By Texas Parole 
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma — a rare and aggressive form of cancer, you have the right to file a claim and seek compensation.
That said, navigating an overly complex legal landscape while dealing with the physical and emotional strain of a diagnosis like mesothelioma is almost impossible. This is why hiring a competent and experienced mesothelioma attorney is important.
Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Here are six things you should consider when choosing a mesothelioma lawyer:
1. Specialization and Expertise in Asbestos Cases
Asbestos lawsuits do come under personal injury cases, but they are dramatically different from cases like medical malpractice, road accidents, and slip-and-fall injuries. This is why you need to hire an attorney with an extensive record of asbestos cases.
Experienced mesothelioma attorneys possess unique medical and legal knowledge for a complex case such as yours. They understand the latency period of mesothelioma, how a victim’s medical history impacts the diagnosis, and the different types of exposure. Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer would increase your chances of fair compensation.
2. Expertise in Different Claim Types
No two asbestos exposure cases are similar. Consequently, there are different types of mesothelioma claims, each with varying eligibility criteria and regulations. This includes:
Personal injury claims – these are filed by individuals suffering from mesothelioma wanting to seek compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and lost wages.
Asbestos trust fund claims – these are filed by patients or families against a responsible company that has filed for bankruptcy.
Wrongful death claims – these are filed by surviving family members of a victim who passed away due to mesothelioma.
Veterans Affairs (VA) claims – these are filed by military veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service.
Hire an attorney with experience in handling all types of mesothelioma claims.
3. Success Rates
While numbers don’t decide the future of your lawsuit, knowing the success rate of your attorney can offer some peace of mind. Ensure that the law firm with which the attorney is associated also has a history of successful verdicts and settlements.
4. Reviews and Reputation
In addition to the success rate, consider the reputation of a mesothelioma lawyer. Read testimonials on their websites or independent legal directories. You can also ask for references from previous clients with similar cases.
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5. Availability of Resources
Mesothelioma lawsuits are complex with loads of moving parts. A lawyer with numerous resources at their disposal will give you a better shot at seeking fair compensation. Resources can include:
- Access to extensive databases of asbestos exposure
- Medical professionals
- Specialized teams
- Expert witnesses
- Construction experts
A reputable asbestos law firm like ELSM Law will leverage dedicated resources to build strong legal claims.
6. Costs and Fee Structure
Lastly, consider the fee structure of your attorney and inquire who will handle the claim-related costs.
Most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. They keep a fixed percentage of the total settlement or verdict amount. That said, you may have to pay for legal proceedings and paperwork.
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