In most cases, mesothelioma results from the negligence of other parties, such as employers, asbestos manufacturers, property owners, government agencies, and product suppliers. When negligence results in an individual developing mesothelioma, the victim or their family can hold the negligent party or parties liable. Mesothelioma victims and their families can file legal claims against negligent parties and seek justice and financial compensation.
When pursuing a mesothelioma claim, you are not legally required to hire an attorney, but working with an attorney is a good idea. To ensure you hire the right attorney, take time to interview potential attorneys. In a previous article with the same title, we shared five questions to ask a mesothelioma attorney before hiring them. This article shares five more questions to ask potential mesothelioma attorneys during the initial consultation.
- What are my options?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may pursue several legal options to seek justice and compensation. The right attorney should be able to advise you on your legal options. For example, you could have the option of pursuing a settlement or going to court. You may also be eligible to file a claim against an asbestos trust fund. A skilled attorney should be able to help you choose the best option.
- What evidence do I need to file my claim?
When filing a mesothelioma claim, regardless of the option you go with, you must gather evidence to support your claim. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer should tell you the kind of evidence you need to support your claim. They should be able to help you gather the evidence and present it.
- Who will be involved in my case?
It is important that before you hire a mesothelioma lawyer, you understand who will be involved in your case. You should find out if the attorney will be personally involved in your case or if they will delegate another attorney. You should find out if the attorney will work alone or with a team. If they will be working with a team, you want to find out who they will work with. Medical experts, paralegals, and investigators are just a few of the people who usually work alongside mesothelioma attorneys.
- How do you charge for your services?
You want to ensure you understand how an attorney charges clients before you hire them. Most mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only receive their fees if and after they successfully obtain compensation for the client. Find out if there are any upfront costs that you need to pay. Find out what percentage of your compensation will go to the attorney. Also, find out if you will need to reimburse expenses from your settlement or award.
- What can I expect in terms of communication?
Ask about how frequently you can expect updates about your case. Find out the attorney’s preferred method of communication. A mesothelioma attorney should provide regular updates about your case and be easily reachable.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.