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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyers

A mesothelioma lawyer specializes in getting patients compensation for exposure to asbestos through litigation such as a settlement or lawsuit for mesothelioma. The best mesothelioma lawyers work for well-established nationwide law firms with strong track records. An asbestos attorney can help patients and loved ones suffering from a mesothelioma diagnosis get compensation to help cover related costs.

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Key Points

  • 1

    Your lawyer will offer a free consultation to explore all your legal options.

  • 2

    If you move forward with a claim, your lawyer can handle the process on your behalf.

  • 3

    Come prepared with questions to ask your lawyer about your individual claim.

  • 4

    Be mindful of the qualities of a reputable lawyer you can trust.

Why Should You Hire a Mesothelioma Attorney?

You should hire a mesothelioma attorney because they are the most qualified to file a successful mesothelioma lawsuit. An attorney who has litigated mesothelioma lawsuits, and works for a mesothelioma law firm, will understand all of the documentation and research needed to win your case.

Not only will they understand all the legalities behind it, they will understand more about what you’re going through and what you need. After being diagnosed with mesothelioma, it can be difficult to know what comes next. Finding an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can make the process simple and allow you or your loved one to put the main focus on your health, while also knowing that your current and future financial needs are in capable hands.

An experienced mesothelioma attorney can:

  • Get you the compensation you may be entitled to receive due to wrongful exposure to asbestos
  • Get access to tools & information that will help win your case
  • Fully understand the legal complexities with mesothelioma and be able to represent you effectively

Qualities of a Top Successful Mesothelioma Lawyer

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer specializes in asbestos litigation, including lawsuits for mesothelioma, settlements and claims against asbestos trust funds. Finding the right mesothelioma lawyer to handle your mesothelioma claim is critical to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

Some of these top mesothelioma lawyers work for nationwide law firms such as Early, Luccarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen (ELSM), The Gori Law Firm and Simmons Hanly Conroy.

The best mesothelioma lawyers should have the follow qualities:

  • Provide a FREE Case Review
  • Proven Track Record of Success
  • Years of Experience
  • Nationwide Availability
  • Strong Communication Skills
  • Access to Databases & Information
  • Knowledgeable About Compensation Options

As a mesothelioma patient or loved one, a good mesothelioma lawyer will work to make your life easier. You will want to find an asbestos attorney that works nationwide and is willing to come to you and has the resources available to fully pursue your case. The key to winning a mesothelioma settlement is documentation and the best lawyers will have the most access to the information needed.

Expenses Mesothelioma Compensation Can Cover

Legal compensation for mesothelioma can cover a wide range of expenses related to your diagnosis.

Your mesothelioma lawyer can step you through everything you can use your compensation on but most use it to cover:

  • Treatment Costs
  • Lost Wages
  • Caregiver Costs
  • Travel Expenses for Treatment or Legal
  • Therapy and Grief Support
  • Funeral Expenses

Types of Mesothelioma Claims Asbestos Lawyers Handle

A reputable asbestos lawyer will decide the best way to pursue compensation for your injury, whether it’s through a mesothelioma lawsuit or by filing a claim against an asbestos trust fund. It’s especially important to talk to a lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma if you are a veteran. If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma you have other options to pursue and other steps you will need to take before pursuing compensation through a trust fund or settlement, such as filing a VA claim.

The types of mesothelioma claims a qualified asbestos attorney will handle are:

  • Personal Injury Lawsuits – A person diagnosed with mesothelioma can file a personal injury lawsuit against one or more companies responsible for their illness.
  • Wrongful Death Lawsuits – If a diagnosed mesothelioma patient passes away, the estate may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against one or more companies that exposed the deceased to asbestos.
  • Mesothelioma Settlements – Most lawsuits for mesothelioma never go to trial and are often settled beforehand. A jury verdict may result in a larger damage award but those can take years and many opt to get a settlement instead for faster payout.
  • Asbestos Trust Funds – Bankrupt asbestos companies have set aside over $30 billion to compensate people diagnosed with mesothelioma. A qualified asbestos lawyer can help you start the process of filing a claim to recieve compensation.

What to Ask Your Mesothelioma Lawyer

As you consider your legal options and a mesothelioma law firm you would like to work with, many questions will arise as asbestos litigation can be quite complex. The following questions can be a good starting point as you move forward and explore your legal rights. Be sure to talk with a mesothelioma lawyer directly to understand specifics for your individual claim.

How Much Time Do I Have to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

It’s important to seek legal help from a reputable mesothelioma law firm as soon as possible. Depending on the type of claim you may be eligible to file, there is a short window of time to do so based on the venue. States have varying statutes of limitations that range from just 1 year after diagnosis or wrongful death up to 6 years after.

Considering how much time it can take to research and build your case, it’s important to establish a working relationship with a mesothelioma attorney right away. The sooner you work with an experienced lawyer, the sooner you can receive the compensation you deserve.

Can I Afford a Mesothelioma Attorney?

The cost of hiring a lawyer to handle a mesothelioma case is something that worries many victims, causing them to avoid seeking legal counsel. However, reputable mesothelioma law firms will not charge you up front, and are mostly taken on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t have to pay for legal help unless you’re awarded compensation for your asbestos claim.

An experienced law firm will also understand how to keep costs down, meaning you and your family members will be able to keep a larger amount of the compensation awarded. For instance, if a case does not go to trial, the total cost usually ranges from 3–5% of the total compensation.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect if I Hire a Lawyer?

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will work to ensure you receive the most compensation possible. However, each case is unique and it’s difficult to say exactly how much compensation you can expect as many factors can impact the total.

Read More About Mesothelioma Settlements

While speaking to a legal professional to help review your individual case will provide the most accurate information, there are some key points that could help determine how much of an award you receive, including:

  • Medical expenses, including treatment costs not covered by health insurance
  • Secondary treatment costs, like travel and lodging
  • Lost wages from inability to work
  • Pain and suffering

The amount of compensation expected will also depend on the type of claim being filed; workers’ compensation or a disability claim will offer different maximum compensation benefits than a settlement or verdict from an asbestos lawsuit. Your lawyer will be able to explain the types of claims you are eligible for and provide an idea of how much compensation you may expect.

How Long Will it Take to Receive Compensation?

It’s difficult to predict a timeline, as each individual claim is unique. Depending on the type of claim filed and corresponding legal process, asbestos cases may vary from months or even several years before mesothelioma victims receive compensation. Gathering the necessary information and evidence needed for a claim can take several months on its own.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will be able to give you an estimate of how long the process may expect to take, though it is important to be mindful that this timeframe may change as your case develops.

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Written By

Tonya Nelson

Managing Editor

Tonya Nelson is an experienced writer and editor, who has published on a wide variety of topics, particularly in the health field.