Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly daunting experience, often leaving you with numerous questions for your doctor about treatment options, prognosis, and other related concerns. As you delve deeper into understanding mesothelioma, you may find that your inquiries extend beyond just medical aspects. Mesothelioma is solely caused by asbestos exposure, and the companies that manufactured and distributed asbestos-containing products were aware of the associated health risks but chose not to disclose them. This failure to warn is one of the key reasons individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma can seek compensation from these corporations that endangered their health. However, knowing where to seek legal assistance can be a challenge. If you are considering filing a mesothelioma compensation claim, how do you determine which law firm or attorney is best suited to handle your case? It’s completely normal—and advisable—to prepare a list of questions for your primary care physician or mesothelioma specialist. Similarly, top law firms encourage you to do the same when searching for a mesothelioma attorney. Here are eight essential questions to ask each lawyer you consult to help you find the right fit for your case.
5 Questions to Ask a Mesothelioma Attorney
During your initial consultation with a mesothelioma attorney, you will have the chance to inquire about their experience with asbestos lawsuits and their approach to your case. Having a list of questions ready for this meeting is beneficial, and a competent mesothelioma lawyer will be willing to address all of your concerns. “Every case is unique, but until you consult someone knowledgeable about mesothelioma and its implications, you haven’t fully explored your options as a patient.” – Bonnie, Mesothelioma Survivor & Firm Client Make sure to ask the following questions to gauge the attorney’s style and determine if they are the right choice for your case.
1. **How Long Have You Been Handling Mesothelioma Cases?** Simmons Hanly Conroy has been advocating for mesothelioma patients and their families for over 20 years, helping them seek justice and compensation. Founded in 1999 by Chairman John Simmons, the firm is dedicated to supporting those affected by asbestos-related diseases. To date, we have secured over $9.6 billion in compensation for families nationwide.
2. **What Are Your Past Results for Mesothelioma Cases?** Our firm has a proven track record of successfully obtaining compensation for clients, including the largest mesothelioma verdict against a single defendant in asbestos litigation history—$250 million. Recently, our trial teams have taken 12 asbestos cases to court, resulting in over $234 million in verdicts for our clients. Some notable settlements and verdicts include: – $60 million for a laborer in New York – $34 million for a mechanic in California – $40 million for a U.S. Navy veteran in Washington – $3.8 million for a laborer with peritoneal mesothelioma – $15 million for the family of a construction worker – $4 million for an electrician in Illinois – $13.1 million for a carpenter with mesothelioma – $2.53 million for the family of a maintenance worker in Michigan – $20 million for a mechanic in Missouri – $4.25 million for a U.S. Air Force veteran and welder in Indiana – $30 million for a construction supervisor and his wife While results can vary, our attorneys possess the resources and experience necessary to advocate for maximum compensation. We can also assist eligible clients in pursuing compensation from the estimated $30 billion still available in asbestos trust funds.
3. **Do You Focus Exclusively on Asbestos Litigation?** Selecting a lawyer who specializes solely in asbestos litigation increases your chances of obtaining the most compensation in the shortest time frame. Our mesothelioma attorneys have extensive experience in this area. “When we take on a new client, we can immediately leverage our knowledge of the products, manufacturers, science, and medicine involved. We don’t need to start from scratch.” – Nick Angelides, Chair of the Asbestos Department We have a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding mesothelioma cases and the significant emotional, physical, and financial impact this cancer has on families.
4. **How Much Will It Cost to Hire You?** There are no hourly fees or upfront costs when working with our mesothelioma lawyers. We only receive payment if we successfully secure compensation for you. Our attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we take a percentage of any recovery on your behalf, eliminating any financial risk for our clients.
5. **What Resources Do You Have to Prove My Asbestos Exposure?** Every mesothelioma case necessitates a thorough investigation into the victim’s history to identify how, when, and where they were exposed to asbestos. Our lawyers have compiled crucial information about various job sites and products containing asbestos, as well as the companies involved in their production and distribution. “We have built an extensive database of documents over 25 years. By utilizing this resource, we can help our clients obtain the compensation they deserve.” – Lisa Nathanson Busch, Chair of the Bankruptcy Department Contact us today to find out if we can leverage our resources to build a strong case for you. It’s likely that we have already represented clients from similar workplaces as yours.
Your Goals When Interviewing
Attorneys Ultimately, your discussions with potential attorneys for your mesothelioma case should focus on three key objectives: – Gaining a clear understanding of the firm’s experience with mesothelioma cases. – Assessing whether you can trust the attorney or law firm’s commitment to mesothelioma litigation and their capability to effectively manage your case. – Understanding the firm’s fee structure—specifically, how much of the compensation will go toward paying the lawyer if your case is successful. ### In Summary Choosing the right mesothelioma lawyer hinges on their specific experience and success rate in handling mesothelioma cases, as well as your confidence in their ability to hold responsible parties accountable for your illness. If you believe the attorney has demonstrated their competence and you feel respected and valued as a client, that is what truly matters.
References & Reviews
In addition to seeking referrals from friends and colleagues, it’s wise to research asbestos-exposure lawyers online. Look for reviews on platforms like Google Business, case summaries, results, and testimonials. These resources can provide insight into a prospective attorney’s customer service, expertise, negotiation skills, courtroom performance, and overall track record. However, be cautious, as many asbestos and mesothelioma informational websites may be sponsored or created by law firms, which may not always be transparently disclosed. At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, we take pride in our strong relationships with our clients, who have shared testimonials highlighting our compassionate service and dedicated representation.
