Filing a mesothelioma claim is a long and tiring process. The only way to boost your chances of fair compensation is to work with a reputable attorney.
But before making a decision, thoroughly assess the knowledge and experience of an attorney. Asking questions about their success rate, compensation options, and working methodology can help you make an informed decision.
Here are six questions you should ask a mesothelioma lawyer:
- What is Your Success Rate in Mesothelioma Cases?
This is pretty obvious. Ask about an attorney’s success rate and a complete breakdown of cases they’ve settled out of court. Remember that reputable mesothelioma attorneys won’t hesitate to give you numbers.
If you’re working with a law firm, such as ELSM Law, ask about their notable settlements and verdicts.
- How Will You Gather Evidence for My Case?
Creating a link between your asbestos-related illness and the source of exposure is difficult. Therefore, it’s important to consider how exactly your attorney will build a case.
Reputable lawyers leverage a number of resources to strengthen your claim. This includes:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Expert testimonies from medical professionals and industrial hygienists
- Asbestos exposure database
They also have connections with industry experts to increase the chances of fair compensation.
- What are the Different Compensation Options?
As someone who’s never been involved in a personal injury case, understanding different compensation options can be difficult. Ask your lawyer for clarification.
Generally speaking, mesothelioma compensation can be pursued through various avenues:
- Asbestos trust fundsÂ
- Lawsuits (personal injury and wrongful death cases)
- SettlementÂ
- Verdicts (given by a judge or jury)
A qualified mesothelioma attorney can handle all types of cases.
Moreover, ask your lawyers which factors impact your expected compensation. This can include:
- Medical expenses
- Latency period
- Lost wages
- Inability to work
- State laws and regulations
- What are the Strengths and Weaknesses of My Case?
This will help you see a realistic picture. Your attorney will assess your complete history, narrowing down all the places you’ve lived, worked, or spent time where asbestos could have been present. It could be an old job or your time in the military.
For instance, if you worked at a shipyard in the 1970s and have a confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis, the weight of your claim will increase. On the flip side, if the latency period is unusually long, your attorney would have to work a little hard to prove the connection.
- What is the Estimated Timeline?
Mesothelioma cases are financially and emotionally exhausting. So, it’s completely natural for you to think about the timeline. The typical timeline ranges from three months to one year. However, claims that go to trial take a bit longer.
A qualified attorney will take into consideration every aspect of your case before giving an estimated timeline.
- How Are You Compensated?
Like personal injury lawyers, mesothelioma attorneys generally work on a contingency fee basis. In simple words, they get paid only if they win your case. They take a predetermined percentage of the total compensation amount.
Double-check your attorney’s payment method to avoid any financial surprises.
