What Is a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Mesothelioma lawyers help victims take legal action and pursue compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. An attorney who has experience handling wrongful death and personal injury cases can guide you through every step of the legal process.
Manufacturers of asbestos-based products hid the deadly truth while millions of Americans were exposed and developed serious diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos mesothelioma lawyers help hold these corporations accountable and compensate victims and their families.
How Do Mesothelioma Attorneys Help Asbestos Victims?
These types of attorneys provide crucial legal assistance to help clients and their families seek compensation for their asbestos exposure and hold negligent companies accountable.
A top mesothelioma lawyer can:
Get connected with top mesothelioma attorneys near you by requesting a free case review from our legal partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy.
Types of Legal Claims Mesothelioma Lawyers Handle
Asbestos mesothelioma attorneys handle several types of legal claims for their clients. Your mesothelioma lawyer will determine which type of claim to file based on your specific case.
Types of mesothelioma claims include:
- Personal injury lawsuits: These types of claims are filed by mesothelioma victims to seek compensation from the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure.
- Wrongful death lawsuits: These types of claims are filed by spouses, family members, or estate representatives to pursue compensation on behalf of the mesothelioma victim after their death.
- Asbestos trust fund claims: Some manufacturers of asbestos-containing products filed for bankruptcy to avoid being sued. Victims can file asbestos trust fund claims in these cases to seek compensation.
- VA benefits: Veterans who developed mesothelioma from military asbestos exposure may be eligible to receive financial compensation and medical care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
You can still file a lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claim if you already receive VA benefits. Additionally, mesothelioma lawsuits are not filed against the U.S. government or any military branch.
We can help you or a loved one access trust fund compensation so you don’t ever have to step foot inside a courtroom. See if you qualify right now.
Notable Mesothelioma Settlement Amounts
A mesothelioma lawyer can pursue financial compensation through a settlement or trial verdict. On average, mesothelioma settlements award clients between $1 million and $1.4 million in total compensation. You may receive your first payout in 90 days or less.
Notable mesothelioma lawsuit compensation amounts include:
- $250 million verdict for a steelworker
- $30 million verdict for a construction supervisor
- $13.1 million settlement for a carpenter
- $12 million settlement for a laborer
Get a free legal consultation from our partner law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy, to learn more about taking legal action for asbestos exposure.
Dee and John Stahl reached out to Simmons Hanly Conroy, a mesothelioma law firm, to pursue justice after John’s stage 4 mesothelioma diagnosis. View Transcript.
Duration: 4 min 40 sec
Dee Stahl:
The day started out fine. We got up and John, which is unusual for him, just came out of the bedroom
and just sat down and he said, “I just don’t feel good,” and I knew something was wrong because John
doesn’t complain. I said, “Well, I think we should probably go to the ER.”
They found out that there was over two liters of fluid on his left lung and they were amazed that he was
even able to breathe, period. They did a CAT scan then that’s when he just said, “You have stage four
mesothelioma, John.”
John Stahl:
I was kind of blank. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t realize that my job had exposed me to this.
Dee Stahl:
We’re the Stahls. I’m Dee, and this is my husband, John.
John Stahl:
My name is John Stahl. I was first exposed to asbestos poisoning through the construction business,
through Sheetrock, through gaskets and piping all through my career, and I worked 43 years in construction business. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid. The first treatment was with chemotherapy and I went every two weeks. It didn’t take long, an hour or so, but it’d take me seven to 10 days to recover. That was hard for me because I’m a pretty active person.
Dee Stahl:
Asbestos is poison and it’s a prescription for death.
John Stahl:
Yeah.
Dee Stahl:
I don’t know …
John Stahl:
It’s not curable.
Dee Stahl:
Right.
John Stahl:
Well, at first it didn’t really sink in. The longer and longer I thought about it, it’s going to end my life
eventually, but I’m going to live it as well as I can.
Dee Stahl:
It made me mad and sad to think that these manufacturers could continue knowing that there was
asbestos that could hurt people, continued to make these products for how many years, years and years, and look what it’s done to the love of my life.
It’s heartbreaking. We filed a mesothelioma lawsuit because John deserves it. We found out about
Simmons Hanly Conroy when we received a letter introducing us to Todd, and within days, couple of
days, Todd called and we just clicked.
John Stahl:
Filing the lawsuit was easy because Todd made it easy. He explained what was going to happen. It was
pretty simple.
Dee Stahl:
It’s been fantastic. I can’t put into words because anytime Todd would call, it was, “How’s John doing?
How’s my buddy John doing and how are you doing?” He just made you comfortable. It was a great
experience.
John Stahl:
My kids are gonna be taken care of, Dee’s gonna be taken care of, so it’s a peace of mind knowing that I
don’t have to worry about them going down the road.
Dee Stahl:
I want people out there to realize that there is help and they can get assistance and get a settlement
from these manufacturers that continue to use this and know that it was dangerous for people.
John Stahl:
We filed a mesothelioma lawsuit to hold companies accountable. It’s important people understand that
there’s help and there’s people there willing to help them go through this process of making these
companies liable for what they’ve caused.
How to Choose a Lawyer
Asbestos lawyers at top mesothelioma law firms have the resources and expertise to ensure your case is successful.
Qualities to look for in your mesothelioma lawyer include:
- No upfront costs: Top lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they secure compensation for you or your family.
- Free legal case review: The best mesothelioma lawyers will review your case for free to see if you can take legal action.
- Extensive experience: Your attorney should a well-established history of representing mesothelioma clients in lawsuits as well asbestos trust fund claims.
- Nationwide reach: Lawyers employed by national mesothelioma law firms know the statute of limitations in your state and will file your claim in a timely manner so you don’t miss your chance to pursue compensation.
- Strong resources: Experienced lawyers have access to company records, medical data, and other key information that can help build your case.
Start the process of choosing a lawyer by requesting your free legal consultation with a top mesothelioma law firm.
What to Expect When Working With a Mesothelioma Attorney
Your lawyer and their team will dedicate themselves to your legal claim so you can focus on getting treatment and being with your loved ones.
Your mesothelioma legal team will consist of:
- Attorneys
- Investigators
- Medical experts
- Paralegals
Although no two cases are the same, most mesothelioma lawsuits follow a similar process. Learn more about the steps to file a suit below.
1. Identify the Companies at Fault
In order to file a lawsuit and asbestos trust fund claims, your mesothelioma cancer lawyer must first identify what products you were exposed to and which companies made them.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can track down when and where you were exposed to asbestos — even if you don’t remember. Most mesothelioma cases result from asbestos exposure that occurred 10-50 years ago.
Thankfully, top attorneys have access to databases that list thousands of companies, products, and job sites. Your attorney can use this information to determine which corporations should be held liable in your case.
There’s more than $30 billion available in asbestos trust funds today. Learn whether you may be owed a portion of this money.
2. File Your Mesothelioma Claim
Your asbestos mesothelioma lawyer will discuss your legal options and determine the best type of claim to file on your behalf. You may be eligible for compensation from more than one company, increasing the value of your lawsuit.
The best mesothelioma lawyers will know when to file your claim based on your state’s statute of limitations. This law limits how long you have to file a claim after your mesothelioma diagnosis.
Your mesothelioma lawyer will know when, where, and how to file your suit — and handle all the heavy lifting for you.
3. Win Compensation for You and Your Family
Many mesothelioma asbestos lawyers prefer to pursue compensation through a settlement. The trial process can be time-consuming and costly, and there is no guarantee the judge or jury will rule in your favor.
On the other hand, mesothelioma settlements give clients and their families access to compensation faster. Some victims start to receive payments in 90 days or less. About 99% of mesothelioma claims result in a favorable settlement for the victim, with an average payout of between $1 million and $1.4 million.
Mesothelioma settlement compensation can be used for funeral expenses, lost wages, medical treatments, travel costs, and other expenses.
Take the first step toward obtaining compensation for you and your family by requesting a no-obligation legal consultation.
How Can I Find Mesothelioma Lawyers Near Me?
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Connecting with a top mesothelioma lawyer can help determine whether you can take legal action. Find a local mesothelioma attorney using the dropdown menu below, or get started with a free legal case review with a top mesothelioma law firm.
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Mesothelioma Lawyers FAQs
Why do people sue for mesothelioma?
People sue for mesothelioma because this rare and aggressive cancer is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a toxic mineral that was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing from the 1930s to early 1980s.
Many individuals who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at their workplaces or through products they used, often without being informed of the health risks.
As a result, they may file claims with the help of a mesothelioma lawyer to seek compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages from the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure.
Who is the best mesothelioma lawyer?
The best mesothelioma lawyer will make you feel comfortable, respected, and valued. It is vital to lawyer who has your best interest at heart and will work tirelessly on your behalf to win compensation — and the lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy do just that.
With over 20 years of experience, Simmons Hanly Conroy employs some of the top mesothelioma lawyers in the country. These attorneys have a drive and passion for helping clients like you secure justice and financial compensation.
How do I choose a mesothelioma lawyer?
Choosing a lawyer with extensive experience handling mesothelioma claims will give you the best chance at receiving financial compensation.
These lawyers will have specialized experience and resources to pinpoint the details of your asbestos exposure and identify which companies to sue. Be sure to ask about your asbestos cancer lawyer’s past successes with mesothelioma cases similar to yours.
What if I can’t afford a mesothelioma lawyer?
It does not cost anything upfront to work with a top mesothelioma lawyer. Your attorney will only collect a small percentage of your earnings if you win your case.
How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit take?
It depends. Some victims start to receive compensation payouts in as little as 90 days.
Your lawyer will keep you updated throughout the legal process so you and your family understand the payout timeline.
When should I contact a mesothelioma attorney?
You should contact a mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible after you’ve been diagnosed or suspect you have an illness caused by asbestos exposure. Statutes of limitations set strict time limits on when you can file a claim.
