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Five Steps to Selecting the Right
Mesothelioma Attorneys
Selecting an attorney to represent
you in a mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit is
an important decision that should be made
carefully. Below are five points to consider
when making that decision:
1)
Ignore the Ads
Many asbestos lawyers advertise on
television, however, you should not use a TV
commercial as the reason to hire an
attorney. Actual credentials are what
counts. For example, what type of
accomplishments has the lawyer achieved? How
committed are they to cancer cases? How many
other cases have they handled? Many of the
best firms do not advertise much because
they do not have to.
2)
Bigger is Not Better
Big law firms with lots of money and lawyers
are not always the best choice for a client. At larger firms, a
client may be handed-off to paralegals and younger staff
attorneys. (The "big guns" are the ones who show up in court if
the case ends up going there. But, most asbestos cases are
settled out of court.) You don't want a young lawyer to "learn
the ropes" at your expense. It's best to find experienced
lawyers who will personally handle your case regardless of the
size
of their offices or staff. In
addition, the lawyer or law firm you choose
does not have to be in the same state as
you. Most lawyers are able to practice in
any state for a specific case.
3)
Understand Fees
Contingency is the term that means that the
lawyer gets paid only after they collect
money for you. Nearly all asbestos related
lawsuits are handled on a contingency basis.
The amount of the contingency fee that your
lawyer can charge varies by state. It is
usually between 33% and 40% of the amount
that is awarded to you after expenses are
deducted. It is important to discuss fees
openly, ask what services they cover, and
whether there will be any extra charges.
4)
Trusted Partner
For something as important as a mesothelioma
lawsuit, your attorney should not only be
experienced, skilled, and dedicated, but
also a trusted partner who keeps you well
informed. You have the right to know and
understand every step of the legal process
and to be included in key decisions about
your case. You should ask a potential
attorney to explain how they intend to
include you in the decision-making.
5)
Warning Signs
Finally, here are three warning signs that
an attorney may not be right for you:
1.The lawyer is hard to reach, does not
return calls promptly, or your calls are
returned by someone else.
2.The lawyer seems uninterested in your
opinions.
3.The lawyer asks you questions that make
you doubt their competence or experience.
Remember: Take your time, do your research,
and ask questions BEFORE you sign an
agreement. |
