If this is the first time that you have needed to hire an attorney, you need to know that asbestos and mesothelioma cases should not be handled by just anyone with a law practice. Like car accident or nursing home abuse lawyers, asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys specialize in a narrow niche of personal injury law, with a unique focus on asbestos-related lawsuits.
This field is extremely complex and requires knowledge about the asbestos industry, knowledge of mesothelioma treatments, exposure to asbestos, and investigative methods to determine who is at fault. The average personal injury lawyer might have a general idea about cases related to asbestos, but may not have the experience or skill sets to handle your case in a way that an accomplished mesothelioma lawyer can. A mesothelioma attorney has the right tools and experience to help you deal with the complexities of your case and to help you win fair compensation for your asbestos-related illness.
Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all mold which produces mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers. Every individual lawyer has a unique method of handling cases, and each law firm has its own set of legal strategies in dealing with asbestos law. Some lawyers have dealt with cases such as yours for years and understand first-hand about the disease, including the harsh symptoms of mesothelioma and what victims have to live with on a daily basis.
On the other hand, other attorneys are newcomers to the world of mesothelioma law, and although they may have asbestos-related training, they lack the experience of actual cases. Choosing the right lawyer to handle your case can be a challenge, especially if you’re stressing over your illness, your bills, and how this is affecting your loved ones. However, as previously mentioned, if you arm yourself with knowledge and options, finding a good lawyer doesn’t have to be difficult.
Steps To Finding The Best Lawyer or Law Firm
Choosing a mesothelioma attorney is not a task that should be done in haste. You should never hire a lawyer just because a law firm’s TV ad was loud and flashy. There are many attorneys and law firms competing to handle asbestos or mesothelioma cases, but some are inexperienced newcomers who might not be able to handle your case properly. You need to separate the good lawyers from the not-so-good ones. But with so many law firms and attorneys out there, how do you find the right one?
1: Research
The first step is to do research on mesothelioma and asbestos attorneys. This sounds easy enough, but it requires time, patience, and energy. These three assets might be in short supply, especially when you are tired and don’t feel well, yet it’s important to make sure you seek out the best mesothelioma law firm for your particular case and needs. If you feel you aren’t up to the challenge, consider enlisting family members and/or friends to help you conduct Internet searches and make lists of law firms or attorneys who may be qualified to handle your case.
Whether you conduct your own research or delegate it to others, look for attorneys with the right qualifications and established histories of dealing with asbestos law. Don’t make a list that’s too long. Select a manageable number of prospective mesothelioma law firms and ask for a case evaluation as quickly as possible. If a law firm can’t evaluate your case in a timely manner, there is a chance they may be too busy to take on your case. With cases as sensitive as mesothelioma lawsuits, you’ll need an attorney who not only has the experience, but also the time and effort to dedicate themselves to the unique needs of your case.
2: Internet
Looking on the Internet is a convenient and relatively simple method to find the best attorney. The search terms “asbestos lawyer” and “mesothelioma attorneys” yield literally thousands of search engine results. Though the sheer number of lawyer websites is staggering, you can figure out the better ones simply by reading the information provided on home pages and FAQ sections. An experienced mesothelioma law firm’s website should provide you detailed information regarding all aspects of asbestos-related diseases, state statute of limitations, pertinent information regarding lawsuits, and answers to important questions you may have.
3. Comprehensive Websites
If the information is well-written, free of hyperbole, and covers detailed information, add the firms’ names to your list of possible choices. Steer clear of websites belonging to attorneys who make exaggerated promises about how much you will win if you retain them to handle your case. Although it’s important to seek out a law firm’s track record of previous successful mesothelioma lawsuits, no law firm can guarantee exactly how much you’ll win.
Keep in mind that although mesothelioma legal cases were relatively obscure until the number of documented mesothelioma cases rose in the 1990s and 2000s, they are usually lucrative and many cases are successful. Yet, there are an array of factors that affect each case, such as the stage of the disease, how you long you were exposed, and much more. Therefore, it’s not possible for a mesothelioma law firm to promise you a set amount of money beforehand. The best lawyers will never make you false promises of how much compensation you can win, although giving you a ballpark figure shouldn’t be seen as a red flag.
Key Points in Finding the Best Mesothelioma Law Firm
Knowledgeable in all aspects of state and federal asbestos laws
Extensive knowledge of all asbestos-related diseases, such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis
Training on how to handle families with lost loved ones and/or victims going through emotional trauma
Proper investigative skills in order to research prior company records, and if applicable, previous lawsuits against the defendant
A professional law firm typically offers a no-obligation consultation in order to determine if they can successfully handle your case
Additional Tips:
Get Client References: If you want to find out how well mesothelioma lawyers handle their cases, ask for testimonials from some of their clients. Prospective hires will provide you with a list of satisfied clients who have cleared the attorneys to give to their names and contact information. You probably will see only positive feedback, but you can get a good feel for how successfully the lawyers handled previous cases.
Get a Consultation: Once you have a short list of attorneys that fit the needs of your asbestos lawsuit, begin contacting them and ask for a pre-screening. The initial contact can be made on the Internet via the attorneys’ websites or by phone. The consultation, however, is best done in person because this is when the attorneys evaluate your case. During this evaluation, the asbestos lawyers will advise you on your case’s validity, your chances of getting a settlement, and how much of a percentage of the award they will get if you win. Keep in mind, as aforementioned, the best mesothelioma lawyers will usually offer you a free, no-obligation consultation before taking on your case.
Legal Help
If you or a loved one are suffering from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that you may be eligible for a substantial amount of compensation. Use our Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool today to find a leading mesothelioma lawyer in your area. For additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
