Hiring a mesothelioma lawyer is a delicate process that requires due diligence with extreme care. These lawsuits can be pretty time-consuming and require loads of evidence to prove the circumstances of your asbestos exposure. Only a qualified, experienced attorney has the unique skill set for gathering ample evidence to support your case and negotiating a sizeable compensation on your behalf.
So, find well-recommended mesothelioma lawyers online and get a quote from all of them. Interviewing them helps you determine which one’s the right attorney for your case. Here are some key questions you should ask to evaluate their expertise, personality, and availability.
1. Can you show me your credentials?
Confirm the lawyer’s credentials first and make sure they are licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. If you’re filing a mesothelioma claim in the state of Flordia, for instance, the state with the second-highest number of asbestos-related deaths in the country, the lawyer should be licensed to practice law in Florida. Only consider a lawyer who is a member of the state bar association in good standing.
However, finding a reliable, skilled attorney to take on complex mesothelioma litigation can be a bit difficult, especially considering the pool of incompetent lawyers available online. You need to find a law firm you can trust, a law firm that connects you with capable Flordia-based attorneys with ample experience dealing with asbestos claims.
Lucky for you, Mesothelioma Hope partners with many reputable law firms and can connect you with available legal experts. Visit www.mesotheliomahope.com to find the legal options at your disposal. Talk to potential lawyers and get a free case review.
2. Have you previously won similar cases?
Ask about the lawyer’s specific experience in handling similar cases before. An experienced asbestos attorney understands the complexities of a case like that. Since mesothelioma litigation demands specific specialization, only hire a lawyer who has a successful track record representing asbestos patients.
You can even request references and client testimonials from the lawyer. Speaking with these former clients to determine the lawyer’s personality, professionalism, and overall effectiveness.
3. What kind of evidence would you gather?
A big part of any mesothelioma lawyer’s job is to do some digging and find evidence to support their client’s claims. Conducting thorough research and finding your asbestos exposure history will make your case strong enough to merit the court’s attention. So, clarify how the lawyer is going to gather the evidence, investigate your asbestos exposure, and identify liable parties.
Also, talking to expert witnesses will strengthen the case by establishing that your asbestos exposure was a result of criminal negligence.
4. How much do I pay to hire you?
Ask about the attorney’s fee structure and confirm their affordability. Fortunately, mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win the case and get a settlement offer. Once the compensation amount is transferred to your account, the lawyer will charge you a set percentage.
For instance, in medical malpractice lawsuits, lawyers will charge 33% of the amount you’ll receive. So, if you’re awarded $200,000, the lawyer gets $66,000 for their services. Similarly, mesothelioma lawyers generally charge 25% for asbestos trust fund claims and up to 40% for wrongful death suits. You need to clarify what percentage of the award the lawyer will take as their fee.
5. What can you tell me about the litigation process?
You need a lawyer who can explain the different complex steps involved in legal proceedings as simply as possible. They will break down very hard-to-understand legal jargon into easily comprehensible terms. That’s how you’ll understand what goes on at every stage of an asbestos lawsuit and what kind of roadblocks you should expect during the legal proceedings.
If a legal expert explains the whole legal process clearly and answers your questions clearly, that’s the kind of person you want on your side in this legal battle.
6. Will I be heavily involved in this case?
Qualified mesothelioma attorneys will do all the hard work on your behalf and keep your direct involvement to a minimum. They realize that dealing with mesothelioma isn’t easy so you need to focus solely on treatment and rehabilitation. A skilled lawyer will handle everything from start to finish, making the mesothelioma legal proceedings a stress-free experience for you and your family.
But make it clear that you expect the lawyer to provide you with comprehensive updates on all the intricate aspects of the asbestos case.
7. How much compensation can I get?
Discuss the types of compensation you’re eligible for based on your unique circumstances. Generally, mesothelioma victims get anywhere between $1 and $1.4 million after settling with the other party. However, the defendant’s legal team will make a settlement offer after evaluating the soundness of your claims. So, building a stronger case results in the plaintiffs receiving a higher amount.
If you’ve sustained serious damages then that too makes you eligible for a sizeable compensation. A skilled lawyer will carefully examine your case and then predict how much money you can expect to gain from this legal exercise to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
8. Do you have a contingency plan?
Most mesothelioma cases are settled out of court, and the plaintiffs end up getting compensated for their sufferings. However, there’s still a slim chance that your case won’t yield a favorable outcome. In this case, a skilled lawyer is always ready to explore alternative options or go to appeal.
Make sure your mesothelioma attorney has a detailed contingency plan in case the case goes to trial or the statute of limitations expires.
Conclusion
This blog will help you find the right lawyer to take on your mesothelioma case. Carefully go through the questions mentioned above; by asking these questions and carefully evaluating the responses, you can find the most suitable lawyer to advocate for your rights.
Hire a lawyer who is licensed to practice in your state and has a successful track record. Don’t forget to check the lawyer’s availability, communication skills, and commitment to your best interests.
