Many people who find themselves suddenly thrust into the unfamiliar position of the unwitting litigant, after receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma, are unsure about how to proceed in the legal process or even how to go about hiring a lawyer for a mesothelioma claim. Fortunately, this first step is relatively painless and can be surprisingly simple as well.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can find the right attorney for your case and quickly retain the legal representation that you’ll need to gain a favorable asbestos settlement fast—allowing you to move forward in the estate planning process.
Step One: Get referrals for attorneys that specialize in asbestos injury cases, and make a list of possible candidates.
The best way to generate a list of possible candidates is to ask other asbestos injury victims (or their family members), who have had firsthand experience with a lawyer in a mesothelioma case, if they would or would not recommend their attorney—and why. This process has the added bonus of giving you an idea of what qualities you’re going to want to look for in an attorney for your case—and what red flags to watch for in a less-than-competent representative.
If you were exposed to asbestos on the job, former co-workers are a good source for attorney referrals. If that resource is not available to you or is not applicable in your case, consider joining a mesothelioma support group to make contacts with people who are in a similar situation to you and can offer help and guidance along the way.
Step Two: Set up phone or face-to-face consultations with your top two or three potential attorneys.
Most asbestos specialty firms offer initial consultations with one of their attorneys free of charge. Those first meetings can usually be coordinated remotely, over the phone, to suit the potential client’s needs and convenience. Take full advantage of this opportunity, both to gain valuable legal insight and also to get a feel for the qualifications and experience of each possible lawyer for your mesothelioma case.
Step Three: Make a list of questions to ask beforehand and conduct thorough “interviews” of your candidates.
Some of the things you’ll want to ask include:
-How many years of experience do you have in mesothelioma litigation specifically?-How have cases similar to mine been resolved under your representation? What were their results?-What can you reasonably expect from my case, based on the facts with which I’ve provided you?
Step Four: Go with the asbestos law firm with which you feel most comfortable, based on the initial consultation meeting and, most importantly, your gut.
Use the information you’ve gathered, through both first and secondhand sources, to choose a lawyer for your mesothelioma case. But don’t let the facts get in the way of your instinct, and be sure to select the candidate who makes you feel most at ease and gives you the greatest sense of overall confidence.