Choose the Right Thing

Choosing the Right Attorney

If you have developed a serious medical condition due to asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, it is important to talk to a lawyer right away about your case. By waiting, your state’s statute of limitations may run out, meaning you will not be eligible to file suit. In some states, this time period is as short as one year. Keep in mind, it is important to find a lawyer that is right for you instead of just choosing the first one you find. How to go about choosing the right attorney? Use the follow tips to find the attorney that is right for your mesothelioma case:

Ask many questions during the initial meeting. To achieve a good understanding of your case, the attorney will probably ask many questions about your experiences with asbestos and your mesothelioma diagnosis. Make sure to ask your lawyer about his or her practice, as well as what you can expect if you choose to work with him or her on the case.

Be clear about your needs. Finding the right attorney starts with understanding what kind of legal help you need. Are you filing a personal injury case for yourself or a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased relative? What sort of medical conditions are you experiencing? What are you seeking in damages? It is also important to talk to your lawyer about the possible outcome of your case.

Look for a lawyer that has time for you. Some asbestos-related cases can take years to resolve. It is not necessary for a lawyer to call you every day. In some cases, you don’t even need a lawyer that calls you every week. What you do need is an attorney that can have a meeting with you without being distracted by other cases. If the lawyer picks up the phone a few times during your meeting, chances are he or she may be too busy to devote enough time to your case.

Look for experience. In the case of medical lawsuits, it is always best to find a law firm that has handled similar cases in the past. Mesothelioma can be hard to understand, and every hour your lawyer spends researching your condition is time that could be better spent looking at helpful evidence. Ask about the lawyer’s experience in dealing with asbestos victims, as well as his or her track record concerning asbestos or mesothelioma cases.

Talk about costs with your attorney. Of course, quality is very important, but you should also look for a lawyer who is fair with pricing. Some attorneys charge an initial interviewing fee, while others charge an hourly rate. However, in most cases, the best option is to go with a lawyer that only recieves compensation if you do. Instead of paying per hour or a flat fee, he or she will be entitled to a percentage of your awarded compensation.

Read over the generic written agreement the lawyer provides. The right attorney will be willing to change things in the agreement, but if you find yourself questioning every other line, this is probably not the lawyer for you. You shouldn’t need a lawyer to sign a contract with a lawyer! Also, keep in mind every lawyer should provide a written agreement. This is important in order to protect your rights.

Avoid lawyers who tell you what you want to hear. No lawsuit is a “sure thing.” If your lawyer seems to be telling you what you want to hear for the sake attaining a client, consider other options. You need an attorney who will be straightforward with you about your legal options and the potential outcomes of your case, both good and bad.

Overall, the most important part of hiring a lawyer for a mesothelioma case or another asbestos-related case is to find one that makes you feel comfortable. Again, asbestos-related cases can take years to resolve, so you may be working with this individual for a long time. If you do not get along with your lawyer, or feel uncomfortable telling him or her the truth, you may want to think about hiring another attorney. Remember, you will have to disclose all information to your lawyer, so comfortability is a major factor in winning a case.

If you would like more information about choosing an attorney and other legal issues surrounding asbestos and mesothelioma, please fill out the form on the right to receive an information packet.