01. Mesothelioma Law Firm Overview
Why Should You Work With a Law Firm Specializing in Mesothelioma Cases?
Working with a specialized mesothelioma law firm can offer you life-changing benefits. The most important of which may be peace of mind. These lawyers focus on asbestos cases every day. They have the resources and knowledge to build strong cases that win compensation. And you can use the compensation to help cover treatment costs, lost wages and more.
Asbestos lawyers are also empathetic people who know what it means to work with mesothelioma patients. They have experience supporting clients in active treatment.
Specialty mesothelioma law firms can file lawsuits, argue cases and negotiate settlements on your behalf. This means you can focus on what’s most important without sacrificing your legal options.
“Up until this moment, I had been hopeless about more than just the cancer. The financial reality of what I was up against was mind-boggling. We were afraid we would have to sell everything and move in with my parents in order to afford treatments and surgery. Jennifer assured me that her firm would do all they could to ensure that would not happen. When we finally hung up the phone after almost an hour, I felt like finally someone was on my side.“
Mesothelioma Settlement Examples
Experienced lawyers have won asbestos cases throughout the country. They’ve represented all types of mesothelioma clients who worked at many different asbestos jobsites. People who hired asbestos lawyers have received the following amounts in mesothelioma settlements:
The above are just a few examples of the thousands of people asbestos lawyers have helped. Settlement amounts vary based on the facts of an individual case. Working with a mesothelioma law firm can help secure the highest possible settlement amount.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Top Mesothelioma Law Firms
Top-Rated Mesothelioma Law Firms in the United States
The best mesothelioma law firms provide support throughout the entire legal process. Attorneys at these firms have proven track records with asbestos litigation. They have years of experience winning compensation for their clients.
Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen
Serves Clients: Nationwide
Offices in: Edwardsville, IL; New Haven, CT; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Orlando, FL; St. Louis, MO; Torrance, CA; Washington, D.C.
Recognized by: Best Lawyers®, Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers®, U.S. News & World Report
Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen (ELSM) has represented more than 5,000 individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and impacted by asbestos exposure. This mesothelioma law firm has more than 40 years of experience in asbestos litigation and works tirelessly on behalf of its clients’ legal rights.
Shrader & Associates
Serves Clients: Nationwide
Offices in: Houston, TX; Maryville, IL; St. Louis, MO; Seattle, WA
Recognized by: Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers, U.S. News & World Report, The American Association for Justice
Shrader & Associates is a small boutique national trial firm. They only take a select few cases, so they can give personal attention to each client. These national trial attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of mesothelioma victims and their families and have recovered over a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements. For over three decades, their award-winning legal services have helped families across the United States, leading to their recognition as one of the top mesothelioma law firms in the country.
Motley Rice LLC
Serves Clients: Nationwide
Offices in: Mount Pleasant, SC; Providence, RI; Hartford, CT; New York, NY; Morgantown, WV; Charleston, WV; Washington, DC; Cherry Hill, NJ; Philadelphia, PA
Recognized by: Chambers USA, U.S. News & World Report, Law360, The Legal 500 United States, The National Law Journal
Contact us for legal advice and find out if your asbestos-related case has merit. We litigate asbestos cases across the country and know what it takes.
Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP
Serves Clients: Nationwide
Offices in: Dallas, TX; Indianapolis, IN
Recognized by: Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers
The Law Offices of Dean, Omar, Branham and Shirley are dedicated to helping mesothelioma patients get compensation. The firm’s lawyers are experienced in fighting unsafe working conditions and negligent asbestos companies.
Vogelzang Law
Serves Clients: Nationwide
Offices in: Chicago, IL; Grand Rapids, MI
Recognized by: Super Lawyers®, Martindale-Hubbell, National Trial Lawyers, The American Association for Justice
Vogelzang Law, headquartered in Chicago, is a national law firm. The team includes skilled litigators and staff members with diverse backgrounds and extensive experience, united by an unwavering commitment to client advocacy and upholding justice. Armed with the resources and capabilities of a large firm, Vogelzang Law prioritizes giving personalized attention to every case. If you have mesothelioma, our lawyers will come to your house and work with you and your family directly. For over twenty years, Vogelzang Law has passionately supported individuals and their loved ones, as well as donated to the researchers and organizations striving to help families, affected by mesothelioma.
Meirowitz & Wasserberg
Serves Clients: Nationwide
Offices in: New York, NY; Long Island, NY; Bronx, NY; Hackensack, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX
Recognized by: Super Lawyers® and National Trial Lawyers (Top 10 in Asbestos & Top 100 Overall)
Meirowitz & Wasserberg (“M&W”) is a national asbestos litigation law firm dedicated to helping individuals who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and lung cancer. M&W’s team of highly skilled asbestos attorneys and support staff provide a personal level of service that is not usually offered by a larger law firm. Our lawyers travel all over the country to meet clients in person to provide support and reassurance that they are in the best possible hands. M&W takes an aggressive, creative, thorough, and relentless approach to lawyering which has allowed us to recover hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Every member of our law firm is committed to the success of our clients' cases.
03. Choosing the Best Law Firm
How to Choose an Asbestos Law Firm
Specialized law firms generally give mesothelioma patients the best chance at compensation and peace of mind. But many law firms claim to specialize in asbestos litigation. How can you tell which is the best? Experienced, high-end mesothelioma law firms usually have the characteristics below.
Review this list before chatting with potential firms or download a printable version here.
01. Free Case Evaluation and No Upfront Fees
Top mesothelioma law firms offer free case reviews with no obligation to hire the law firm. This allows you to ask questions and decide how to proceed with no pressure. The lawyers can answer your questions and review the legal process. Most quality firms receive payment on a contingency basis. This means they only receive money if they win your case.
02. Experience Winning Mesothelioma Cases
Top law firms should have demonstrated success winning mesothelioma lawsuits. The best mesothelioma law firms have a track record of obtaining large settlements and jury awards. Experienced law firms also have extensive knowledge of asbestos trust funds and how to file a successful mesothelioma claim.
03. Individual Attention and Support From Mesothelioma Lawyers
Top mesothelioma firms handle cases for you and provide services to minimize stress. They will not ask you to travel. The firm should provide:
- A dedicated legal team to discuss your questions, case status and compensation details
- Comprehensive lawsuit handling, including representing you in all court proceedings
- Timely updates on the progress of your case
These services allow you to stay in the loop but still focus on treatment and time with loved ones.
04. Extensive Knowledge of the Asbestos Industry
Winning asbestos cases requires knowledge of the industries that exposed people to asbestos. Mesothelioma lawyers know the asbestos companies, products and high-risk occupations linked to exposure. They will gather evidence and help pinpoint your asbestos exposure sources. Specialty firms have the resources to build a strong case against the responsible parties.
05. A Thorough Understanding of Mesothelioma
Asbestos lawyers understand mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. They can present compelling evidence to show how exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. They can also help connect clients with mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers.
06. Nationwide Representation
Top mesothelioma law firms are licensed to practice throughout the United States. They have decades of experience working in each state’s legal system. They can determine the best place to file your lawsuit based on the facts of your case, relevant laws and statutes of limitations.
04. Working With a Law Firm
What to Expect When Working With a Mesothelioma Law Firm
Choosing a mesothelioma law firm begins with an introductory meeting. This meeting is a free consultation to help you decide whether to hire a firm. A mesothelioma case consultation covers:
- The firm’s history with asbestos litigation
- Legal rights and compensation options
- Work history and other possible asbestos exposure sources
The consultation also gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have about the legal process. After this meeting, you can choose whether to have the firm represent your case. Attending the meeting does not commit you to hiring the firm.
Once you choose a firm, an asbestos attorney can begin the process of filing your claim or lawsuit. In general, the firm receives payment on a contingency fee basis. This means they do not get paid unless they win a verdict or mesothelioma settlement.
Steps in the Legal Process
Mesothelioma law firms provide a service meant to minimize stress for their clients. Once you decide to hire a firm, the firm’s attorneys can handle the entire legal process. This includes negotiating a settlement, although it is your decision whether to accept the settlement.
In general, the steps in a mesothelioma lawsuit are as follows:
- Gathering Exposure History Information
A law firm can help gather information to prove a company’s asbestos use led to exposure and the development of an asbestos disease. If you are not sure when or where the exposure occurred, your law firm can build your case through in-depth research and evidence. Evidence of exposure may include medical records, occupational history and military service records. - Determining Recovery Options
Mesothelioma lawyers will explore all possible options for compensation. A firm can represent people with mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases, like lung cancer and asbestosis. Mesothelioma lawsuits often result in the highest financial payouts. Additional options for compensation may include various asbestos claims. You may be eligible to file for asbestos trust fund money, VA benefits and workers’ compensation. - Selecting a Filing Location
Asbestos attorneys can determine the best place to file your lawsuit. As a client, you may have several options depending on where you worked, resided or served in the military. A firm can choose the venue most likely to result in compensation. - Filing the Lawsuit
A law firm will file a formal complaint on your behalf to begin the litigation process. The complaint outlines the case for holding the asbestos company or companies liable. - Handling Discovery, Motions and Other Pre-Trial Matters
Your legal team will continue to develop the case and handle interactions with asbestos companies in the steps leading up to trial. They will request relevant documents from companies as part of the discovery process. They will also respond to any motions or requests from the parties being sued. - Receiving Financial Compensation
You may receive compensation from asbestos verdicts or settlements. Juries award verdicts at the end of trials. Settlements are agreements between parties to end the lawsuit. They may occur before, during or after trial, although most cases settle before trial. Attorneys can negotiate settlement offers. However, it is up to you to accept any offer. If you do not accept, the case continues.
You may be asked to assist at certain points during the litigation process. For example, you may be asked to help gather documents or sit for a deposition. Attorneys will work around your treatment schedules and other obligations.
05. Directory of Top Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firm Directory
Nationwide asbestos law firms provide legal services to individuals throughout the country. Relevant laws and procedures may vary from state to state. The best place to file depends on many factors, including jobsite locations and places of residence. It is important to work with asbestos lawyers who can navigate how different state’s laws may affect a case.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
06. Common Questions
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Law Firms
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How do you know if a mesothelioma law firm is reputable?
- Top mesothelioma law firms offer free consultations to give you a chance to ask questions about the firm’s history with mesothelioma lawsuits. You can also check exterior sources to determine if an asbestos law firm is reputable:
- Bar Association websites: Each state has a bar association website. The site lists whether attorneys are licensed and any disciplinary actions against them.
- Google searches: A Google search can bring up news about a firm that may be missing from other sources.
- Law firm websites: A law firm’s website often lists awards and certifications.
- Third-party rating sites: Sites like Best Lawyers® and Super Lawyers® can help assess a firm’s qualifications.
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Can a family member hire an asbestos law firm for an asbestos case?
- Family members of a patient may be able to hire a lawyer, depending on the type of case they are pursuing. A deceased patient’s family member may hire the firm to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Either patients or family members may be able to file asbestos trust fund claims and other types of claims.
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How do I choose a good mesothelioma law firm?
- The best asbestos law firms offer support and understanding while working hard to secure compensation. Specific things to consider when choosing a firm include:
- Comfort and treatment: The best asbestos lawyers are supportive, understanding and communicative.
- Experience: The best firms have a proven track record of winning large mesothelioma settlements.
- Fee structure: Top firms offer free case reviews and work on a contingency fee basis. Asbestos victims should be wary of firms asking for upfront fees.
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How much does a mesothelioma law firm cost?
- Most mesothelioma law firms offer free consultations and operate on a contingency basis, meaning they will only receive payment if their client receives compensation. Lawyers and their clients generally agree before filing on the percentage of compensation to be paid as lawyers’ fees.
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What percentage do mesothelioma lawyers get?
- Asbestos law firms generally set their contingency fees anywhere from 25% to 40%. You can discuss this fee during your free consultation and may be able to negotiate it.
