admin2If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have legal options. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once commonly used in construction and other industries.
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The symptoms – chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, and weight loss – typically appear 20-50 years after exposure. Get multiple opinions from mesothelioma specialists to confirm the diagnosis and explore all treatment options.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Mesothelioma Law Firm
When choosing a mesothelioma law firm to potentially handle your case, there are some important questions you’ll want to ask.
1. Experience and Focus
How long has the firm been handling mesothelioma cases? You’ll want a firm with many years of experience in asbestos litigation and a proven track record of success. Do they focus primarily on mesothelioma and asbestos cases, or do they handle many other types of personal injury claims as well? Firms that specialize in mesothelioma law will have a deeper understanding of the complex issues involved.
2. Case Results and Settlements
What kinds of settlements and verdicts have the firm obtained for previous clients? Look for firms that have a history of multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Be wary of firms that make promises they can’t keep or guarantee a certain settlement amount. No case outcome can be guaranteed.
3. Attorney Team
Who will be directly handling your case on a day-to-day basis? Meet with the attorneys who will lead your case team. Look for responsive, compassionate attorneys who instill confidence in their ability to build a strong case on your behalf. Ask about their credentials, experience, and track record with mesothelioma cases.
4. Legal Fees
How does the firm bill for their services? Most mesothelioma firms work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. Be sure to understand the percentage the firm will take as their fee before signing a contract. Look for firms that are transparent about their rates and willing to put the percentage agreement in writing.
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in the U.S.
When seeking legal help for mesothelioma, finding an experienced law firm is critical. There are a few top firms in the U.S. that specialize in asbestos litigation and mesothelioma cases. These firms have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain settlements and verdicts.
1. Kazan Law
Based in Oakland, CA, Kazan Law has been practicing asbestos litigation for over 30 years. They have recovered over $3 billion for clients in verdicts and settlements. Kazan Law takes on cases nationwide and provides free consultations.
2. Bergman Draper Ladenburg
With offices in Seattle and Spokane, WA, Bergman Draper Ladenburg has helped mesothelioma clients throughout the Pacific Northwest obtain substantial settlements. They offer experience, compassion, and a commitment to justice for those harmed by asbestos exposure.
3. Simmons Hanly Conroy
Headquartered in Alton, IL, Simmons Hanly Conroy has 21 offices across the U.S. and has recovered over $8 billion in verdicts and settlements for mesothelioma clients. They have a reputation for going to trial against asbestos manufacturers and achieving large jury verdicts when settlements cannot be reached.
4. Gori Julian & Associates
Based in Edwardsville, IL, Gori Julian & Associates is a nationally recognized law firm that has been advocating for mesothelioma clients for over 30 years. They have recovered over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements and provide compassionate, personalized legal representation.
Maximizing Your Settlement: Tips From Mesothelioma Lawyers
Maximizing your settlement in a mesothelioma case requires the help of experienced attorneys.
Here are some tips from top mesothelioma lawyers:
1. Do Your Research
Find a law firm that specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases. Check their credentials, experience, settlement records, and client reviews. Meet with different firms and ask lots of questions before deciding on one. The more experienced the attorneys, the better your chances of getting the maximum compensation.
2. Provide a Detailed History
Give your lawyers a full account of your asbestos exposure, including where and when it occurred. Be specific about the products you came into contact with. Your lawyers can use this to build a strong case and determine all parties that may be liable.
3. Follow Your Lawyers’ Advice
Your lawyers are the experts. Follow their recommendations regarding medical testing, evidence gathering, and anything else that may support your case. The more evidence they have, the better positioned they are to negotiate the highest settlement possible.
4. Be Patient
Mesothelioma cases can take time, often 1-3 years. Trust that your lawyers have your best interests in mind and are working diligently behind the scenes. While waiting, focus on your treatment and spending time with loved ones. Your patience and cooperation will pay off in the end.
5. Consider Going to Trial
Most mesothelioma cases settle out of court. However, if the settlement offers are unsatisfactory, your lawyers may recommend taking the case to trial. Jury verdicts often award much higher compensation. Your lawyers can determine if the potential reward outweighs the risk. Going to trial is a personal decision that depends on your priorities and health.
Mesothelioma Legal FAQs: Answered by Attorneys
Many people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have a lot of questions about the legal process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, answered by attorneys who specialize in mesothelioma cases.
1. How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?
Each state has its statutes of limitations for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. In most states, you have 1-3 years from the time of diagnosis to file a claim. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your diagnosis to determine exactly how much time you have and get the process started.
2. Will I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many mesothelioma lawsuits are settled out of court through negotiations between attorneys. Going to trial can be a long, emotional process. Settlements allow you to avoid a trial while still receiving compensation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend going to trial to maximize your compensation.
3. How much compensation can I expect?
Compensation in mesothelioma lawsuits varies widely, ranging from $100,000 up to $2 million or more for the most extreme cases. Several factors determine how much you can expect, including: where you were exposed to asbestos, the severity of your disease, your life expectancy, and whether the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious. Your attorney can evaluate the details of your case to provide an estimate of its value.
4. Will I have to pay any legal fees upfront?
Most mesothelioma law firms offer free initial consultations and work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement or award. Their fees are deducted from your final compensation amount, typically 33-40% of the total. So you pay no out-of-pocket costs to pursue your case.
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Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, talking to an attorney about your legal options can help provide answers and peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact a law firm to learn more about the claims process and how they can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
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