subject: A Mesothelioma Attorney Vs An Asbestos Attorney [print this page] Some people think that mesothelioma is the only disease caused by asbestos-exposure. Truly, it is the most serious because it causes death. But there are other less-threatening diseases caused by exposure: asbestosis, for example.
Its unreasonable and offensive to put a monetary value on suffering and loss of life. However when faced with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, it is reasonable to seek financial compensation to cover expenses from medical bills, loss of work, and pain and suffering. The victim or their family may file a lawsuit in hopes of receiving an award of damages from the court.
Because the defendant may very well have been sued for this complaint before, the law firm needs to have prior experience with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cases. Many former employees may have sued a large company who has used asbestos over a prolonged period of time. That means that the companys lawyers may be well rehearsed at their defense strategies and armed with tactics to protect the companys best interests.
One of the most important steps during this process is to find an experienced mesothelioma attorney or asbestos attorney whose law firm practices in their state. Many firms specialize in litigation for mesothelioma only, so you'll want to do your research well. Attorneys can be found by searching on the Internet or from referrals from other patients and their families who have been through the process.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney needs to be equally prepared. A mesothelioma attorney may already have research compiled on the specific corporation, which can save valuable time in preparing the case. They will also have a set of policies and procedures in place for helping the client walk through the formalities and the decisions that come with a mesothelioma lawsuit.
One of the decisions that the attorney can help their client with is whether or not to accept a settlement if one is offered. A mesothelioma settlement is a cash offer from the defendant (the company) in lieu of waiting for the decision of the judge or jury. This cash settlement may be offered before the trial begins or after it has started. Settling out of court saves both parties time and expense, but the plaintiff needs to realize that the defendant will try to settle for as little as possible.
To receive compensation, plaintiffs mesothelioma attorney and asbestos attorney must be able to present a strong case that proves that the defendants negligence caused the patient to get mesothelioma. The amount that the defendant offers will usually depend on how strong they think the plaintiffs case is. If the plaintiff is a smoker or has other possible causes for lung cancer, they may offer less money to settle, or just allow the case to go court, hoping to win.
