Mesothelioma Lawyers - Important Information for PatientsSelecting the best mesothelioma lawyer for your situation is not easy because lawyers have different levels of experience in different areas, are licensed to practice in different jurisdictions, and charge different levels of contingency fees. One way to identify reputable lawyers is to see how they are rated by the various independent attorney rating systems. For example, are they listed in "Best Lawyers in America," "Super Lawyers" or have a high Martindale-Hubbell rating? On contingency fees, are they charging a customary fee or an exorbitant one? And what is their reputation among defense lawyers and defendants? Are they known to settle cases quickly and for modest values or do they have the reputation for holding defendants' "feet to the fire" to maximize settlement values for their clients? If you would like information on how to see the published ratings for different mesothelioma lawyers and law firms, please fill-in the form below:
Deciding to pursue legal recourse and selecting an attorney to represent you in a mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit are important decisions that should be made carefully. The facts of your situation and the law firm you select have a dramatic impact in the outcome of your case. The Facts of Your Situation Some mesothelioma patients know they worked around asbestos, but many do not know how they were exposed or how often. In fact, many people are not sure if they were ever near this carcinogen. Unfortunately, there have been thousands of products that contained asbestos - cigarette filters, hair dryers, brakes, basement and roof materials, pipes, boilers, insulation, and many other products found throughout the home and at work. If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma it is more than likely that you were exposed to asbestos multiple times in your life and that this happened decades before your diagnosis. In general, the value of your case depends on how many asbestos containing products you were exposed to, the number of identifiable defendants that still exist (many have declared bankruptcy), your age and earning capacity. And the speed of your case can depend on a number of variables including the state where you worked and lived when you were exposed to asbestos. The Law Firm You Choose When you have been given the news about this terrible disease, you may not feel that you have the time to deal with the legal questions - Should I talk to a lawyer? Should I file a claim? However, you should not wait too long to learn about your legal rights for at least three reasons:
But, picking a lawyer is serious business and you should not use TV ads as the reason to hire an attorney. Actual credentials are what counts. For example, what type of accomplishments has the law firm achieved? How committed are they to mesothelioma/asbestos cases? Are these cases a substantial part of their practice or just a small piece? How many other cases like yours have they handled? Also, make sure you understand the fees being charges. Contingency is the term that means that the lawyer gets paid only after they collect money for you. The amount of the contingency fee that your lawyer can charge varies and is usually between 33% and 40%. It is important to discuss fees openly, ask what services they cover, how they are calculated, and whether there will be any extra charges. Finally, for something as important as a mesothelioma lawsuit, your attorney should not only be experienced, skilled, and dedicated, but also a trusted partner who understands that your health needs always take precedence. The best lawyers are those that are not only expert at what they do, but are also caring, supportive, thoughtful and compassionate.
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If you want answers right now call our Mesothelioma Resource Specialist - Abby Palmer, MSW. DISCLAIMER: Surviving Mesothelioma® is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Cancer Monthly, Inc. and the website is owned and managed by Cancer Monthly Inc. All of the information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Neither Cancer Monthly nor this website renders medical advice or professional services. The information provided by Abby Palmer or any other employee or contractor of Cancer Monthly, Inc. is not to be considered medical advice and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. You should consult a qualified health care provider for medical advice and answers to personal health questions. The responsibility of your disease management plan is with your treating physicians and you should only follow your treating physician’s advice. DO NOT change or modify your disease management plan on your own without consulting your treating physicians. This website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. This website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease and it is not a substitute for professional care. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to an existing treatment. You should not delay in seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this website. Some information may be out of date. The information on this website is intended to convey general information only. It should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. This website and its contents are not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. You should not act on or rely on any information on this website without seeking the advice of an attorney. You are encouraged to promptly speak to legal counsel to identify and protect your legal rights and any deadlines for filing a claim or lawsuit. People who request a free book may be called to verify their address and to introduce other mesothelioma resources that are available. |