Mesothelioma lawsuits are not easy to handle. The legal system is very particular about legal documents, and the court won’t entertain your case unless you submit the proper set following all the deadlines. So it’s best to avoid putting yourself in a difficult position and hiring a lawyer to handle your case.
With a case as delicate as mesothelioma, you’d want only the most refined of the lot to work with you. But, how do you find these legal experts? Since the industry has packed itself to the top with so many legal experts, you need to have a distinctive eye to pick the best one. The process isn’t tedious; all you need is a list of criteria, and you’re all set. So here’s what you need to look for in your lawyer:
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1. Knows How to Work With Mesothelioma Cases
The lawyer you select needs to know about the disease very thoroughly. They should know how asbestos causes cancer and how asbestos-related conditions can make a valid lawsuit. The understanding the lawyer has will help you shape your case to what it needs to be.
When you’re in the process of finding a lawyer, make sure you ask questions related to your case. This fast-tracks the process and helps you get the legal expert you need. If the lawyer has experience working many mesothelioma cases, they know what paperwork you need to file. The expert will empathize with your family and understand what treatment means for you. They will also guide you on suitable options.
2. Works around Your Treatment
If you have mesothelioma, you will need to show up for treatments frequently. There may be times where your legal consultation overlaps with your treatment time. In such cases, the lawyer needs to show adaptability and flexibility. Instead of waiting on you, these legal experts should coordinate with you by coming to you instead.
These experts should ensure that they can visit you at your house and arrange for a video chat to prevent discomfort. Since your treatments may progressively get longer, these professionals will ensure your paperwork gets submitted early. They also show no reluctance when changing around your schedule as you recover. So anytime you need a legal meeting, they know how to reach you.
3. Know-How to Document Asbestos Exposure
The core of any mesothelioma case lies in documenting asbestos exposure. A lawyer should know how to track down the source of your illness and add it to evidence. These professionals use their network to understand the industry and use databases to study the asbestos products your company uses.
So the next time you meet with your attorney, not only do they have a list of products but also a case. Their documentation is drafting an exemplary case with a proper timeline to discuss your exposure. So if your case ever does for a review or to court, it’s strong enough to stand on its own.
4. Offer a Free Consultation
Experienced lawyers know before they get you on board with them, they need to study your case. A free consultation helps them get to know you while allowing you to get to know them. If a lawyer is trying to convince you to submit your case without a consultation, avoid them.
You want to ensure that your case has not passed the statute of limitations and can go the legal route. Some mesothelioma cases have no chance of settlement or even becoming a lawsuit. Even if the circumstances are rare, these cases may have crossed all possible deadlines and have inconsistencies in the evidence. So a good lawyer will let you know what you can expect from your case without giving you false hope.
5. Charge a Contingency Fee
Lawyers have different payment plans when working with clients. However, lawyers charge contingency for extensive cases with multiple legal options. Work with lawyers who have a proper contingency plan in place for every mesothelioma case. These are payments you make off the perentage you win from lawsuits. If the lawyer cannot get you a settlement or win your case in a trial, you don’t pay them.
If a lawyer tries to convince you of your wallet and pay upfront, you shouldn’t cave and listen to them. These attorneys may be looking to make an easy buck off you. So good lawyers are considerate about finances and transparent about how they charge. This saves you from incurring debt and making a dent in your budget.
6. Have a Record of Winning
You want to work with a lawyer who has more wins than losses. This informs you that not only does the lawyer know what they’re doing, but they can also handle all kinds of cases. Mesothelioma cases can get complex, but they’re worth consideration if a lawyer can get a suitable outcome on them. You may also benefit from the experience these professionals hold from handling so many cases.
They have a first-hand idea of how trial by verdict works and what sway a jury. They may also inform you of ways to be smart during settlement negotiations. They know how to draft a proper deposition if they prepare a case for review. So reach out to these legal experts and let them take your case to the finish line.
7. Inform You Before You Make a Decision
An excellent lawyer will never rush you into making a choice. They take the time to explain each legal step to you while giving you an idea of what to expect. Mesothelioma cases aren’t limited to lawsuits; there is also an option of submitting a claim to trust funds.
You need to know all your options and what possible outcomes they yield in your case. A mesothelioma lawyer will never deprive you of the knowledge. They will never assert themselves and push a decision on you but guide you on the best choice. Instead, inform you and give you the space to think.
8. They Make You Comfortable
A legal case takes time to run its course. While it’s still in progress, you’ll have to meet your legal professional frequently. If you feel uneasy around them, you may not get all the answers you seek. It would help if you worked with a lawyer that makes you feel comfortable.
You may also not know what you’re doing or make the womb choices when choosing. When you’re on good terms with your lawyer, it removes the feeling of hesitancy. You’re far more upfront and don’t hesitate to pose your questions or pick apart their knowledge.
Wrap Up
Mesothelioma is painful, and you wouldn’t want to make it even more unbearable by attaching yourself to the wrong lawyer. Legal cases are complex, and only a good and professional lawyer knows how to navigate them. So when you’re on the search for the best legal expert on the block, you need help. Start by looking for someone who makes you feel comfortable to sit through a free consultancy.
These professionals should have extensive knowledge of asbestos disease and case documentation. In addition, they shouldn’t have issues accommodating you and your treatment, ensuring even if you’re resting, you’re in the loop. Their fee structure should make sense to you and have no hidden charges that drain you. All you need to do is put yourself out there and find your lawyer with these factors in mind.
