If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is a good chance that you have the right to file a claim or claims for compensation. It’s important to choose the right mesothelioma law firm that has the experience to advise you to make the best decisions for you.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Many companies negligently exposed their employees and others to deadly asbestos fibers for years after they knew about the health risks posed by asbestos.
The better mesothelioma law firms are experienced in getting the best results for people who have been injured by these corporations. Here’s what you should consider when picking the right firm to represent you in your mesothelioma claims.
Why Is It Important to Choose the Best Mesothelioma Law Firm I Can Find?
There is a big difference between the better mesothelioma law firms and other firms that don’t handle a larger number of mesothelioma claims. The bottom line is experience. The better firms have years of experience in asbestos litigation and often make mesothelioma claims their sole or most common area of practice. These firms typically attract accomplished asbestos lawyers and investigators to their practice and can provide a unique level of overall support to their clients.
Most importantly, the better mesothelioma law firms, in most instances, should have the experience to guide you through the process. Hiring a top mesothelioma firm could make a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars or more in the compensation you receive. That’s money you can use to pay the high cost of medical expenses, replace lost wages, and secure your family’s future. Oftentimes, more importantly, an experienced mesothelioma attorney can provide the guidance necessary to put your mind at ease so you can focus on what is truly important.
Maybe you think you can’t afford a very good and experienced mesothelioma law firm. In fact, you should be able to afford the best because most mesothelioma lawyers won’t charge you any fees up front. Your lawyers will only get paid if they obtain compensation on your behalf. There’s no reason not to choose the best legal representation for a case that could make a huge financial difference for you and your family.
6 Qualities of a Good Mesothelioma Law Firm
The better mesothelioma law firms share some common characteristics. Here are some things to look for – and look out for – when you choose the law firm to represent you in your mesothelioma claims.
1. A Record of Successful Mesothelioma Claims
Choose a firm with a track record of getting settlements for clients with mesothelioma. Settlements usually aren’t made public, but the lawyer you meet should be able to give you general information about some of the settlements the firm has obtained for other clients.
Find out how many years the firm has been in business and how much experience the firm’s lawyers have. A legal team with years of experience successfully bringing mesothelioma claims is more likely to help you get the financial compensation you deserve.
2. Focus on Mesothelioma Litigation
Ask about the firm’s practice areas. Mesothelioma litigation is a very specialized field of law. The better mesothelioma law firms do nothing but handle mesothelioma cases or representing mesothelioma victims is a substantial and core part of their practice.
Lawyers who focus their professional lives on the legal issues of people with mesothelioma will know the latest developments in mesothelioma claims and exposures to asbestos. An experienced mesothelioma law firm is likely to have experience in prior litigation against the corporations named in your own claims. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will also know which asbestos trust funds to apply to on your behalf.
3. Practicing Mesothelioma Law Firm vs. a Lead Generation Law Firm
Some of the law firms that advertise most heavily on the internet aren’t actually practicing mesothelioma or asbestos law. Instead these law firms generate cases and then send the client to the firm of their choosing instead of what may be best for you. A practicing mesothelioma law firm will represent you from start to finish. Non-practicing firms simply attract clients then, for a fee, transfer cases to other attorneys.
As stated, the non-practicing firm will send the client to the firm of their choosing. You might end up with a lawyer without enough experience, a generalist who doesn’t know much about mesotheliom claims, or a small law firm without enough resources to thoroughly investigate and build a strong case for you.
The firms that serve as “facilitators” to attract clients benefit from this arrangement, but you could lose out. When you have a good mesothelioma law firm on your side, you are more likely to be fully compensated for your mesothelioma.
Beware of mesothelioma law firms that do not represent their clients all through the process. Don’t be afraid to ask if the law firm will directly handle your lawsuit or pass your case on to another firm.
4. Works on Contingency Fee
In a contingency fee arrangement, your law firm takes a risk on your case. The firm invests time and money up front, because it believes you have a strong chance of winning your asbestos lawsuit.
If your claims are successful, a portion of your settlement will go to your law firm as payment. If you lose, you pay nothing. There is no financial risk to you.
If a mesothelioma law firm asks you for a retainer or bills you for time by the hour, say no thank you. The better mesothelioma law firms represent clients with contingency fee arrangements.
5. Effective Investigations
The top mesothelioma law firms don’t just have experienced, high quality mesothelioma lawyers – they have experienced, effective investigators. Investigators play a crucial role by uncovering facts about where you were exposed to asbestos. The quality of that investigation can make or break your mesothelioma claims.
Skilled investigators know how to find union records, sales records of asbestos-containing products, employment records and other information you need to build your case. Make sure your legal team includes an experienced investigator or team of investigators.
6. Good Communication with Clients
There’s no worse feeling than putting your trust in a law firm that’s not responsive to your needs. If your calls go unreturned or your lawyer can’t be bothered to answer your questions, choose a different law firm.
Ask for client references before you choose the law firm. Find out about the experience that other families had working with the firm. That can help you determine if you’ve found a good mesothelioma lawyer.
How to Find the Better Mesothelioma Law Firms
You can choose the best mesothelioma law firms from among all the law firms in the country. You don’t have to work with a lawyer near where you live and it’s usually better if you don’t. The companies that sold asbestos-containing products are not going to use a small, local law firm. These companies will choose an experienced and large law firm to represent them. You need to find a law firm that has the size and experience necessary to stand toe-to-toe with the large corporate law firms. A good plaintiff’s mesothelioma law firm should have the resources and experience to bring claims against some of the largest corporations across the country.
Your lawyer should come to your home to meet you wherever you live in the United States. Your claims are important for you and your family. The choice you make could be the difference between providing a sound financial future for your family unencumbered by medical debts or a future of uncertainty. Don’t be afraid to search for the best mesothelioma law firm you can find.