Mesothelioma is likely to have been caused by asbestos exposure. The mineral was commonly used in the past, but ever since the 1970s, it has been shown to cause a variety of cancers.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, chances are you were exposed to asbestos, be it recently, decades ago, directly, or even indirectly. Depending on where the exposure occurred, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other damages. However, before you file a claim, you should make sure that the firm you choose will be able to handle your case properly.
Why hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
It might sound like a run-of-the-mill personal injury claim, but the laws of mesothelioma are different. Simple personal injury claims require a short-term investigation to determine your entitlement to compensation. However, people suffering from mesothelioma had asbestos exposure decades ago. Despite the ban on asbestos, many companies continued to use it without telling their employees that it posed a health risk, or in some cases, without disclosing their exposure to asbestos.
Filing a legal claim and winning the case would require an experienced attorney, who can find old medical records and bring in experts to establish that your diagnosis is linked to your former workplace. Your mesothelioma attorney must have a thorough understanding of the history of asbestos use to be able to determine if asbestos was used where you worked.
Signs of a Good Mesothelioma Law Firm
You should lookout for a few key factors when selecting a lawyer for a case as specialized as mesothelioma law.
1. They Have Time and Resources
Having your injury attributed to your former employer can take a lot of time and resources. If your law firm does not have the time to investigate the point of asbestos contact thoroughly, it can be quite difficult to build a strong case. Firms specializing in personal injury cases often have experience with injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits, and trust fund claims. Additionally, they have access to medical experts who can help support your case. It may even be necessary to file an action against a company that has merged with or closed down, so choose a law firm that can conduct thorough research.
2. They Accurately Value Your Claim
Knowing how to value a claim properly is one of the most challenging steps in most personal injury cases. An experienced lawyer will be able to estimate your damages accurately.
Lawyers are trained to deal with economic damages resulting from medical bills, lost wages, or funeral expenses, so any average lawyer will do that for you. However, an experienced law firm will carefully review your situation, come to an accurate valuation, and will argue for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Those with their treatment in the process can not only get total compensation for damages done but, with a good lawyer by their side, can also claim payment for future treatment.
3. They Pursue Claims on Contingency
Many people hesitate to pursue personal injury cases, especially ones dealing with mesothelioma, due to the costs involved. Fortunately, there are law firms out there that are willing to pursue these claims on contingency. They will not impose an upfront fee and will not charge you unless you obtain compensation. Additionally, they will offer free legal consultation to evaluate the strength of your case. Therefore, you can procure compensation without having to worry about balancing medical bills and lawyer fees.
4. They Temper Expectations
Good law firms will fight for your compensation, but they will not overpromise. A firm that claims you can win millions is probably inexperienced. In only a few instances have people received millions in compensation. An experienced law firm will ensure that you do not become unrealistic with your expectations. In addition, they can advise you on issues such as the statute of limitations, which can indicate when it is too late to file a claim. The legal battle to win a mesothelioma case can be long and tiresome, and a good law firm will make sure you’re prepared for any potential problems before you file.
5. They Have a Diverse Team
As complex as these cases are, you need a mesothelioma law firm that has a competent group of attorneys, investigators, medical experts, paralegals, and support staff. A good law firm has a way of gathering all the relevant records and documents about your case. Moreover, multidisciplinary teams can provide you with personalized attention, medical information, and legal advice. Their intimate knowledge helps them deliver the best legal services to families struggling with this rare disease.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos laws can vary in each state, making it challenging to file a personal injury claim. Fortunately, a good law firm can provide you with the expertise and resources needed to handle mesothelioma cases. You have access to extensive resources, asbestos product databases, and more when choosing a firm that specializes in asbestos law, and you may be able to receive some monetary relief from all the suffering you’ve had to endure.
