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Written By: Robert King, Esq.
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A mesothelioma attorney helps people who were exposed to asbestos understand their legal options and possible compensation. These attorneys understand how to trace someone’s asbestos exposure back to responsible manufacturers. Then, they hold those companies accountable for the harm they caused.

As mesothelioma lawyers, King Law and our legal partners have extensive knowledge about asbestos exposure and associated claims. We can investigate, file, and handle asbestos claims. Our firm advocates for individuals and families who were impacted by a mesothelioma diagnosis. We fight for fair and reasonable compensation for their losses. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, we can help you through the legal process.

On this page, you will find information about what a mesothelioma attorney is, what they do, and how they are different from other types of lawyers. You will also learn how mesothelioma attorneys build strong legal strategies against asbestos companies, how much they charge, and what to expect if you hire one. You can also read through questions you can ask a potential mesothelioma lawyer during a free consultation, so you can make sure they are a good fit for you.

About the Mesothelioma Lawyer

What Does a Mesothelioma Lawyer Do?

A mesothelioma lawyer provides personalized and well-researched legal assistance for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma is a life-changing diagnosis, and the support of a lawyer can help patients and their families during a difficult time.

When someone with mesothelioma hires a lawyer, that lawyer investigates the source of the patient’s asbestos exposure and their compensation options. The attorney guides settlement negotiations to make sure the mesothelioma patient’s payout fully and fairly covers their losses.

Here are other actions a mesothelioma lawyer supports their clients with:

  • Pre-trial preparations (including gathering medical, employment, financial, and service-related information)
  • Court filings
  • Trust fund claims
  • Settlement negotiations
  • Appeals

Additionally, top mesothelioma law firms help military members access VA benefits to cover their asbestos-related diseases and cancer. Reputable legal teams can handle mesothelioma claims nationwide, meaning they can represent clients even if they are not physically located where the clients are.

What Makes a Mesothelioma Lawyer Different From Other Lawyers?

A mesothelioma lawyer is different from a general personal injury or general lawyer because they have special training in handling asbestos-related claims. A general lawyer may take on a wide variety of lawsuits. However, they may not have the time or training to devote to any one particular area. So, they may not understand all the technical aspects of mesothelioma claims.

In contrast, a mesothelioma lawyer dedicates much of their resources and efforts to creating a fine-tuned understanding of asbestos cases. They have attended intensive trainings about mesothelioma laws and legal procedures. Mesothelioma attorneys also have a database of exposure logs, containing known asbestos products and companies.

The best mesothelioma attorneys know how to combine research and legal knowledge to get the best outcomes for their clients. Because of this, mesothelioma lawyers can find creative and tested ways to pursue legal compensation for patients, even if they are out of state. They can also help patients file a group or individual asbestos claim.

What Are the Key Responsibilities of a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Knowledgeable and trustworthy mesothelioma attorneys are valuable assets to patients. These lawyers handle the legal matters so the patients can focus their time, energy, and attention on their treatment and end-of-life care. Some of the responsibilities that a mesothelioma attorney takes on for the client include the following:

  • Investigate suspected asbestos exposure
  • Review medical records
  • Read about the person’s military, work, and living history (especially if the patient was in the Navy)
  • Determine all potential sources of mesothelioma compensation (e.g., trust fund claims, lawsuits, and VA benefits)
  • Identify companies that may be liable
  • Develop settlement proposals and trial arguments
  • File and respond to claims documents and communications
  • Attend hearings and trials on behalf of the patient
  • Handle appeals for the patients

An asbestos attorney will also provide flexible meeting times and locations to accommodate the patients’ health. For instance, many mesothelioma lawyers make house or hospital visits or schedule virtual appointments so the patient does not have to worry about transportation or travel.

How Do Mesothelioma Lawyers Build Strong Cases?

Mesothelioma lawyers build strong cases by thoroughly investigating the patient’s medical, occupational, military, and residential history. They look for all possible environments, products, and materials that could have exposed their client to asbestos. Then, the lawyer would prepare and file important forms to protect the mesothelioma patient’s legal rights.

They would also schedule interviews and request information from those who may have evidence to support the patient’s asbestos claim. Mesothelioma attorneys use their special training in asbestos litigation to prepare a strong case of liability against the at-fault companies. Doing so increases their chances of reaching a fair settlement or winning at trial.

Benefits of Working With an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer

There are many benefits of working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer you can trust. These benefits include the following:

  • Your attorney has deep knowledge of the asbestos claims process and puts it to work for your case.
  • You do not have to worry about tracking case deadlines or responding to legal filings.
  • Your attorney has carefully selected resources to help them prepare your mesothelioma case.
  • Your lawyer can file the case or cases wherever the at-fault companies are located.
  • You do not have to pay your attorney any upfront legal fees because they take your case on contingency.
  • They can efficiently handle your asbestos claims, including the VA disability benefits, trust fund settlements, and lawsuits.

You and your family can have peace of mind knowing the mesothelioma attorney is working hard to maximize your compensation package. They can fight for a favorable settlement to cover the full extent of your losses, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How to Find the Best Mesothelioma Lawyer

With so many lawyers pursuing mesothelioma cases, it can be hard to find the best option for you and your family for a mesothelioma attorney. To start, hiring an experienced mesothelioma attorney provides you with a fair chance of winning your asbestos claim. When searching for lawyers, take note of the types of asbestos cases they have handled in the past and what their success rates were.

While a past win does not guarantee a particular result in your situation, it can give you an idea of the attorney’s track record. You might also benefit from finding a lawyer with a trusted and dependable team of experts, investigators, paralegals, and legal partners to support them.

Additionally, you want a lawyer who will do the following:

  • Treats you with respect
  • Responds to your calls and messages in a timely manner
  • Is professional and knowledgeable.

At King Law, we take pride in embodying these values. Our attorneys have a good mix of courtroom and settlement experience, which shows they can do what it takes to get you a fair compensation package. Before you hire the lawyer, make sure you understand how they will be paid and whether you need to pay them upfront fees. Most reputable mesothelioma firms take cases on contingency, so they do not get paid unless and until you do, too.

What to Expect When You Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer

Here is what you can expect when you hire a mesothelioma lawyer:

  • You meet with the attorney for a free consultation and case review.
  • If you decide to hire them, you will read and sign a fee agreement (usually, a contingency agreement with no upfront costs for you to pay).
  • Your lawyer begins to research your asbestos exposure and medical history.
  • Your attorney completes and submits the required legal paperwork to file a lawsuit, asbestos trust fund claim, or VA disability benefit claim.
  • Your lawyer moves the claims through the legal processes and communicates with the court or agencies.
  • Your attorney keeps you updated on your case’s progress.
  • Your lawyer tries to settle the claims or takes the case to trial.

In short, your mesothelioma attorney will handle legal matters involving your case, including filing documents, gathering evidence, attending hearings, and responding to court communications.

They will keep you updated as the case moves forward and assist you throughout the process of filing a mesothelioma claim. They will be available to answer any questions you may have along the way.

What Is the Cost to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Most experienced mesothelioma lawyers do not charge clients legal fees upfront for the lawyers to take on their cases. Instead, they have a contingency fee arrangement. Under this fee structure, the attorney would receive a set percentage out of the patient’s asbestos settlement. The patient and the lawyer would discuss and agree on this percentage ahead of time.

Usually, the asbestos attorney would pay court costs, filing fees, and other case-related administrative expenses up front. And, the attorney would not receive any legal fees if they do not win the mesothelioma patient’s case. Many mesothelioma patients find that this arrangement helps them access reliable legal services without worrying about the financial impact of hiring a lawyer.

Questions to Ask Your Mesothelioma Lawyer During the Initial Consultation

The consultation with your mesothelioma lawyer gives you a chance to interview them and see if they are a good fit for you. You can also use this opportunity to ask any questions you have about the process, their experience, your odds of winning your asbestos claim, and the cost of their legal services. Here are some questions to get you started. Our team offers free consultations to answer your questions.

How Long Will My Case Take to Settle?

Your attorney should offer guidance on how long the legal process is. How much time a mesothelioma lawsuit takes to settle varies for each client. Mesothelioma claims can take up to 12 months or more to reach a settlement or verdict. Steer clear of law firms that promise a quick or guaranteed payout. They may be misleading you or be a settlement mill, which only focuses on getting a fast payout rather than putting in the effort to win the client what they are owed.

Can a Family Member File a Case for Me if I Am Unable To?

If you become incapacitated, you can choose a family member to collaborate with the lawyer on your behalf. Your attorney should explain the process for filing a mesothelioma claim for a family member. They should give you reasonable guidance on pursuing this option.

Will I Need to Travel to File a Case?

Strong mesothelioma law firms do not require their clients to travel to file or respond to a lawsuit or claim. Instead, the attorney and their legal partners would handle these matters on the patient’s behalf. Mesothelioma lawyers usually allow the clients to request that the lawyers travel to their home or hospital room, rather than requiring the clients to make arrangements to travel to the lawyers. However, there may be situations where the court or claim agency requests the client to appear in person for an interview, hearing, or trial.

How Many Mesothelioma Lawsuits Does Your Firm Handle Each Year?

Make sure the attorney regularly handles mesothelioma lawsuits, preferably multiple each year. Routine practice taking on these cases ensures they have updated, tested, and fresh skills to navigate your mesothelioma claim. That said, it is not always necessary to find firms that have high volumes of asbestos cases yearly. What matters is their experience, attention to detail, and dependability. Working with a small office can provide benefits, such as making sure you work directly with the legal team assigned to your case.

Will I Have Any Out-of-Pocket Costs When I File?

Reputable mesothelioma lawyers do not charge patients out-of-pocket or legal fees upfront. The attorneys would advance these charges during the case, then take an agreed-upon percentage of the patients’ settlement package. You and the lawyer would discuss this figure ahead of time, so there should not be any surprise charges. Avoid law firms that charge hourly or flat fees or who pressure you into paying upfront for their legal services.

Does My Lawyer Have to Live or Practice in the Same State as Me?

No. Most reputable mesothelioma law firms are able to represent clients regardless of where they are located. The firm’s staff attorneys or legal partners should be able to handle and file your lawsuit, regardless of where you live or where your lawsuit is filed. Oftentimes, mesothelioma attorneys file the lawsuits in the states where the most asbestos exposure occurred. So, you would benefit from hiring a lawyer with nationwide reach. Our firm and legal partners offer nationwide representation for mesothelioma cases.

Start Your Free Consultation With a Mesothelioma Lawyer Today

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact King Law today by calling (585) 496-2648 to get in touch with our intake specialists. We are ready to take your phone call and schedule a free case review with our attorneys. Our team has decades of experience negotiating strong settlements for mesothelioma patients and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I need a mesothelioma lawyer to file my asbestos claim?
Mesothelioma lawyers have deep knowledge of the asbestos claim process and can pursue all available compensation opportunities on your behalf. They can take the pressure off during a difficult time.
What information will I need to provide to a mesothelioma lawyer?
Some of the information you may need to provide to a mesothelioma lawyer includes your work, military service, and medical history.
Do I need to remember all of the companies whose asbestos products I used?
Not necessarily. It can be helpful for your asbestos claim attorney to know what kinds of products you used, places you worked or lived, and the equipment you interacted with.
How much does a mesothelioma lawyer cost?
Top mesothelioma lawyers do not charge upfront legal fees for you to hire them. Instead, they only take payment if and when you receive compensation.
Is it worth it to pay a mesothelioma lawyer for my case?
Most mesothelioma lawyers only get paid if and when you get paid. They pay costs up front and then take a percentage of your award. This percentage is agreed to ahead of time.
Can I contact a mesothelioma lawyer on behalf of a family member?
Yes. You can contact a mesothelioma lawyer on behalf of a family member. If a family member is incapacitated, another person can handle the filing.
Will I be able to speak to my lawyer whenever I have questions?
Yes. You can speak to your mesothelioma lawyer whenever you have questions.