Mesothelioma Legal FAQ

Why should I file a suit?
Mesothelioma is a tragic and extremely painful experience. Filing a lawsuit is the best way for mesothelioma victims to get justice they deserve. When filing a mesothelioma lawsuit you are not only using your legal right, but also making a way to provide a financial safeguard for you and your family. A successful suit can provide you the necessary fund to finance aggressive treatment and help you pay off huge medical bills. It can provide financial security to your family as well.
Who has the legal right to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma compensation?
A person who has developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure can file a mesothelioma lawsuit. In case the patient has passed away, a family member or the executor of the estate of victim can file the suit. A family member can also file a lawsuit if he or she has developed mesothelioma through close contact with the person who had been exposed to asbestos.
How long it will take for the process to be completed?
There is no such set time. The process may take quite some time. An efficient and experienced lawyer can get the case finished faster than others. If more research is necessary to put a solid case together, it will take more time.
How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?
Generally, the time limit is one to two years after the diagnosis. However, it differs from state to state. It is vital that you check on the time limitations for your state and act accordingly. Time limitations still apply if you are claiming on behalf of a victim. In this case, a research is required by the lawyer, which may take more time. So, it is very important to act as quickly as possible.
Will the lawsuit be filed in the state that I am living?
Not necessarily. You may receive a far better compensation in another state. Your lawyer will choose the state in which you have maximum chance for success and where you are likely to receive the highest compensation. This doesn’t make any difference to you because you have to pay nothing.
What if I have no clue about when and where I was exposed to asbestos?
In this case, a lawyer can help you. An investigator hired and paid by the lawyer will do the necessary research to find out when and where the exposure took place and which company or companies are responsible for it. However, it would be always helpful if you already know the details as it can definitely speed up the process.
How can I afford a lawyer?
Mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That is, you have to pay a percentage of the amount you will receive if the case is successful. Otherwise, you won’t have to pay a penny. So, there is nothing to worry about having cash up front.
How much will I get as compensation?
It is impossible to predict the exact amount of compensation because it depends on the merits of the case. Past settlements have run from hundreds of thousands of dollars to multi million dollar payouts. Common factors that determine the compensation amount include medical expenses incurred, pain and suffering, lost wages, state laws and the parties responsible for disease contraction. Mesothelioma cases are often settled out of court due to the possibility of high mesothelioma compensation rulings.
Will my case go to court?
Again, it is impossible to tell this until your lawyer has tried to settle the case out of court. However, most mesothelioma cases are settled out of court as this saves money and time for both parties.
How can I select a mesothelioma lawyer?
Because of the surprising in the number of mesothelioma suits filed each year, mesothelioma lawyers are also rising in numbers. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify the good and the bad. You should choose a mesothelioma lawyer with a proven track record on mesothelioma litigation.