It’s difficult to navigate the complexities of receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. This rare disease takes place after prolonged asbestos exposure, and many victims choose to take timely legal action against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. If you are seeking justice for yourself or on a loved one’s behalf, hiring the right mesothelioma attorney is the first step in the right direction.
However, finding an ideal lawyer requires careful consideration so you can get a favorable settlement offer and afford your mesothelioma treatment. Therefore, this blog discusses the most important factors to consider when looking for a mesothelioma lawyer.
Location and jurisdiction
Since asbestos-related laws and statutes of limitations vary by state, your lawyer must be licensed to practice in your location. This lawyer will have a comprehensive understanding of these local laws, which is vital in building a strong case. For instance, the state of Ohio gives you just two years to take legal action in mesothelioma cases.
Building your case will be easier when the lawyer is available to meet with you, attend court hearings, and keep you updated on any progress.
Specialization and expertise
Asbestos-related litigation isn’t that common in the United States as just 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in a giver year. Between 2013 and 2017, 145 new mesothelioma cases emerged in Ohio alone. So, you shouldn’t hire a random personal injury lawyer to take on this delicate case. It requires specialization and experience, qualities only available in a seasoned mesothelioma attorney.
Go to credible platforms, such as Mesothelioma Hope, to find qualified mesothelioma lawyers with a successful track record. Visit www.mesotheliomahope.com to connect with a law firm and get a free case review. Here, you will find the kind of legal representation you and your loved one deserve.
Legal team and resources
But mesothelioma lawsuits aren’t that easy to pursue, and even seasoned lawyers need a great team of diligent individuals for evidence-gathering and witness-checking. Make sure your lawyer has many legal resources at their disposal, determining if they’re competent enough to research this case. The most important legal resources include:
- Access to medical experts who can testify in your mesothelioma case
- A fully-equipped team of investigators and junior lawyers to assist them
Client reviews and testimonials
A lawyer’s former clients are the best judge of their legal expertise, professionalism, and credibility.
In most cases, you can visit a lawyer’s website to read reviews or head to social media platforms like Quora or Reddit to see what others are saying about this particular lawyer. Measure the attorney’s competence as per client satisfaction and the final compensation amount won.
But it’s better to ask the lawyer for client testimonials and references. Give their previous clients a call to inquire about their experience with this lawyer. Hearing about their experience can help you decide if this is the kind of person you’re okay working with throughout the asbestos case.
Litigation strategy and approach
Every lawyer has a different approach to handling a mesothelioma case. Learn how your potential mesothelioma attorney plans to build and present your case before a judge.Evеn though asbеstos casеs usually еnd up in an out-of-court sеttlеmеnt, thеrе’s a chancе that you may havе to go to trial. Makе surе your lawyеr is rеady to fight your casе in front of a jury.
Work with a well-prepared lawyer who is ready to face every challenge for their client’s sake.
Attention to detail
Even with the best litigation strategy, your case may not be strong enough to sustain the aggressive inquiries made by the defense lawyers. A detail-oriented lawyer will consider your entire case from the opposite side’s viewpoint and try to analyze it for possible weaknesses. They’ll assess your case for any gaps in evidence, information, or documentation that defense lawyers could exploit.
That’s how a meticulous mesothelioma attorney anticipates and addresses any arguments the opposing party may employ during legal proceedings. The strength of your asbestos case depends on the lawyer’s proactive approach and readiness for even the most aggressive defense inquiries.
Fee structure and affordability
Never disregard the affordability of mesothelioma legal proceedings when interviewing a lawyer. Ask them about any upfront costs and expenses associated with the legal process.
Most asbestos lawyers are well aware of how financially overwhelming a mesothelioma diagnosis can be. Treating this rare form of cancer averages between $11,000 and $12,000 a month, easily burning a hole in the patient’s pocket. That’s why they will be more than interested in working with you on a contingency basis, which means you pay them only after winning compensation.
On average, mesothelioma settlements in the U.S. range from $1 million to $1.5 million, enough for the plaintiff to undergo cancer treatment and improve their quality of life.
Honesty, empathy, and support
A mesothelioma lawyer’s qualifications aren’t the only things that matter; they need to demonstrate empathy and compassion for you and your loved ones. They should realize the mental and physical toll of receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Don’t work with someone who isn’t respectful of your sufferings or fails to understand the importance of this sensitive case.
You need a mesothelioma lawyer to provide emotional support as well and make you realize that you can count on them to seek justice for your pain and loss. This lawyer needs to be available to respond to your queries and realistically update you about the progress of the asbestos case.
That’s the kind of lawyer you can trust to handle your lawsuit with the delicacy and seriousness it demands.
Conclusion
Consider the factors mentioned in this article when looking for an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. Make sure you’re working with a qualified lawyer who specializes in handling mesothelioma suits and has enough experience representing asbestos patients. Your lawyer must be licensed to practice in your state and equipped with a huge network of resources for evidence gathering.
That’s the kind of legal support you’d feel to follow through on all aspects of your asbestos case.
