Choosing an Attorney

There are several important things to keep in mind when choosing a lawyer. It is also important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after diagnosis, as many states have statutes-of-limitation which limit the amount of time in which a lawsuit can be filed. Some important qualities to look for when selecting a specific attorney are:

1. A lawyer that has experience with mesothelioma cases. Selecting a firm that specializes in mesothelioma cases can be to your great advantage, and there are countless firms who work on all types of asbestos related disease, including asbestosis.
2. A lawyer familiar with statute-of-limitation laws pertaining to the case
3. How quickly can the lawyer take the case – mesothelioma is very aggressive, and oftentimes the suit must be settled in a timely fashion
4. How well the lawyer knows both the law and the chances of winning

In order to select an attorney that is right for your needs there are several questions you may consider asking an attorney or law firm before hiring them to represent you. For example, What is your experience in mesothelioma lawsuits? Do you have agreements set up with asbestos companies (these agreements may reduce the monetary amount of your settlement)? Will my case be handled as a class action lawsuit or will it be tried separately? Additionally, it may be wise to request a list of references in order to further educate yourself on the quality of your attorney.

With an aggressive disease like mesothelioma, it’s important to have a lawyer that will work around surgeries and recovery times. If a patient hires an attorney to file all the paperwork, stay on top of the case, and stay in regular contact, the attorney should do so to help reduce the patient’s stress.

While most people who have mesothelioma do receive a settlement, with changing laws becoming stricter, attorneys who are knowledgeable about the law will be honest about the chances of success.

Law firms typically offer free, no-obligation consultations to any potential client. It’s during this consultation that an attorney will determine your chances of a successful lawsuit. It’s important to be honest with the attorney, providing information regarding your previous work experience and the dates and location of your asbestos exposure. Consultations are also a good time for potential clients to ask questions about mesothelioma cases and what to expect during the trial. Do not hesitate to request more information from your lawyer as to what you can do to increase your chances of a successful lawsuit.

Finally, most mesothelioma attorneys or other wrongful injury attorneys work under “contingency”, which means that the plaintiff or plaintiff’s family will pay no fees unless a positive settlement is reached. When the settlement is reached the attorney will be paid a percentage of the settlement to account for travel time, legal services and other fees incurred during the suit. Typically attorneys will deduct approximately 20% of the settlement, depending on the suit.