A mesothelioma attorney specializes in representing individuals who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused primarily by exposure to asbestos. These attorneys are experts in asbestos litigation and help victims seek compensation from companies responsible for their exposure to asbestos. Here’s a breakdown of what mesothelioma attorneys typically do:
Specializations of Mesothelioma Attorneys:
- Asbestos Exposure Claims:
- Attorneys focus on cases where clients have been exposed to asbestos at work or through products containing asbestos, leading to the development of mesothelioma or related diseases.
- Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuits:
- They help clients file personal injury lawsuits or wrongful death claims for families of those who have died from mesothelioma.
- Trust Fund Claims:
- Many mesothelioma cases involve asbestos trust funds set up by companies that have filed for bankruptcy. These funds are meant to compensate current and future victims of asbestos exposure. Attorneys help clients file claims to these funds.
- Settlements and Verdicts:
- Mesothelioma attorneys work to secure settlements or, if necessary, represent clients in court to obtain a verdict. They often have experience with both negotiating settlements and presenting cases at trial.
- Specialized Knowledge in Medical and Occupational Exposure:
- Because of the complexity of mesothelioma cases, these attorneys often have detailed knowledge of the medical aspects of the disease, the history of asbestos use in various industries, and the regulations governing its use.
- Nationwide Practice:
- Since mesothelioma cases may involve defendants in different states or regions, many of these attorneys work on a national level and can handle cases across state lines.
Why Hiring a Specialized Attorney Matters:
- Experience and Expertise: Mesothelioma cases involve unique legal challenges, such as identifying past asbestos exposure and holding companies accountable. Experienced attorneys have access to resources like asbestos product databases and expert witnesses.
- Maximizing Compensation: Specialized attorneys understand the nuances of compensation, including trust fund payouts, settlements, and jury awards, ensuring that victims and their families receive the best possible compensation.
How Mesothelioma Attorneys Work:
- Free Case Evaluation:
- Many mesothelioma attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate your case. During this consultation, they will review your medical history, potential asbestos exposure sources, and discuss legal options.
- Contingency Fee Basis:
- Most mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for you. The fee is usually a percentage of the compensation awarded, so victims do not pay out-of-pocket fees.
- Investigating Asbestos Exposure:
- Attorneys will work to identify where and when you were exposed to asbestos. This often involves researching your work history, contacting former coworkers, and using databases to track asbestos-containing products and companies that used them.
- Filing the Lawsuit or Claim:
- After gathering evidence, the attorney will file a lawsuit or a claim with an asbestos trust fund. They will handle all the paperwork and legal formalities.
- Negotiations and Settlements:
- Attorneys often attempt to negotiate settlements with the companies responsible for the asbestos exposure. Settlements can be quicker and less stressful than going to trial, though some cases may still go to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Trial Representation:
- If a case goes to trial, mesothelioma attorneys are experienced in presenting evidence to juries, cross-examining expert witnesses, and making compelling arguments to secure a favorable verdict.
- Appeals:
- In cases where the initial outcome is not favorable, attorneys can file an appeal to challenge the verdict or compensation awarded.
What to Look for in a Mesothelioma Attorney:
- Experience in Asbestos Litigation:
- Ensure the attorney or law firm specializes specifically in mesothelioma and asbestos-related cases. General personal injury lawyers may not have the specialized knowledge needed for these cases.
- Track Record of Success:
- Ask about the attorney’s history of settlements and verdicts in mesothelioma cases. An experienced attorney will have a solid track record of securing substantial compensation for clients.
- National Reach:
- Because mesothelioma cases may involve defendants across multiple states or even internationally, it’s beneficial to hire a law firm with nationwide practice. They should be able to handle your case regardless of your location.
- Knowledge of Asbestos Trust Funds:
- Since many asbestos manufacturers have gone bankrupt and established trust funds, your attorney should be knowledgeable about the asbestos trust fund system and how to file claims with them. These funds contain billions of dollars set aside for current and future mesothelioma victims.
- Compassion and Understanding:
- Dealing with mesothelioma is emotionally and physically draining. Look for attorneys who demonstrate empathy and a genuine commitment to supporting victims and their families during a difficult time.
- Network of Medical Experts:
- A good mesothelioma attorney has connections with medical experts who can testify about the link between asbestos exposure and your diagnosis. They may also provide guidance on medical treatment options or support resources.
- Transparent Communication:
- Attorneys should clearly explain the legal process, potential outcomes, and expected timelines. They should be easily reachable and provide regular updates on your case.
Types of Compensation:
Mesothelioma attorneys seek various forms of compensation for victims:
- Medical Expenses:
- Covering costs for treatments, surgeries, therapies, and other medical-related expenses.
- Lost Wages:
- Compensation for the loss of income due to the inability to work because of the illness.
- Pain and Suffering:
- Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the disease.
- Loss of Consortium:
- In wrongful death cases, family members may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and affection.
- Punitive Damages:
- In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible companies for their negligence and deter future wrongdoing.
Why Asbestos Trust Funds are Important:
Many companies responsible for asbestos exposure have declared bankruptcy due to the volume of lawsuits. As part of bankruptcy proceedings, they were required to set up trust funds to compensate current and future victims of asbestos-related diseases. These trust funds have an estimated $30 billion available for claims.
- Attorneys specializing in mesothelioma are familiar with how to file claims against these trust funds and can ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available.
Choosing the Right Mesothelioma Attorney – Questions to Ask:
- How many mesothelioma cases have you handled?
- Look for attorneys with specific experience in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation.
- What is your success rate in securing compensation for clients?
- Attorneys should have a proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts.
- Do you handle cases nationwide?
- National firms often have more resources and can take on large corporations, no matter where they are located.
- How do you charge for your services?
- Confirm that the attorney works on a contingency fee basis and understand the percentage they will take if they win your case.
- Can you help with both lawsuits and trust fund claims?
- Ensure the attorney is familiar with both traditional lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims to maximize your compensation.
- How long will my case take?
- While every case is different, attorneys should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on their experience.
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in the U.S.:
Some of the most well-known firms that specialize in mesothelioma cases include:
- Weitz & Luxenberg
- Simmons Hanly Conroy
- Cooney & Conway
- Kazan Law
- The Lanier Law Firm
Complex Legal Framework of Mesothelioma Cases
Mesothelioma cases are unique due to the long latency period between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms. Asbestos-related diseases, particularly mesothelioma, can take 20 to 50 years to develop. This long gap complicates pinpointing when and where exposure occurred. Here’s how mesothelioma attorneys manage this:
- Tracing Asbestos Exposure History:
- Attorneys work with experts, including occupational historians and industrial hygienists, to trace a client’s exposure history. They examine work records, military service, and even household exposure (through family members who worked with asbestos).
- For example, some workers in shipbuilding, construction, automotive, or manufacturing were heavily exposed, while others might have experienced second-hand exposure (like spouses washing asbestos-laden clothing).
- Statutes of Limitations:
- Each state has a statute of limitations that restricts the time you have to file a claim. For mesothelioma, this is usually one to five years from the date of diagnosis or discovery. Because mesothelioma’s onset is often delayed, the clock starts ticking once the disease is diagnosed. Attorneys ensure claims are filed within the legal time frame.
- Wrongful death claims also have statutes of limitations. These are usually one to three years from the date of the mesothelioma victim’s death.
- Jurisdictional Challenges:
- Since asbestos exposure often occurred decades ago, the companies responsible may no longer exist or may have changed hands. Some companies have relocated or declared bankruptcy, adding layers of complexity to lawsuits. Attorneys specializing in mesothelioma are skilled at determining which jurisdictions are the best venues to file lawsuits, especially in cases involving multiple states or companies.
- Bankruptcy and Successor Liability:
- If a company responsible for asbestos exposure has gone bankrupt or been acquired by another company, attorneys work to pursue compensation from asbestos trust funds or successor companies that inherited liability.
- Multidistrict Litigation (MDL):
- Many mesothelioma cases are handled through multidistrict litigation (MDL), where similar asbestos-related cases are consolidated under one jurisdiction for efficiency. Experienced mesothelioma attorneys are familiar with navigating MDLs to secure faster resolutions.
Different Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits
There are multiple paths to pursue compensation for mesothelioma victims, and mesothelioma attorneys are well-versed in handling various types of claims:
- Personal Injury Lawsuits:
- This is the most common form of lawsuit filed by those diagnosed with mesothelioma. It involves seeking compensation from the company or companies responsible for the asbestos exposure. These lawsuits can result in settlements or trial verdicts that provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits:
- If a mesothelioma victim passes away, family members or the estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of lawsuit seeks compensation for the family’s losses, including funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claims:
- Due to the high volume of asbestos litigation, many companies set up asbestos bankruptcy trust funds to compensate current and future victims. These funds are often the best route for compensation when the responsible company no longer exists or has declared bankruptcy. Mesothelioma attorneys help navigate the complex trust fund claims process and ensure clients receive the maximum payout.
- Veterans’ Benefits Claims:
- Many U.S. veterans were exposed to asbestos during military service, especially in the Navy, where asbestos was commonly used in ships. Attorneys assist veterans in filing claims for VA benefits in addition to pursuing compensation from asbestos manufacturers. Veterans may qualify for VA disability benefits, pension benefits, and other forms of compensation.
- Workers’ Compensation Claims:
- Some workers who were exposed to asbestos on the job can file workers’ compensation claims, though these typically offer lower payouts than personal injury lawsuits. Mesothelioma attorneys help evaluate whether it’s worth pursuing a workers’ compensation claim alongside a lawsuit.
Settlements vs. Trials: What Attorneys Aim For
- Settlements:
- The majority of mesothelioma cases result in out-of-court settlements. Attorneys aim for settlements because they are faster and less stressful for victims, allowing clients to avoid the time and emotional toll of a prolonged trial.
- Settlements are usually negotiated after the attorney gathers evidence and presents a strong case to the defendant’s legal team, who often choose to settle rather than risk a costly trial.
- Trial Verdicts:
- In cases where settlement negotiations fail, a mesothelioma attorney will take the case to trial. While this can take longer, a trial might result in a higher compensation award, especially if the defendant is found liable for punitive damages.
- Experienced mesothelioma attorneys prepare thoroughly for trials by gathering medical expert testimonies, proving the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, and demonstrating the defendant’s negligence.
Additional Support Offered by Mesothelioma Attorneys:
- Connecting Clients to Medical Resources:
- Mesothelioma attorneys often have networks of medical professionals who specialize in treating asbestos-related diseases. They can help connect clients to oncologists, pulmonologists, and mesothelioma specialists for diagnosis and treatment.
- Financial Guidance:
- Because mesothelioma treatment is expensive, many attorneys help clients manage their medical expenses and insurance claims. Some firms offer financial planning services to help clients deal with the financial impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis, such as paying medical bills and managing settlements or awards.
- Emotional and Community Support:
- Many mesothelioma law firms work closely with mesothelioma advocacy organizations, support groups, and resources to provide emotional and mental health support for both victims and their families. Some firms also sponsor events to raise awareness and provide a sense of community.
- Assistance with VA Benefits for Veterans:
- Veterans with mesothelioma often face a complex process when filing for VA benefits. Mesothelioma attorneys knowledgeable about military asbestos exposure and VA regulations help veterans navigate this process, ensuring they receive both VA compensation and any additional compensation through lawsuits or trust funds.
Compensation Payouts: How Much to Expect?
The amount of compensation mesothelioma victims receive varies widely based on factors such as:
- The extent of asbestos exposure (workplace, household, or second-hand exposure)
- The companies responsible (some companies have a history of large settlements, while others may be in bankruptcy)
- Medical costs and the financial impact of the disease
- The victim’s age and prognosis
Mesothelioma settlements typically range from $1 million to $2.4 million, though trial verdicts can sometimes result in significantly higher awards, especially if punitive damages are involved.
Attorneys work diligently to ensure victims receive compensation that reflects their suffering, medical costs, lost wages, and the emotional impact on their families.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma attorneys are vital for helping victims of asbestos exposure secure justice and financial compensation. Their expertise in asbestos litigation, familiarity with trust funds, and understanding of complex medical and legal matters make them crucial allies in the fight for fair compensation.
Would you like further assistance in selecting a specific firm or exploring more options? I can also help with insights into what to expect during a free consultation or guide you through initial steps if you’re considering legal action.
