In recent years, law firm advertising for mesothelioma cases has exploded, and you’ve likely seen commercials on television, billboards on the highway, and internet ads for mesothelioma attorneys. However, not all mesothelioma attorneys are the same. If you are considering pursuing a claim for mesothelioma compensation, it is critical that you choose an experienced attorney with the resources to quickly and correctly handle your case.
Fortunately, the correct law firm is easy to distinguish if you’re willing to do some research to make an informed decision.
Step One: Do Your Research
Information about attorneys and law firms is easy to locate on the internet. When choosing a mesothelioma attorney, you should aim to find out as much information as possible about your prospective attorney and law firm. Arming yourself with information not only allows you to make an informed decision, but also allows you to prepare questions for your prospective attorney during your initial meeting or case screening.
Look for a Team of Attorneys Dedicated to Mesothelioma Victims
More specifically, you should be looking for a nationwide law firm with attorneys and support staff who have a specific track record of success in mesothelioma cases, and who are recognized and well-regarded within the legal community.
Some attorneys have wide-ranging practices that touch all kinds of legal disputes, from car crashes to divorces to immigration. These attorneys are often working as solo practitioners or in small practices. Unfortunately, the practice of law isn’t a “one size fits all” business. While some lawyers may market themselves as one man, one stop shops, the truth is that wide-ranging practices generally prevent attorneys from developing expertise.
If you needed a heart surgery, you wouldn’t want a dentist to perform that surgery – you would want to see an experienced heart surgeon with a team of nurses and other doctors to assist your surgeon. In the same manner, you shouldn’t allow a general practice lawyer with limited resources to take your case.
Instead, in conducting your research, you should look for a nationwide law firm with a team of attorneys who are dedicated to assisting mesothelioma victims – and with the resources and support staff to ensure a high likelihood of success.
Step Two: Evaluate Your Options
After you’ve conducted research on law firms and attorneys, you should begin to evaluate your options and consider which law firm is the best choice for you and your family. In evaluating your options for a mesothelioma attorney, you should look for the following qualities.
Attorneys Who Understand Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a devastating and complex illness that has lasting effects on a victim and his or her family. An experienced mesothelioma attorney understands this well, and works to minimize the impact of an already very painful life experience. In turn, the best mesothelioma attorneys know that pursuing a claim for compensation is about enhancing a victim’s life, not making it more complicated.
Finding an attorney who understands mesothelioma is important because that understanding enables the attorney to represent victims in the best manner possible – one that is rooted in empathy and driven by a sense of justice.
Track Record of Success in Mesothelioma Cases
You should ensure that you choose a law firm and a team of attorneys with a proven track record of success in mesothelioma cases. While a good attorney recognizes and appreciates that every case is different, the legal theories underlying mesothelioma cases tend to be similar.
For that reason, an attorney who understands how to apply existing law to your new and unique factual situation is essential in choosing a mesothelioma attorney.
Nationwide Scope of Practice and Resources
In many mesothelioma cases, there are several different courts in which a case can potentially be brought. Among these options are the state where the victim lives, the location of the asbestos exposure, and the state in which the victim’s previous employer is located, in addition to any other state that may be designated by a court or by a statute.
Because a mesothelioma case may occur in any number of jurisdictions, the most qualified law firms have teams that are ready to take your case wherever it may need to go.
Evaluating this option is important because many attorneys are licensed to practice in only one jurisdiction – the state in which they live. If you are represented by such an attorney, your claim would be limited to being filed in one state only. In choosing to hire a nationwide law firm, you ensure that your case will be brought in the location with the highest likelihood of success for you and your family.
Additionally, nationwide law firms have access to resources that may not be feasible for small law firms to obtain. In obtaining access to mesothelioma-specific research materials, online databases, and other legal media, national law firms are able to stay up-to-date on information and procedures in ways that small firms are generally unable to do.
In-Depth Knowledge of Compensation Processes
You should ensure that you hire an attorney with a wide knowledge base about the processes for obtaining mesothelioma compensation, because these processes can often be very complex. In addition to traditional lawsuits, mesothelioma compensation can also be obtained through settlements, asbestos trust funds, and veterans claims, depending on the eligibility of a specific case.
The processes underlying each of these compensation sources are vastly different and very complicated. Additionally, some victims may be entitled to compensation from multiple sources. An attorney with an in-depth understanding of mesothelioma compensation can assist you in ensuring that you are pursuing the maximum amount of compensation to which you may be entitled.
Ongoing and Diligent Communication with Clients
While it may be difficult to evaluate an attorney’s communication skills without meeting them, you should seek an attorney who is prepared to listen, empathize, and support you while pursuing your claim for compensation. Attorneys should be available to answer questions and hear concerns during every step of a case or claim, and in turn keep their clients informed about updates as they occur.
Empathy and communication are important qualities to find in your attorney because the attorney-client relationship should be one that acts like a team. While your attorney represents you in court or in a claims process, you also play a vital role as the client. Cooperation and teamwork ensures the best possible outcome, and your attorney should demonstrate that in his or her interactions with you.
Step Three: Contact Your Prospective Attorney
The third and final step comes after you’ve evaluated your options and located a mesothelioma law firm and team of attorneys who exemplify the qualities listed above. Luckily, if you’re reading this, you’ve already found such a team of attorneys.
Bailey & Glasser, LLP is a nationwide law firm with a presence in more than 40 states, and our dedicated team of mesothelioma attorneys is ready to hear from you. We have the tools and resources necessary to pursue eligible claims, and a track record of success in past cases.
Some of our representative past victories include:
- A $50 million verdict for the family of a steel mill worker who died from asbestos-related mesothelioma
- Over $20 million in settlements for a group of mesothelioma victims
- Over $22 million in settlements for mesothelioma victims, many of whom were also cigarette smokers
Contact our team today to set up a free consultation on your potential case.
