For decades, mesothelioma, a life-threatening disease
that can affect the lungs, abdomen, and several other major organs, has
been linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos, resulting in many people
seeking a mesothelioma law firm to get justice and help them cover the
overwhelming expenses associated with the disease. Typically,
mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos while working at a job
site that used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). In many cases, the
manufacturers of asbestos and ACMs knew of the hidden dangers and risks
of asbestos, yet failed to inform the public, as asbestos was an
extremely profitable mineral. Because of the hinderance of information,
workers who developed health issues from asbestos exposure may be
eligible for financial
compensation to cover expenses such as lost wages, medical bills, emotional suffering, physical pain, and more.
If you suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung
cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of
compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust
funds, set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related
illness. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial
Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on leading
mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos
trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
What Does a Mesothelioma Law Firm Do?
Law firms specializing in mesothelioma are different from
any other type of law firm. Whereas other firms may specialize in areas
like car accidents or nursing home abuse, mesothelioma law firms focus
primarily on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It’s not
recommended to retain legal representation from a general practice law
firm or even a personal injury firm that specializes in a wide array of
injury cases. You’ll need an attorney who specifically specializes in
mesothelioma cases, as these types of lawsuits are extremely intricate
and require vast, in-depth understanding of asbestos exposure and
diseases.
Attorneys at these law firms have knowledge and experience
regarding federal and state laws concerning asbestos use and its history
in the workforce. They also have sharp investigative skills and are
able to dig deep to uncover when and where companies and/or other
entities exposed workers to asbestos. Additionally, these law firms are
comprised of educated attorneys who understand the legal process
involving courts, trials, settlements, and appeals.
Moreover, an experienced firm understands that the victim
is already suffering enough because of the medical and financial
problems associated with asbestos-related diseases. As a result, the
firm will handle most everything regarding the lawsuit, including
fighting for the legal rights of the client, interviewing witnesses,
obtaining medical history, litigations, and more.
An experienced law firm also understands the severe
emotional impact that living with mesothelioma brings, not only to
victims, but to family members and loved ones as well. An good firm
takes this into account and helps ease the minds of victims and their
loved ones throughout this enduring process.
What Should I Look for When Hiring an Asbestos Law Firm?
Unfortunately, not all law firms specializing in
mesothelioma are the same. While some may have several years of
experience, other firms are relatively new to the area of mesothelioma.
In addition, some law firms may concentrate on other areas of law
besides mesothelioma while another firm may solely focus on asbestos
cases.
Aside from using your good judgement when determining which
law firm you should use, there are several factors you should consider:
- The law firm should have experience in dealing with mesothelioma cases.
- The law firm should be extremely knowledgeable in asbestos laws and prior cases.
- Look for a law firm that focuses solely on asbestos-related cases.
- Look for law firms with a stellar reputation in handling asbestos cases.
- The law firm should not only understand asbestos laws, but should
also have extensive knowledge of medical problems associated with
asbestos diseases.
- The law firm should always keep you updated on what’s going on in
your case. Although attorneys are busy people, they should be
accessible.
- You should always get an initial consultation at no charge before deciding on a firm.
Keep in mind that it’s not recommended to retain a law firm
that promises you that you will win your case no matter what. Although
statistics show that the majority mesothelioma victims do go on to win
their lawsuits, there are a variety of factors involved, and no case is
guaranteed. An experienced law firm will help you to understand your
chances and what is involved, but will never assure that your case is
100% guaranteed.
Making Things Easier
Although a law firm will do the majority of your case work,
it’s always a good idea to be prepared and make things easier so that
the process gets rolling faster.
First, make sure to gather your medical documents,
including when and where you were diagnosed, and bring this information
to your initial meeting. This will allow the firm to determine if your
case can be taken on.
Next, be prepared to provide the law firm with your work
history and information including the full company name, address, phone
number, your job role, and how long you worked there.
Finally, start keeping track of all expenses used
pertaining to your disease. For example, always keep a copy of medical
bills, hospital visits, mileage used to get to appointments, medical
supplies, and anything other expense you paid out due to your illness.
How Can a Law Firm Personally Help Me?
When first getting started, victims usually have a plethora
of unanswered questions regarding asbestos and their rights. A good law
firm should be able to provide you with following information:
-
Evidence Related to Your Exposure: Once
you provide the law firm with your work information, they should be able
to investigate and determine how asbestos was used at your workplace.
In some cases, they may already have the information available.
-
If You Truly Have an Asbestos Claim: Asbestos
law firms understand what’s needed in order to have a true asbestos
claim. With this knowledge, they are able to determine how strong your
case is and what the estimated chances are that you’ll win. Most
attorneys make sure they’re confident in your case before taking it on.
Be wary of any attorney who promises to take your case without knowing
any of the details or an attorney who claims they can get you an exact
amount of compensation before reviewing your case.
-
Your Case Worth: If the firm decides you
have an asbestos case, they will then be able to come up with an average
figure of how much your case is worth. This is including past expenses,
daily expenses, medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, physical
suffering, future expenses, and much more. Keep in mind, however, that
there is no set formula as to how much your award amount may be. The
aforementioned factors, along with other details, such as if your former
company has a
trust fund set up or not, will also come into play.
-
Who Exactly is Responsible: It can be
difficult for the average person to determine who exactly is responsible
for exposing victims to asbestos. For example, companies can move, go
out of business, hide, suppress relevant information, and change
ownerships. In some cases, your former company is responsible, the
manufacturer of the asbestos products may be responsible, or supervisors
and/or owners may be responsible. In other instances, there may be just
one sole responsible entity, yet in a different case, there may be
several responsible parties. Remember that part of the law firm’s job is
to research, seek out, and determine the entity or responsible parties
that are liable for your exposure to asbestos.
What Are Law Firm Fees?
Law firms may have different fees as well as different payment
options. However, an experienced and caring law firm understands that
victims of asbestos-related diseases more than likely have enough
financial burden in dealing with their illness, and are unable to afford
up-front fees for legal representation. As a result, many firms work on
what’s known as a contingency fee basis, meaning that they only get
paid when you get paid.
If the law firm doesn’t win your case, they don’t receive
compensation either in most instances. The good news, however, is that a
firm has to be confident enough in your case to take it on, meaning
there is a good chance that if your case is picked up, it will be
successful.
Law firm fees are percentages taken out of your total settlement or
verdict amount, and again, the percentage amount will vary depending
upon the firm. Make sure you understand how the fees and percentages
work with the firm beforehand so that there will be no confusion later
on.
If a law firm doesn’t provide a contingency fee basis, there is a
good chance that they don’t have the financial resources to successfully
prove your case. Keep in mind that you’ll want a firm that has the
financial capability to take on your case on a contingency fee basis.
Attorneys without the resources to handle your case usually can’t
provide you with the best representation. An ideal rule of thumb is to
ask up-front about how the fees work so that there are no surprises
later on. Attorneys with your best interest in mind will have no
problems answering any questions you have regarding fees and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to court?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions, which is
understandable, as most people who are dealing with an asbestos-related
illness generally do not want to spend time in a court room. Generally,
you will not have to go to court. Most mesothelioma lawsuits are taken
care of via settlements.
In some instances, however, if the defense doesn’t agree on a
settlement or if you don’t agree on a settlement, you may have to go to
trial, which requires going to court. An experienced law firm will help
you through every step of the way, and if you are too ill to attend,
arrangements can be made to record your testimony beforehand.
What if I don’t know which company exposed me to asbestos?
As previously mentioned, part of an asbestos law firm’s job is to
uncover the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure. The culpable
parties are typically manufacturers who supplied asbestos to job sites,
which can range from one company to many.
I have workers’ compensation benefits. Can a law firm still help me even if I have other compensation benefits?
Other compensation benefits, such as workers’ compensation or VA
benefits, doesn’t disqualify you from seeking compensation from the
companies who exposed you to asbestos. An asbestos law firm can help you
file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Additional Tips to Remember
- When searching for a law firm, you shouldn’t narrow your search down
to your local community only. There’s a chance that your case may be
filed out of state.
- An experienced mesothelioma lawyer should have no problems flying to
your city to meet with you, given that they are out of state.
- Although the law firm should be able to give you an average figure
that you may receive, giving an exact amount is impossible. Any firm
that guarantees you an exact amount should be considered untrustworthy.
- A mesothelioma should be able to handle not only mesothelioma cases
for survivors, but wrongful death cases involving asbestos exposure.
Where Can I Get Help Finding an Experienced Asbestos Law Firm?
Simply fill out our form to get your free
Financial Compensation Packet, with information on top asbestos and
mesothelioma lawyers in your area. For additional assistance, contact us
at 800-793-4540.
Nurul Arisandi