing the autopsy requirement to be waived in this case, it does not overturn the county's autopsy policy for other mesothelioma plaintiffs.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease.

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