More than 39,000 Americans lose their lives to asbestos-related diseases every year. Sadly, most of these deaths are preventable. The asbestos-related illness occurs because of asbestos exposure. It is a common ingredient use in the construction and manufacturing industries. Since the early 1920s, medical professionals have warned manufacturers about the dangers of asbestos. Scientists published reports on the health risks of inhaling asbestos.
Asbestos exposure can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. If you or a loved one is suffering from a related condition, you might be entitled to compensation. By filing an asbestos lawsuit, you can fight back against the company responsible for the disease. Since mesothelioma treatment is expensive, filing a claim can also pay for growing medical expenses.
However, remember that there is a deadline for such claims. The legal system calls them the Statutes of Limitations. The law on asbestos claims differs from other personal injury suits. In most personal injury claims, the time limit starts after an offense occurs. But for mesothelioma, the time begins after people discover they have this disease. So, it may be decades after exposure to asbestos because of the long latency period of the mesothelioma. Generally, the statute of limitations is between 1 to 3 years after the diagnosis or death of a mesothelioma patient. A quick search can help you learn more about how the statute of limitations affects your mesothelioma lawsuit.
Related Title: How to Cope Emotional Trauma Caused By Medical Malpractice?
Once you have decided to file a case, it is time to choose a lawyer. But choosing the correct lawyer is challenging, even more so when one is battling a ravishing illness like mesothelioma. We have a few suggestions you can follow to make the best choice for yourself.
A National Firm or a Local One
Sometimes plaintiffs can have mesothelioma cases in multiple states. They can either file it where the company offices are or the place of asbestos exposure. A national firm will have bar certification in several areas. So, they can choose the states that are favorable to mesothelioma lawsuits. Not only will this help you receive compensation quicker, but it will also increase the value of your case. Do not worry about the travel costs and time. An excellent lawyer understands that a mesothelioma victim cannot travel too much. They always prioritize the convenience of their clients.
An Old Hand or a Rookie
Experience is vital in the world of mesothelioma lawsuits. Mesothelioma cases are very technical. Lawyers have to go through a long work history to identify when and where asbestos exposure occurred. The long latency of asbestos-related diseases makes this challenging. Your lawyer will also collect medical information to prove that the company was negligent. To do so, they must have in-depth medical knowledge of mesothelioma. An experienced lawyer can also tell you whether you have sufficient proof to file your claim. Lastly, there are several ways a victim can access payment. A competent and experienced lawyer will help you explore the best option to access compensation.
Contingency or Upfront Payment
Some law firms require an upfront payment. While others work on contingency, which means you will only pay fees once your compensation claim is successful. If you win your case, your lawyer will collect a percentage of the award. You might already be struggling with medical expenses for mesothelioma treatment. So it does not make sense to add to your financial burden with excessive legal fees. Therefore we suggest you choose a law firm that works on contingency. This payment option reduces your risk and motivates lawyers to work harder.
A Great Orator or an Excellent Communicator
While a top-notch orator is excellent for criminal trials, you should hire a good communicator for an asbestos lawsuit. Most asbestos lawsuits resolve in the preliminary phase. So there is a high chance that you might not even have to go to trial. Therefore, you should hire someone who has excellent communication skills. Your lawyer should also be able to communicate briefly with their adversaries. They must also effectively communicate with you and keep you up to date with the latest developments in your case. They should be able to listen to your concerns and explain everything.
Strong-Willed or Bull-Headed
Your lawyer should not only be competent, but they should also be professional. A lawyer should be forceful to protect the interests of their clients. But, there is a difference between assertive and assaultive. Some lawyers become aggressive or resort to using language that damages their case. They should also have an impeccable reputation within the legal community. You can cross-check the references of your attorney through the bar association.
HP Thoughts: Here is another issue regarding legal settlements against hospitals and medical practitioners — Does Surgery Increase Injury Settlement Amounts.
Conclusions
Finding an excellent lawyer is the most vital step in filing a mesothelioma case. You don’t want just anyone handling your case. So, look for someone with experience and in-depth knowledge about asbestos litigation. Now is your chance to hold corporations responsible for years of pain and misery. Please do not waste it by choosing someone who is not up to the task.
