subject: What to Look for When Seeking a Lawyer for Your Mesothelioma Case [print this page] Receiving a diagnosis for mesotheliomaalso known as asbestos cancer--can be devastating, particularly because it's a preventable cancer. Mesothelioma has only one causeexposure to asbestoswhich is why such a diagnosis has huge legal implications. From lawyers to legislators, thousands of people are seeking justice for those diagnosed with this incurable cancer.
If you or someone you love is diagnosed, the emotions run the gamut from intense sadness to anger. Because there is only one cause for this type of cancer, it is often easy to find a direct cause. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed since asbestos was determined to be the direct cause of mesothelioma, and chances are anyone who loves someone who has been diagnosed, will eventually seek legal advice.
The average settlement involving mesothelioma is about $1 million, but recently in Utah, a victim gained a settlement of $5.2 million, in damages for the negligence of several corporations whose products exposed her to asbestos. That was a record for that state. However, in cases that go to trial, patients are often awarded more than $5 million. Keep in mind that attorneys fees reduce the settlement by about 40 percent.
However, hiring the right attorney if you do decide to sue is imperative for the amount the victim receives.
Here are some things to ask an attorney before you hire them:
Do they have specific experience in litigating mesothelioma cases? Finding an attorney who has experience could make a huge difference in the amount of the settlement and the outcome of the case. The attorney should not only be knowledgeable about the disease, but also a trusted ally who understands the legal implications of the case. You need to know if they typically settle cases, or if most cases go trial.
Who will be your attorney? Many law firms specialize in mesothelioma cases and you want to be certain you get the best, not someone just starting out. The person you have your consultation with should be the person that ends up working on your case.
Ask what their average settlement is and get the results of the cases they've takenboth when they went to trial and when they took a settlement.
How long will the case take to be resolved? Sadly, people diagnosed with mesothelioma often die before their cases are ever settled. The average life expectancy for someone diagnosed with this cancer is less than two years.
Does the attorney seem to care and can he/she communicate in a way that you understand. You should feel comfortable with your attorney and feel as if your lawyer is your advocate.
Getting diagnosed withmesothelioma can be overwhelming, but picking the wrong attorney for your case will only compound the pain of this difficult time for you and your family.
What to Look for When Seeking a Lawyer for Your Mesothelioma Case
