How To Choose an Asbestos or Mesothelioma Lawyer

Asbestos used to be one of the most commonly used insulators. Manufacturers were largely aware of the risks associated with asbestos but kept them secret to avoid damage to their businesses. The courts have seen decades of litigation tied to asbestos-related injuries and mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops due to asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma cases are some of the most complicated tort claims. As a result, the choice of an asbestos or mesothelioma lawyer is an important one. This article will discuss the questions to ask yourself when considering which asbestos lawyer you will choose to help get the verdict you want. It will also answer some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ) those looking for mesothelioma compensation have.

Does the attorney have experience with asbestos cases?

If you or a loved one have become sick after coming into contact with asbestos, you will need legal help. Becoming embroiled in asbestos litigation can be a long, drawn-out, and painful legal process. You don't want to entrust your case to just anyone.

Finding an asbestos attorney with decades of experience handling these lawsuits would be best. Going up against the asbestos companies and other corporations is not for the faint of heart. You want someone who won't be intimidated by the large legal teams of insurance companies or the defendants.

Before you hire an attorney, make sure you explore your legal options. Review our asbestos and mesothelioma attorney directory and find a lawyer specializing in this type of litigation.

Do they prioritize your medical care?​

If you recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you are probably terrified. The prognoses for these illnesses are not favorable. You want to ensure you choose a mesothelioma law firm that prioritizes your medical care.

Mesothelioma patients are often required to visit their doctors more often than other personal injury plaintiffs. Whether you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, your treatment plan will be intense. Your attorney should help you manage your care and your medical bills.

Have they litigated a mesothelioma claim or class action?​

Plaintiffs filing asbestos claims don't want a first-time attorney handling their claim. Mesothelioma victims do not have time on their side. Your attorney must work quickly and diligently to resolve your case.

If you have a terminal diagnosis, you'll want the best mesothelioma lawyer to represent you. They understand how important it is that you settle your claim quickly. At the same time, there is always a chance that your case will go to trial. If so, you want to hire an asbestos law firm that has litigated asbestos lawsuits before.

Do you connect with them?​

Many plaintiffs discount the importance of having a good relationship with their attorney. You and your family members will have to spend a great deal of time working with your lawyer. You want to make sure you connect with them on a personal level.

You may be dealing with a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one has passed away. Your family may be entitled to significant financial compensation. You want an attorney in your corner who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

If your attorney negotiates a mesothelioma settlement, you want to make sure they consult you at every turn. If the case goes to trial, mesothelioma clients may not have the final say. You want to communicate your goals and expectations early in your case.

Will they personally manage your mesothelioma claim?​

If you are the victim of asbestos exposure, you'll want justice. You want to ensure you hire the right mesothelioma lawyer who will personally manage your case. The last thing you want to see is your lawyer hand your file to an inexperienced lawyer who has never experienced mesothelioma litigation.

When you first meet with your lawyer, ask them about their track record of success. Also, ask them how many years of experience they have with mesothelioma cancer patients. Once they answer these questions, ask them if they will personally handle your case. It doesn't matter how experienced your lawyer is if they won't be the one handling your lawsuit.

Are they responsive to your messages?​

One of the plaintiffs' biggest complaints about their attorneys is that they never respond to their messages. You may need to find a new lawyer if your attorney doesn't answer your calls, texts, and emails.

Legal claims based on asbestos exposure can be highly complex. You are bound to have questions along the way. You need someone in your corner who respects you enough and is invested enough in your case to return your calls.

Do they offer a free case review?​

Most personal injury lawyers offer new clients a free case evaluation. This allows you to decide if you want to retain their services. It also allows the attorney to review your claim and determine if they will represent you.

When you sue the manufacturer or distributor of asbestos-containing products, your attorney must include your claim for damages in the initial complaint. If the attorney doesn't feel your case is worth much, they won't be willing to handle your case.

It has to make good business sense for the law firm to take you on as a client. This allows the law firm to review your claim before they agree to represent you.

Are the attorney's fees based on winning your case?​

One of the benefits of hiring a mesothelioma lawyer is that they do not charge anything upfront. Personal injury attorneys work on what's called a contingency basis. They are not paid until you settle or resolve your claim.

Your attorney will receive their contingency fee once your case settles. Your settlement may be with the defendant, their insurance carrier, through a trust fund claim, or from an asbestos trust fund. You pay your attorney a percentage of your total settlement or judgment. When you first meet with your attorney, they'll explain their contingency fee.

You must also sign a contingency fee agreement documenting how much your lawyer will be entitled to should they win or settle your case.

If you don't win your case, your attorney receives nothing.

Are they upfront about other legal costs?​

There will be numerous court courts, filing fees, and other legal costs throughout your case. The law firm will typically pay and recoup these fees from your settlement or judgment.

When you first meet with a potential attorney, ask them what these other fees and costs may be. If they aren't upfront about these costs, something is wrong. Any reputable mesothelioma or asbestos attorney will have no problem divulging this.

Some of the legal costs the law firm will cover include the following:

• Filing fees for your initial complaint, motions, etc.
• Postage and copying fees
• Expenses for personal service of summons and complaint
• Court reporter fees for depositions
• Expert witness fees
• Any travel, meals, hotel, etc., for witnesses and experts

Each case is unique, so listing all potential costs here is impossible. Whatever these costs are, the law firm will pay them and recover them from your settlement proceeds. You pay these costs and fees after your attorney takes their contingency fee. You pay your attorney their fee before you pay anything else.

Find Top Mesothelioma Lawyers Near You

If you're suffering from an asbestos-related illness or mesothelioma, your lawyer and doctors will be among the most important figures in your support network. Establishing your legal team early in the process produces the most favorable outcomes. You want to make sure you have an attorney familiar with asbestos-related diseases and mesothelioma cases.

You want to give your attorneys plenty of time to prepare your case. You also need to file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations period expires.

Contact a local asbestos and mesothelioma attorney to discuss your potential mesothelioma lawsuit and learn more about how an attorney can help.