Mesothelioma is a silent killer. It is characterized by a group of tumors that grow in the tissue around your lungs, heart, and kidneys. Unfortunately, the disease has a lengthy latency period, and the symptoms do not show till it has advanced to a later stage. The WHO and other health organizations have been actively working on awareness campaigns to combat this. To reduce the risk of mesothelioma, policymakers have outlawed asbestos and its byproducts worldwide.
The CDC states that roughly 3,000 people are diagnosed with this deadly disease every year in the US alone. This is an unfortunate statistic as patients are unaware of their exposure. This is why the law protects your rights and allows you to seek legal help and demand justice if you’re diagnosed with the condition.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer?
Besides working on a treatment plan, the first thing to do after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is to contact a lawyer.
Consider things like how they can help you. Do they have any mesothelioma-related expertise? Have they dealt with similar cases to yours, and what was their win-to-lose ratio?
It’s crucial to employ a lawyer with a track record of success in assisting clients in winning settlements and legal actions against similar cases. A competent mesothelioma lawyer will help you learn more about the disease and assist your case by doing the following:
- Gather all required information, such as facts, medical reports and necessary documents.
- Offer you individualized services in response to your diagnosis and prognosis. A good legal team can even suggest experts, medical research trials, support groups, and much more.
- Fight the case to ensure you get compensation to cover the costs of medical treatment, emotional damage, and income lost.
If you’ve decided to pursue your case, here’s a list of ways you can choose an ideal mesothelioma lawyer for yourself or your loved one.
1. History of Work
If you’re looking for a mesothelioma attorney, you should consider asking about their history of dealing with similar cases. A mesothelioma lawyer who has previously handled several similar cases may be more familiar with the legal system and the procedures involved in a mesothelioma case.
You can also ask your lawyer if they have enough understanding of the disease, and its symptoms and know the right questions to ask your medical team and the liable party to see if the case has a solid standing.
You can also ask them about their experience and whether they work alone or in a team. The best way to learn about a lawyer’s experience is always by asking questions. If they refuse to answer these questions, it may indicate that they don’t have much experience with mesothelioma cases or that they are hiding something.
2. Success Rate
It is important to have a lawyer experienced in handling mesothelioma cases but what’s more important is their success rate. Be comfortable asking how many cases they were able to win and their complete history of which case went to trial or which case was compensated from asbestos trust funds. You can also ask them about the amount of compensation they were able to win for their clients.
Having a detailed knowledge of your lawyer’s success rate can help you figure out the potential outcome of your case. Comparing your case to other clients’ can paint a clear picture of whether your case is strong or not.
3. References
Getting a mesothelioma diagnosis itself can be emotionally draining. The legal procedure adds significantly to the stress of the patient and the family, all the while the patient undergoes rigorous treatment. A good mesothelioma lawyer can relieve you of the extra stress, as you rest assured they’ll take care of everything.
Always consider asking for references and reviews from previous clients to get a feel of the lawyer’s work ethic and character. If someone has been successful with the firm, they will be more likely to give you positive feedback.
Negative feedback can add more stress but can save you from wasting your precious time and money by avoiding hiring an incompetent lawyer.
4. Fee
You must also ask your attorney about the retainer’s fee or if they charge per hour. Some attorneys charge more than others. It’s always good to get an upfront estimate, so you know exactly how much it will cost before getting started on your case. This is a significant factor to consider as the treatment can be financially burdening and you don’t want to hire someone who costs an arm and leg for the entire procedure.
You should also discuss their payment method. Many lawyers charge per hour, while others follow a contingency fee plan. It means you don’t pay till you get a verdict on your case. Generally, the following rates are employed by mesothelioma firms:
- 25% for trust fund claims
- 33% to 40% for personal injury and wrongful death claims.
5. Case Review
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to find a lawyer who will understand your unique situation. You should not settle for anything less than the best. Many law firms and lawyers offer a free case review. This will give you an idea of their expertise and their professionalism. Make sure they have all the necessary medical documents as well as your work history to understand your case and make an informed decision.
Firms that offer free case reviews usually have a good track record and a success rate.
Conclusion
When it comes to mesothelioma, your choice of a lawyer is vitally important. Although the statute of limitations may vary from state to state, you should act as quickly as possible to file a lawsuit against those responsible for your exposure. Contact a lawyer immediately to start the process if you have been exposed to asbestos and are now diagnosed with mesothelioma. You don’t have to go through it alone. Get the help and support of mesothelioma lawyers who know what an overwhelming journey it can be. The reason to choose a qualified and successful lawyer is the same as with anything in life: to give yourself a better chance at success.
