What Is a Mesothelioma 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 developed asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos mesothelioma lawyers help hold these corporations accountable and compensate patients for their suffering.
Top mesothelioma lawyers can:
Types of Legal 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: These types of claims seek compensation from manufacturers of asbestos-containing products if the company responsible for the asbestos exposure is still in business.
- Wrongful death lawsuits: These types of claims pursue compensation on behalf of the mesothelioma victim after their death. Their family members can file it.
- 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: U.S. military veterans who developed mesothelioma during their service may be eligible to receive monetary and health care benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
You can still file a lawsuit or trust fund claim if you receive VA benefits. Additionally, mesothelioma lawsuits are not filed against the U.S. government or any military branch.
Notable Mesothelioma Settlement Amounts from Lawyers
A mesothelioma lawyer will pursue financial compensation through a settlement or trial verdict. On average, mesothelioma settlements award between $1 million and $1.4 million in total compensation. You may sometimes 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 against negligent asbestos companies.
Dennis, a victim of mesothelioma, talks about his journey from diagnosis to filing an asbestos claim. View Transcript.
Duration: 2 min 48 sec
The specialist called me one night at 5:30 and I thought, “this is odd time for them to be calling me.”
He said, “Dennis, I have the results for your test.”
And my reaction was, “Oh, good. What do you got?”
He didn’t speak for like five or seven seconds and I thought, “Oh my god, this is it.”
And he said, “The results from the biopsy are you have mesothelioma, you’ve been around asbestos.”
They determined I had peritoneal mesothelioma, that means it’s mostly in my stomach.
I asked her, “How long am I going to live, doctor?”
She told me, “I see five to ten years and I will hope for ten to fifteen.”
So I thought, “Oh my god, I just lose my dad three months earlier, now I got cancer.”
I had fun being a mechanic. The dust from brake jobs, yeah there’s a lot, especially in the hub of the wheel; got to get all the dust away so you can put in the new stuff.
I knew there was asbestos in it but I didn’t know it was harmful. I didn’t know it would cause cancer.
Do I call the attorneys? I didn’t know I would get these benefits. It’s helped complete our – make our living financially, we would have been in Hell in high water without these benefits.
I had a legal team on my side in two or three days I believe, and I was very comfortable.
They were real people and they came to my house. They treated me like a person, not a number. They took care of every step and they explained to me the steps that would be taken and as time went on, they needed to they would call me on the phone and let me know and it was a good experience.
If someone was diagnosed with mesothelioma, as I was. I would tell them, first of all, you need help like I did. We were given something we were never warned about, that asbestos was in the things we worked with.
They made it very personal for me in a good way. For my wife, and kids and my family, they really helped me and they treated me like a person.
Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney
Mesothelioma lawyers at top asbestos law firms have resources, expertise, and other benefits that can help strengthen your case.
Qualities to look for in your mesothelioma lawyer include:
- No upfront costs: Top mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they secure compensation for you or your loved ones.
- Free legal case review: The best mesothelioma lawyers will review your case for free to see if you can file a lawsuit.
- Extensive experience: Your attorney should have decades of experience successfully handling mesothelioma cases.
- Nationwide reach: Lawyers at 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: Top mesothelioma lawyers have access to asbestos company records, medical data, and other key information that can help build your case.
Download our Free Attorney Checklist to get answers to your important questions when meeting with an attorney.
What to Expect When Working With a Mesothelioma Attorney
Your mesothelioma lawyer will dedicate their time to your legal claim so you can focus on getting treatment and being with your loved ones.
Mesothelioma attorneys work with legal teams with the experience, knowledge, and resources to give you personalized attention.
Your mesothelioma legal team will consist of:
- Investigators
- Medical experts
- Mesothelioma lawyers
- Paralegals
Although each claim differs, many mesothelioma lawsuits will follow similar steps after your initial consultation.
1. Identify the Companies at Fault
To file a claim, your mesothelioma cancer lawyer will demonstrate what asbestos-containing 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, the best mesothelioma lawyers have access to databases that list thousands of asbestos companies, products, and job sites. Your attorney can use this information to determine which corporations should be held liable in your case.
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 asbestos 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. Trials 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 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 costs
- Lost wages
- Medical treatments
- Travel bills
- Other expenses
Mesothelioma Lawyer Spotlight: Simmons Hanly Conroy
As one of the top mesothelioma law firms in the country, Simmons Hanly Conroy has secured $8.5 billion on behalf of mesothelioma victims and their loved ones since 1999.
Notable mesothelioma compensation recovered by Simmons Hanly Conroy:
- $250 million verdict for a steelworker
- $40 million verdict for a U.S. Navy veteran
- $7 million settlement for a wire installer
- $5.6 million settlement for an engineer
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, dedicated attorneys, veterans, nurses, and support staff give victims of injustice a powerful voice. When you work with a Simmons Hanly Conroy mesothelioma lawyer, you’ll be supported by a team that treats you like family and fights tirelessly and effectively on your behalf.
How Can I Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer Near Me?
If you or a loved one 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 Lawyer FAQs
Who is the best mesothelioma attorney?
The best mesothelioma attorneys will make you feel comfortable, respected, and valued. It is vital to find a 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 people like you secure justice and financial compensation.
How do I choose a mesothelioma lawyer?
Choosing a mesothelioma attorney with extensive experience handling asbestos-related disease cases is crucial. Working with a dedicated mesothelioma attorney can give you the best chance of having a solid and successful case.
These lawyers will have specialized experience and resources to determine where and when you were exposed to asbestos and 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. Sometimes, mesothelioma lawyers can help victims secure compensation in 90 days or less.
Your mesothelioma attorney will keep you updated throughout the legal process so you and your family understand the payout timeline.
When should I contact an asbestos attorney?
You should contact a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after you’ve been diagnosed or suspect you have an asbestos-related illness. Statutes of limitations set strict time limits on when you can file a claim.
