Top-Rated Mesothelioma Lawyers In The US | Asbestos Attorney
Mesothelioma lawyers hold negligent parties liable for exposing workers and other individuals to asbestos. A skilled lawyer can determine if your case is eligible to receive compensation from an asbestos victims’ trust fund, which was created to pay out victims of mesothelioma and asbestos-related legal claims.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that lines the lungs, chest, and abdomen. This cancer is caused by asbestos exposure, which may have occurred in someone’s home, workplace, or community. Malignant mesothelioma was responsible for over 45,000 deaths between 1999 and 2015.
Although regulations have been put in place to decrease asbestos exposure,
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the number of
malignant mesothelioma deaths are increasing. If you suffer from mesothelioma,
you can file a claim and collect significant damages for your injuries.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is classified as a human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) and refers to six minerals that naturally occur in the environment.
These minerals break down into fibers that can be separated into durable threads used in industrial and commercial applications and products. Because of how resistant the fibers are to heat, asbestos has been used across various industries, from construction projects to automotive manufacturing.
The Dangers Of Asbestos Exposure
If any product containing asbestos is disturbed, tiny fibers can be released into the air and breathed in by humans. Once you breathe in asbestos fibers, they remain in your lungs for long periods of time.
Once these asbestos fibers accumulate, they can cause:
- scarring and inflammation
- breathing issues
- lung cancer
- larynx cancer
- ovary cancer
- mesothelioma
- other serious health issues
Occupations At Risk Of Asbestos Exposure
The majority of people who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos on the job. If you had one of the following occupations and were exposed to asbestos fibers, you may be at risk for developing mesothelioma.
Workers at risk of asbestos exposure may include:
- electricians
- plumbers
- insulators
- brake mechanics
- some military personnel
- asbestos miners
- home remodelers
- shipyard workers
- demolition workers
Mesothelioma Signs And Symptoms
Although rare, mesothelioma is the most associated form of asbestos-related cancer. Mesothelioma refers to the tissue that lines your stomach, lungs, heart, and other vital organs. This cancer tends to start in the lungs and may not develop until 10 to 40 years after asbestos exposure.
Because the cancer starts in the lungs, it can be difficult to tell the difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer. Unfortunately, malignant mesothelioma isn’t usually found until the cancer is advanced.
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- chest pain
- painful coughing fits
- pain under the rib cage
- lumps, swelling, or pain in the abdomen
- nausea
- weight loss that can’t be explained
- breathing problems
What Is a Mesothelioma or Asbestos Lawyer?
Mesothelioma lawyers help victims take legal action and pursue compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. An attorney with experience in wrongful death or personal injury claims can guide you through the legal process.
Manufacturers of asbestos-based products hid the deadly truth while millions of Americans were exposed and later developed asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos mesothelioma lawyers help hold these corporations accountable and compensate mesothelioma patients for their suffering.
How To Choose A Mesothelioma or Asbestos Lawyer
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, you likely have cause to file a legal claim. Since asbestos-related lawsuits can be lucrative for plaintiffs, it’s important to hire a skilled and qualified lawyer.
Mesothelioma cases are complicated. A lawyer can help identify who should be held liable to give you the best chances of winning your case. This could be the company responsible for installing or manufacturing asbestos. It could also be a claim to collect damages from a trust fund.
Here are some tips to consider when hiring a mesothelioma lawyer.
Hire A Multi-State Law Firm
It can be helpful to hire a multi-state law firm because a lawyer with experience in mesothelioma-related cases can file your case in a district where they can yield the highest payouts. If you stick with a local law firm, you may find they lack the experience and knowledge necessary to win your case.
Contact The Lawyer’s Offices
If you’re considering filing a claim, reach out to the lawyer’s law offices by contacting them via phone or online. Many law firms offer free case evaluations to determine the foundation of your case. You can also request to speak with someone directly and ask a lawyer about their history with asbestos cases, cost, and other concerns you may have.
Understand The Cost
There can be several costs associated with asbestos-related cases. Costs refer to any expenses the law firm will have to pay to move your case forward. Experienced lawyers will likely deduct these costs from a settlement award should you win the case. Costs can range from filing fees to obtaining medical records and other case-related expenses.
Understand Attorneys’ Fees And Avoid Paying Upfront
Trusted law firms will charge a contingency fee for representing your case. This means they collect fees from a settlement or judgment, and you don’t have to pay upfront. Contingency fees tend to be around 40 percent of the agreed settlement, but this can vary depending on the jurisdiction and type of lawsuit. For mesothelioma lawsuits, settlements can include a very large sum of money. You should be sure to ask about the fees involved in your case.
Knowledge And Communication Skills
Since you may live away from the best lawyer for your case, it’s important to select a firm with good communication skills. A skilled attorney will not only be knowledgeable about mesothelioma and your legal options, but will also help you feel comfortable discussing sensitive subjects like medical issues and your work history.
Choosing the Right Asbestos-Mesothelioma Lawyer
Check a lawyer's references. A good mesothelioma lawyer should be able to provide you with the name and contact information of a few satisfied clients. Of course, the lawyer will have to get the permission of the client, but this can usually be arranged. Although you'll only be given the names of very satisfied clients, it can still be helpful to talk to someone who has worked with the lawyer you're considering.
Interview the lawyers. Once you develop a short list of candidates, contact their offices (again, get help if you need it). Request a case evaluation and, if possible, arrange a personal interview. Ask who exactly will manage your case (non-lawyer case managers are often employed in larger firms). Find out who you can call or email if you have questions, and how long it will take to get back to you. Anticipating these questions, many law firms will give you a written overview of what to expect. Especially if it's detailed and guarantees that all calls and emails will be returned in 24 hours, this is a good sign. Learn more about what to ask an asbestos-mesothelioma lawyer at your free consultation.
Ask about fees and costs. Mesothelioma lawyers charge a contingency fee for their legal representation (usually 30% to 40 percent of any recovery you receive) plus additional costs to prepare your case. But keep in mind that asbestos-mesothelioma cases can be very complex. If you find an attorney who comes well-recommended and has a lot of experience (and a record of success) representing mesothelioma clients, a few percentage points on a contingency fee probably shouldn't dictate whether or not you hire that attorney.
Find out how are costs handled. A good attorney will deduct costs (things like filing fees and expert witnesses' compensation) off the top of any asbestos settlement or award, before the money is divided and the attorney takes their agreed-upon percentage. That way you and the attorney share payment of the costs. And a good attorney will give you receipts showing that all costs incurred were specific to your case—meaning you're not being saddled with part of the bill for the firm's general operating expenses. Learn more about how asbestos lawyers are paid.
Mesothelioma Settlements And Verdicts
The majority of mesothelioma cases never go to trial. Instead, a legal agreement or settlement provides compensation for the victim’s development of cancer.
The average settlement for a mesothelioma case is around $1 million, but can be more. If the case goes to trial and your lawyer is victorious, you could potentially collect much more. The highest asbestos-related settlement was $250 million.
However, the settlement you receive will depend on the specific details of your case.
Asbestos-related settlements may be determined by:
- medical expenses
- cancer diagnosis
- lost wages
- overall pain and suffering
- history of asbestos exposure
- other factors
Understanding Asbestos Trust Funds
Asbestos or mesothelioma trust funds were created when multiple asbestos manufacturers and other companies filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. According to a 2011 report by the U.S. Government Accountability office, several companies have set aside over $30 billion to settle mesothelioma claims since the 1980s.
More than 100 companies have filed for bankruptcy to fund money for compensating relevant claims. Instead of suing the manufacturing company, you may have the option to file a claim with the trust fund. The trust fund may ultimately be the one to pay out your settlement or verdict.
How You Can Establish Your Asbestos-Related Case
Besides contacting an attorney, you can also take measures to gather evidence and help establish your case. Start by identifying when and where you were exposed to asbestos. This is a crucial element to your claim.
After you identify where you were exposed to asbestos, gather any evidence
you can, including documents, reports, or anything else that proves you were
exposed. Once you do this, reach out to a lawyer who can help determine what
kind of lawsuit you should file.
Types of Claims Mesothelioma Lawyers Handle
Asbestos mesothelioma attorneys handle several types of legal claims. Your mesothelioma lawyer will determine which type of claim to file based on your specific asbestos case.
Types of mesothelioma claims include:
- Personal injury lawsuits: This claim seeks compensation from manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, if the company responsible for the asbestos exposure is still in business.
- Wrongful death lawsuits: This claim seeks compensation on behalf of the mesothelioma victim after their death. It can be filed by their family members.
- Asbestos trust fund claims: Some manufacturers of asbestos-containing products filed for bankruptcy to avoid being sued. In these cases, victims can file an asbestos trust fund claim to pursue compensation.
- VA benefits: U.S. military veterans who developed mesothelioma during their service may be eligible to receive monetary and health care benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
You are still able to file a lawsuit or trust fund claim if you are receiving VA benefits. Additionally, mesothelioma lawsuits are not filed against the U.S. government or the military.
Top Mesothelioma and
Asbestos Law Firms
In addition to experience and a winning track record, it is important to feel comfortable with the mesothelioma law firm you choose.
Attorneys at top asbestos law firms are accessible, compassionate and sensitive to what you and your family are going through. Your lawyer will manage every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on what matters most: Treatment and your health.
Weitz & Luxenberg
- Offices: New York; Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Los Angeles; Detroit
- Serves Clients: Nationwide
- Years of Experience: 30+
Weitz & Luxenberg has been a leader in asbestos litigation for more than 30 years, helping about 55,000 families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The firm handles around 500 asbestos-related cases each year with a dedicated team of lawyers, paralegals and support professionals.
U.S. News & World Report ranks Weitz & Luxenberg in the National Tier 1 category of its Best Law Firms for mass tort litigation and class actions. The firm has won more than $8.5 billion in mesothelioma verdicts and settlements.
Cooney & Conway
- Offices: Chicago
- Serves Clients: Nationwide
- Years of Experience: 40+
Cooney & Conway was founded in 1958 as a personal injury firm in the heart of Chicago. For more than 40 years, the firm’s focus has been asbestos litigation.
Its team of experienced lawyers has won multimillion-dollar cases against some of the largest asbestos product manufacturers in the world, including United States Gypsum, Armstrong and Owens Corning Fiberglas. They’ve recovered billions for their clients, including million-dollar settlements in thousands of cases. According to the firm’s website, much of its success involves cases in northern Illinois, where the firm handles approximately 90% of all mesothelioma cases.
Simmons Hanly Conroy
- Offices: Alton, Illinois; Chicago; New York; El Segundo, California; St. Louis; San Francisco
- Serves Clients: Nationwide
- Years of Experience: 20+
Simmons Hanly Conroy began serving mesothelioma patients and their families in 1999. Asbestos litigation continues to be the specialty of the firm, which has helped more than 6,000 families and recovered about $7 billion in settlements.
With an experienced staff of 300 employees nationwide, Simmons Hanly Conroy has shown its commitment to clients impacted by mesothelioma. In 2019, the firm won a $34 million verdict for an 80-year-old mechanic in a four-week trial against Ford Motor Company.
Nemeroff Law
- Offices: Pittsburgh; New Orleans; Park City, Utah; Dallas; Houston
- Serves Clients: Nationwide
- Years of Experience: 25+
Founder Rick Nemeroff began fighting for individuals in the early 1990s. Today, Nemeroff Law has a team of lawyers with more than 150 years of collective experience that has recovered more than $100 million for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.
Nemeroff Law has five offices around the country and represents asbestos victims in all 50 states. The firm has a proven history of winning large trial verdicts, including a $12.6 million verdict against Owens Corning Fiberglas and a $9.25 million decision against Exxon.
Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman
- Offices: Honolulu, Hawaii
- Serves Clients: Nationwide
- Years of Experience: 35+
Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman is the leading mesothelioma law firm for the Hawaiian Islands. The firm’s team of knowledgeable attorneys has traveled to more than 40 states to work with clients affected by asbestos exposure.
The team has unique litigation resources, including an extensive database of job sites and asbestos products and an archive of Navy records. They have developed a reputation in court through the more than 250 jury verdicts they’ve secured for clients. The firm has recovered more than $1 billion for victims in personal injury and defective product lawsuits.
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