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 numerous people seeking a law
firm specializing in mesothelioma to 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 an asbestos-related disease, 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. Use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to
find a top mesothelioma attorney in your area.
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.
A dedicated mesothelioma 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 to 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 leading mesothelioma law firms do the majority of work
for your case, 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 a Mesothelioma
Law Firm Can Personally Help You
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.
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.
Help With Finding an
Experienced Asbestos Law Firm
Remember to use our
Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a leading mesothelioma attorney in your
area. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-694-4856.
Source Link - http://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/mesothelioma-asbestos-law-firm/
