Mesothelioma lawsuits can be
complex. They often involve uncovering a person’s work history and linking it
to potential asbestos exposure incidents, some of which occurred decades prior.
The same is true for asbestos lung
cancer lawsuits. They’re also complex and difficult for ordinary people to
navigate.
There are many asbestos lawyers to
choose from and a lot of competition among firms. Here are some qualities to
narrow your search for a lawyer:
- National availability
- Experience and success
- Working on a contingency basis
- Handling all case work
- Empathy and communication
Find
a National Firm
Lawyers for mesothelioma and
asbestos lung cancer are broken down into two groups: local and national.
Instead of filing your case only where you live, national attorneys will file
in a state or states most advantageous to your case. Local lawyers likely won’t
have this much versatility.
For veterans, finding a national
firm is essential. Most military members were exposed to asbestos in multiple
states, which requires flexibility in where to file cases.
The best mesothelioma lawyers will
travel to meet their clients at home, so distance shouldn’t be an issue. Many
patients choose a doctor far from home to give themselves the best survival
chances. Choosing a lawyer follows the same logic.
Look
for Experienced Lawyers
Choose an asbestos firm that
specializes and is experienced in asbestos litigation and understands asbestos
trust funds. An experienced mesothelioma law firm will have handled hundreds —
if not thousands — of cases and won millions of dollars for clients. A lot of
this compensation comes from these trust funds.
Each lawyer’s asbestos case history
sheds light on their track record of success. The more cases an attorney has
handled, the more likely they’ll succeed with yours.
Veterans should also prioritize
experience, especially in handling cases for former military members and their
families. The top firms have experience representing veterans, along with a
database of all military ships, aircraft and bases that contained asbestos.
Never
Pay Upfront
Look for asbestos law firms that
work on a contingency basis. This means your lawyer gets a percentage of your
compensation. If you don’t win your claim, then your lawyer doesn’t collect
fees. This setup prioritizes your best interests above all else and often leads
to the highest amount of mesothelioma
compensation possible.
The best mesothelioma lawyers value
your time and energy. To speed up the process, you should find a lawyer who
provides a free case evaluation. This resource will prevent
wasting your time with unnecessary phone calls and conversations.
Make
Sure Your Lawyer Will Do the Heavy Lifting
Mesothelioma patients and their
families face a lot of stress. The same is true for lung cancer from asbestos.
Choose a firm that will guard you from overwhelming legal work. Choosing to go
through with filing a mesothelioma lawsuit may seem daunting,
but choosing a quality firm makes it much easier.
Your lung cancer lawyer or
mesothelioma lawyer should do everything from traveling for meetings to
researching your asbestos exposure. The most time-consuming task for clients
often is the deposition, which is a recording of your testimony. Aside from
that, your participation should be minimal.
Pick
A Good Communicator
Your asbestos lawyer should be
someone who has earned your trust and makes you feel comfortable. When you
choose a doctor, you factor in their bedside manner and the quality of their
staff. You should have a good rapport with your attorney as well. They should
be easy to talk to, able to explain your case, and respond to your questions or
concerns in a timely manner.
Don’t hesitate to ask hard
questions. If a law firm can’t answer your questions or isn’t available to
talk, you can find firms that will. We can even help you ask a question to a mesothelioma lawyer today.
Why
Mesothelioma Cases Are Unique
Mesothelioma and lung cancer claims
differ from most other types of lawsuits because these cases are linked to asbestos. For decades, many industries relied on
asbestos as part of their product-construction process. They included asbestos
in compounds and other elements as complimentary pieces of construction
components and other items.
However, asbestos is hazardous when
inhaled or ingested, a risk that thousands of people have faced.
According to the U.S. National
Library of Medicine, the first reference to the dangers of asbestos fibers
appeared in the British Medical Journal in 1924. However, experts did not link
asbestos exposure to lung cancer and mesothelioma until the second half of the
20th century.
Since asbestos was largely
unregulated in the United States, many manufacturers used the substance despite
knowing of its dangers. They shielded their workers from this important
information and put the employees and regular Americans at a daily risk.
For that reason, many companies are
liable for their workers or others developing asbestos-related diseases,
including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Why
Will Filing a Lawsuit Help?
Filing a lawsuit can help in
multiple ways, from paying for treatment to covering debt. You can’t put a
dollar amount on the quality of life lost due to companies’ tragic negligence.
However, there are aspects of mesothelioma and lung cancer that can be
quantified.
Some compensation elements your
lawyer will include in the case are:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills not covered by insurance
- Travel expenses for medical treatments
- Caregiver expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Disability caused by exposure
- Funeral expenses
Remember that your disease isn’t
your fault. It’s the fault of the asbestos corporations that exposed you to
this dangerous substance. They should help you and your family cover the costs
of treatment, lost wages, travel expenses and more.
Experienced lung cancer and
mesothelioma lawyers handle the legal process so you never have to sit in a
courtroom. Find a lawyer using our free legal support.
Common
Questions About Mesothelioma Attorneys
Am
I eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Mesothelioma patients and their
families are eligible to file a lawsuit.
Taking legal action can provide financial stability and peace of mind.
Why
should I hire a mesothelioma attorney?
Hiring a mesothelioma attorney will
help you and your family receive compensation.
A lawyer get you money from the asbestos companies to help pay for treatment,
lost wages and travel expenses.
How
much does it cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer?
It shouldn’t cost you anything
upfront. The top mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency basis and will
never require a fee to start your case.
When
should I contact a mesothelioma lawyer?
You should get in touch with a
lawyer right away. There’s a time limit for filing mesothelioma claims known as
the statute of limitations.
How
much compensation will I receive?
The average case value for mesothelioma claims is
between $1 million and $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s Litigation Report.
Every case’s facts and value are different, which is why results vary.