01. Hiring an Asbestos Lawyer
Why Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Patients and their families can seek compensation by hiring mesothelioma lawyers to handle their lawsuits and claims. People may also hear them referred to as asbestos lawyers or asbestos attorneys. They work on behalf of their clients throughout the legal process. They have the expertise needed to secure compensation from asbestos companies. They build a strong case, file lawsuits and claims, negotiate mesothelioma settlements and argue cases at trial. They are dedicated to getting mesothelioma patients and their families the money and justice they deserve. Benefits of hiring a mesothelioma lawyer include:
- Free Consultation: Reputable mesothelioma lawyers offer free case reviews. During reviews, lawyers will explain claim eligibility, filing options and next steps.
- Compensation Options: Lawyers can explain possible sources of compensation. Options may include mesothelioma settlements and trust fund claims.
- Focused Legal Support: Qualified lawyers have extensive experience building successful asbestos cases. They understand asbestos laws and have a history of success.
- Research Assistance: An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help gather evidence to support a legal claim. Relevant documents may include employment, military, residential and medical records.
People who develop mesothelioma can contact an asbestos attorney to explore their legal options. Victims may be eligible to file mesothelioma lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims and other types of claims.
As part of their service, attorneys help clients identify possible sources of asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure often occurs on the job. Mesothelioma lawyers have experience identifying responsible asbestos companies and holding them liable. Experienced lawyers can also help pinpoint exposure for people who aren’t sure where or when their asbestos contact occurred.
Qualities of an Experienced Asbestos Lawyer
Asbestos lawyers are available to help get financial compensation. Qualified attorneys at top asbestos law firms have decades of experience. The best mesothelioma lawyers combine legal knowledge with compassion and care, and they possess the following qualities.
- Highly Experienced – Experienced asbestos lawyers win the largest settlements for their clients. It is important to seek an attorney with a proven track record of success.
- Well Recognized – Successful asbestos attorneys are recognized by their peers and national organizations. They are known for going above and beyond to fight for their clients’ legal rights.
- Diligent and Resourceful – Access to relevant resources helps build a strong mesothelioma case. Experienced attorneys work hard to compile all the documents needed to support lawsuits and claims.
- Compassionate and Understanding – Compassionate mesothelioma lawyers are sensitive to their clients’ needs and concerns. They know how a mesothelioma diagnosis can affect a person’s life.
Experienced lawyers know how a mesothelioma diagnosis affects a person. They work to make the lawsuit process as easy as possible for their clients. This leaves mesothelioma patients time for treatment and to spend with their loved ones.
Asbestos victims can reach out to top mesothelioma attorneys for a free case review.
Best Questions to Ask a Mesothelioma Attorney
Asbestos victims may wonder what questions to ask during a consultation. They may want to consider asking the following questions to learn more about a law firm’s experience handling asbestos cases:
- Does your firm specialize in mesothelioma litigation?
- How can I identify the right asbestos company to file against if I do not know where I was exposed?
- How is your legal team compensated for your services?
- How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit take?
- Where should my mesothelioma lawsuit be filed?
- How much does it cost to file a lawsuit?
- What are some examples of successful mesothelioma lawsuits your firm has handled?
- What types of lawsuits and claims does your firm have experience with?
- Will I need to travel if I decide to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Am I Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
Mesothelioma patients and family members may be eligible to file lawsuits after a diagnosis or death. A mesothelioma lawyer can review individual cases during a free consultation. During the consultation, the lawyer can answer any questions about eligibility.
02. Top Mesothelioma Lawyers
Top National Mesothelioma Lawyers
The top national mesothelioma lawyers have years of experience litigating asbestos cases. They have access to resources and information that can help secure compensation. For example, they can identify asbestos jobsites and asbestos products that may have resulted in exposure.
The best mesothelioma lawyers work on behalf of their clients every step of the legal process. Mesothelioma patients and their families can reach out to these lawyers to receive a free consultation.
How We Identify Top-Rated Mesothelioma Lawyers
Finding the right lawyer matters, which is why the lawyers on Mesothelioma.com undergo an in-depth vetting process before being added to the site. Key criteria used to evaluate mesothelioma lawyers include:
- Do they have extensive experience in asbestos litigation, including mesothelioma cases and legal procedures?
- Have they secured significant settlements and verdicts for their clients?
- Do they have the resources to build a strong case, such as access to medical specialists and asbestos exposure databases?
- Can they represent clients nationwide, with knowledge of state-specific laws and access to the best jurisdictions?
- Do they provide compassionate support and clear communication throughout the legal process?
- Do they offer a free case review with no upfront fees?
Successful Cases Filed By Top Mesothelioma Lawyers
Top lawyers have won cases for asbestos victims throughout the United States. Working with lawyers with a history of success can help secure compensation. Clients who have hired asbestos lawyers have received the following amounts in mesothelioma settlements:
- $13,492,059: A 49-year-old received this settlement in California after a career as a mechanic and plumber. The client named Javelin Corporation and a local power plant in their lawsuit as sources of asbestos exposure.
- $11,658,638: A 48-year-old Navy veteran received a substantial settlement after working at several drywall companies in Nevada as a drywall sprayer.
- $11,458,680: A 67-year-old hairdresser and homemaker received this settlement in New York. The client named Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation and Allegheny Power System Inc. in their lawsuit.
- $10,580,000: A 47-year-old factory worker and frequent user of talcum powder products including makeup and body powder received this settlement. Avon and L’Oréal were among the defendants named in the lawsuit.
The above are just a few examples of the thousands of people helped by asbestos attorneys. These asbestos lawsuit experts are available to help asbestos victims throughout the country.
03. Types of Lawsuits and Claims
What Types of Asbestos Lawsuits and Claims do Mesothelioma Lawyers File?
Mesothelioma legal actions include both lawsuits and various types of claims. The two main types of asbestos lawsuits are personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. The main types of claims are asbestos trust fund claims, VA claims and workers’ compensation. Asbestos victims may seek compensation through more than one type of legal action.
After reviewing a case, a lawyer can decide which legal actions are the best for an individual’s case. Financial compensation may come from settlements, verdicts or claim payouts. Lawsuits may end in compensation when the parties decide to settle a case or a jury decides the award with a verdict. Asbestos claim payouts are available to victims who meet specific qualifications.
An asbestos victim will be eligible for different legal actions depending on the facts of their individual case. Experienced asbestos attorneys can determine all possible ways of receiving compensation.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
The two types of lawsuits that can be filed for a mesothelioma case include:
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: An individual files a lawsuit after developing an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuit: A family member files a lawsuit after the death of a loved one from mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Claims
The three types of claims that can be filed for a mesothelioma case include:
- VA Claim: A veteran with mesothelioma files a claim after asbestos exposure during military service.
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claim: Bankrupt asbestos companies have established trust funds to pay out current and future claims. Eligible asbestos victims may file a claim against a company’s trust fund to receive compensation.
- Workers’ Compensation Claims: Workers diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness after being exposed to asbestos on the job may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Mesothelioma compensation from lawsuits and claims can help cover treatment costs, lost wages and other expenses. Compensation from mesothelioma lawsuits may come in the form of settlements and verdicts as described below:
- Mesothelioma Settlements: Mesothelioma lawsuits often settle before trial. Settlements are compensation agreements between asbestos victims and asbestos companies. Parties may decide to settle before, during or after a trial.
- Mesothelioma Lawsuit Verdicts: Mesothelioma verdicts occur at the end of a trial and are decided by a judge or jury. The judge or jury determines if an asbestos company is responsible for exposure and how much they owe to a victim.
04. Statutes of Limitations
How Long Do I Have to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
It is best to file a mesothelioma lawsuit as soon as possible. Each state has its own rules about how long a person has to file a lawsuit after a mesothelioma diagnosis or death. The rules are outlined in laws called statutes of limitations. Asbestos attorneys can help ensure a person files within the appropriate time frame.
Statutes of limitations for mesothelioma may vary by type of lawsuit. The window for filing a personal injury lawsuit begins when a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis. For wrongful death lawsuits, the window begins when a loved one dies from mesothelioma. Contacting a lawyer soon after a diagnosis or death can help avoid missing any filing windows.
05. Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Find Top Mesothelioma Lawyers By State
Asbestos victims do not need to choose a law firm close to them to handle their cases. The best mesothelioma law firms have experience representing clients nationwide. They have a history of success representing asbestos victims and winning cases on their behalf.
Find Legal Help Near You
Lawyers at these firms know how state and federal laws and regulations affect an asbestos case. Working with qualified lawyers helps ensure filings happen within the appropriate time frames. These lawyers can also help decide the best place to file a case for maximum compensation.
06. Common Questions
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Lawyers
- When should I hire a mesothelioma lawyer?
Mesothelioma lawsuits have deadlines set in state-specific laws called statutes of limitations. It is important to contact an asbestos lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis or death to avoid missing the deadline. The lawyer will handle the legal process while you focus on your well-being.
- How much does it cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer?
In general, mesothelioma law firms are hired on a contingency basis. This means they will only receive payment if they win compensation for their client. The lawyer and client agree on the contingency fee agreement before work begins on the case.
- How long does a mesothelioma claim or lawsuit take?
Each case is different with many factors contributing to how long they take. For example, a lawsuit that goes to trial may last longer than one that settles before trial. Asbestos trust funds may award claims within three to four weeks, but payouts may be less than those from lawsuits.
- How do I choose a mesothelioma lawyer?
When hiring a mesothelioma lawyer, asbestos victims and loved ones may want to consider:
- Experience handling successful mesothelioma cases
- Free case evaluations with no upfront legal costs
- Record of winning large verdicts and settlements for their clients
- Resources to document and prove asbestos exposure
