If you or a loved one has been diagnosed or deceased as a result of asbestosis, mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease, you urgently need to find an asbestos attorney, as you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Asbestos-related illnesses take many years to develop, and therefore when a diagnosis is made, you may have exceeded the time frame allowed by your state statutes of limitations. Still, it is of the utmost importance that you find and speak with an asbestos attorney as soon as possible after your doctor has made a diagnosis to begin legal procedures. The idea of ​​contesting a lengthy court battle may seem overwhelming, but many asbestos attorneys can negotiate an out-of-court settlement to ensure that your loved ones do not face debilitating expenses and losses due to your illness.
The process of finding a good asbestos attorney can sometimes seem like a difficult task. Cases involving asbestos-related illness and death are known to receive a large financial payoff, so it is essential that the asbestos attorney you choose is experienced and qualified to handle asbestos cases.
You can begin your search by talking to family and friends about your knowledge and experience with an asbestos attorney. They may also know someone in a similar situation to yours who can refer you to a good asbestos attorney or offer advice. Another method of finding an asbestos attorney is to search the Internet. There are forums related to asbestos diseases where people discuss and share information about their disease and legal situations. Many asbestos lawyers advertise through the World Wide Web. A good place to look is in an asbestos lawyer directory. You can find an attorney who specializes in asbestos-related cases by country, state, region, and city.
Once you have selected an attorney, contact them and request a free consultation. This consultation will allow you to discuss your case, the fees, and generally “evaluate” it. Be sure to analyze the fee structure thoroughly so that there are no unpleasant surprises when the bill arrives.
When choosing an asbestos attorney, there are some very important questions to ask. You need to find out how much experience he or she may have handling asbestos cases and what the success rate has been with regard to claims. Your asbestos attorney may have other people who have used their services and who are willing to provide a referral on your behalf. An ‘aging’ company that has a long history in the local community may have its benefits over a younger high-level company in the sense that it has established trust, loyalty and respect among the people it represents and is unlikely to go city overnight.
Establishing the credibility of the asbestos attorney is paramount. Are there any complaints or lawsuits pending or facing the asbestos lawyer? Are attorneys’ credentials openly displayed for clients to see and, if not, request to see them? If you choose a local lawyer, ask community members about the lawyer’s reputation and if he is well regarded among his peers.
When you speak with an attorney, be sure to establish that he or she is the person who will handle your case. It is not unusual to feel somewhat intimidated when speaking with your attorney; after all, they seem to speak a different language than the rest of us. Talk with your usual vocabulary; do not try to speak in legal terms. If you don’t understand something your lawyer says, always ask for clarification.
Once you have chosen a suitable attorney to handle your case, be sure to listen to their advice carefully. Do not discuss your case openly with anyone except your asbestos attorney; This will be one of the wisest decisions you can make. You don’t want to negatively affect the outcome of your case with what appears to be a harmless argument.
