Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
A lawsuit over mesothelioma and other kinds of asbestos-related illness is a complex undertaking, and it’s crucial to have an asbestos lawyer on your side to identify the parties who might be liable (including asbestos manufacturers, insurance companies, or asbestos victims’ trust funds) and to navigate the lawsuit or settlement process toward the best outcome.
Because asbestos cases are a specialized legal niche, it’s important to understand how asbestos-mesothelioma lawyers operate and how to hire the right one.
Asbestos-Mesothelioma Legal Background
Asbestos claimants who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma (especially those with a history of working with or around asbestos) usually have a good chance of recovering at least some measure of compensation (“damages”), either from the company that manufactured or installed the asbestos, an employer, or from an asbestos victims’ trust fund. But these cases can get complex, especially from a medical standpoint, since mesothelioma often shows up 10 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. Having an experienced attorney on your side—especially one with a record of success in asbestos lawsuits—can make all the difference.
Finding the Right Asbestos-Mesothelioma Lawyer
Ask former colleagues. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, chances are people you worked with at the time of your exposure have also been diagnosed, and they may have already hired a lawyer and filed a lawsuit. If they have achieved a good result with a lawyer they like and respect, this is one good place to start.
Using Nolo’s websites.
A number of attorneys featured on Nolo handle asbestos-mesothelioma cases (full disclosure: lawyers pay a fee to list with Nolo).
These attorneys have filled out detailed profiles related to their schooling, expertise, and professional background, and have been vetted in terms of their professional standing.
To contact a nearby asbestos-mesothelioma attorney, you can use a number of tools accessible right on this page, including the “Chat” and “Talk to an Attorney” features.
Investigate lawyers online.
Because mesothelioma cases can be so profitable, many law firms spend big dollars on Internet ads and websites.
Just Google mesothelioma lawyer and you’ll find a long list. Click on a few ads or websites and you’ll see that everyone claims to be the best of the best.
How do you cut through all this hype to focus on a short list of hopefully excellent mesothelioma lawyers?
Take a look at the legal information each lawyer provides. In our experience lawyers who provide well-written, in-depth information demonstrate a superior sensitivity to client needs.
By the same token, we distrust lawyers who say little more than “I can get you millions pronto—trust me.”
Choosing the Right Asbestos-Mesothelioma Lawyer
Check a lawyer’s references.
A good mesothelioma lawyer should be able to provide you with the name and contact information of a few satisfied clients.
Interview the lawyers.
Once you develop a short list of candidates, contact their offices (again, get help if you need it). Request a case evaluation and, if possible, arrange a personal interview. Anticipating these questions, many law firms will give you a written overview of what to expect. Learn more about what to ask an asbestos-mesothelioma lawyer at your free consultation.
Ask about fees and costs.
Mesothelioma lawyers charge a contingency fee for their legal representation
But keep in mind that asbestos-mesothelioma cases can be very complex.
Find out how are costs handled
That way you and the attorney share payment of the costs.
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