Brief Guidelines on How to Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you are planning to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, you will require the services of an expert mesothelioma lawyer. This Buzzle post will guide you about how to find the right one.

Mesothelioma Lawyer

Did You Know?

According to the website named asbestos, legal analysts claim that there are more than 600,000 plaintiffs and 6,000 defendants for asbestos litigation, and the total outlay for the lawsuits could reach up to USD 200 billion.

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer which is caused due to exposure to asbestos. Many people work in an environment where they inhale or ingest asbestos fibers or dust, causing this cancer. Several people claim compensation from their employers for not adopting safety precautions to avoid asbestos exposure. 

If you are facing a similar problem, it is important that you file a claim immediately. Remember, based on the Statute of Limitations, you have only limited time after the diagnosis to file a case for mesothelioma compensation. This time period varies from state to state. Hence, it is advisable to file the lawsuit immediately after the diagnosis.

An asbestos litigation is considered as the longest and most costliest mass tort in the history of the U.S. Hence, there are chances that you may have to spend a lot to get a good lawyer who can help you to win the case. Don't worry if you do not know how to find a good asbestos lawyer. This Buzzle article will provide tips that will help you find a good one.

Sourcing Information

You will have to gather information about lawyers who handle mesothelioma cases. Try to find an attorney who is located in the county or parish where you will be filling the case. You can either check the Yellow Pages, consult friends and family, or browse through online attorney directories. These directories contain detailed personal and professional information including the legal expertise of the lawyer. Thus, you can contact an attorney in your area, and meet him personally.

Inquire with Your Former Colleagues

There is a likelihood that some of your colleagues at work may have also contracted mesothelioma. Chances are that they too must have filed a lawsuit for the same, against your employer. Get in touch with them and ask them about the choice of their lawyer. If their lawyer got them the desired compensation, it is best to consult him, and avail his services.

Investigate Online Lawyers

Check out the options available for online law firms. Remember, it is important that your prospective mesothelioma lawyer actually takes the effort to file the case, and not merely send you off to some other attorney because he is too busy to handle your case. This often happens when you go to a large firm, hence, it is advisable that you ensure that the same lawyer will file your lawsuit. 

Carry out an online research about the lawyer. Don't just hire a lawyer because he promises to get you huge sums in compensation. Generally, lawyers and law firms who provide in-depth legal information are trustworthy. Read online testimonials and reviews about the lawyer or law firm. This will certainly help in making an appropriate decision. State Bar Associations maintain public records of complaints and disciplinary actions against licensed attorneys. Go to your State Bar Association's website and verify the details of the lawyers.

Ask the Right Questions

Once you have narrowed down your search to a couple of lawyers, meet each of them personally, and ask him/her the right questions about his/her accomplishment as a lawyer, commitment to mesothelioma cases, and number of similar mesothelioma cases handled by him/her previously. You should also inquire about who will be handling your case. 

Email him your questions, and wait for a reply. If you get a detailed reply within 24 hours, it will indicate his seriousness about the urgency of the matter. Many times, mesothelioma lawyers have a ready FAQ sheet which will also help you to understand what to expect from the case.

Check References

The website of a genuine mesothelioma lawyer will provide names and contact details of clients who won compensation. It is always better to get references and firsthand information by talking to such people directly. This can also give you an idea about the credibility of the lawyer.

Understanding and Supportive

Your attorney should not only be experienced, skilled, and a dedicated professional, but he should also have compassion towards your health condition. He should understand that you may not be available every time he calls you for an appointment as you will be busy with your treatment. Also, he should be considerate, caring, and supportive.

Negotiate Fees

Ensure that the lawyer does not charge exorbitant fees, especially he knows that you will need the money for your treatment. Many mesothelioma lawyers charge contingency fee and additional charges for preparing your case. Contingency fees means that a percentage of your compensation will go to the lawyer if he wins the case. 

Try to hire a lawyer who will represent you for 25% to 30 % of recovery, instead of taking away almost half of it. But if you get a reputed lawyer who asks for a little more in percentage, go for it. Only after you are completely satisfied with the charges and related terms, sign on the agreement. Don't forget to ask about the fees and services they cover, method of calculation, extra cost, etc.

Apart from this, remember that experienced mesothelioma lawyers can be a great resource to give you references of specialist doctors and the latest breakthroughs in the treatment of the disease. You can also write to your local Bar Association and explain your case, asking them to recommend a mesothelioma attorney. Now that you know how to find a mesothelioma lawyer, trust him and provide all the details that he requires to win your case.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/howto-find-a-mesothelioma-lawyer.html

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