A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be both upsetting and overwhelming. Medical care costs are at the top of the list of concerns. Specifically, the cost of mesothelioma treatment may be a heavy burden, leaving many to wonder how to pay for it while providing for family members.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may consider hiring a mesothelioma lawyer. Countless lawsuits spanning more than 40 years have established that asbestos companies owe compensation to patients and their families.
Hiring an experienced lawyer and getting an award can help relieve some of the financial burdens of medical care and treatment costs. You may wonder how much additional financial strain hiring a lawyer costs; the good news, asbestos attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. When you hire a quality law firm, it costs nothing up front to begin the legal process.
What Does It Mean to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer “on Contingency”?
Lawyers hired “on contingency” or “on a contingency fee basis” collect fees only after they accept a settlement or jury award on a client’s behalf. An experienced asbestos lawyer will always work on contingency. There are reasons why you should only consider a contingency fee structure:
- No upfront retainer or fee
- No payment during the legal process
- No financial detriment if the case is unsuccessful
It is important to discuss the nature of the contingency fee before hiring a lawyer.
How then do contingency lawyers get paid for legal services? The answer is quite simple —attorney fees are collected after a successful settlement or jury verdict.
This contingency fee payment method creates an incentive for lawyers to work quickly and efficiently on behalf of a client. The goal of an experienced asbestos lawyer is to maximize recovery quickly.
It is important to make sure that any contingency agreements state that there is no recovery unless a client receives compensation.
Important Factors for Hiring a Mesothelioma Law Firm
Choosing a lawyer can be a difficult undertaking. To simplify the process, and select the best lawyer to represent your interests, here are a few helpful suggestions to consider:
- Does the firm have specific experience and expertise handling mesothelioma cases? Google the lawyer and law firm. Avoid firms that handle matters unrelated to mesothelioma.
- Has the lawyer handled cases with similar asbestos exposure(s)? Search the website for successful outcomes in past cases.
- How many years has the lawyer been handling mesothelioma cases, specifically? Avoid lawyers lacking 10+ years of experience.
- Will the lawyer be accessible via telephone, email, text, etc. after business hours?
- Search for a lawyer you can connect with and communicate with ease. Make sure the lawyer has an understanding and appreciation for your medical needs and care, and is willing to provide guidance.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Mesothelioma Case?
Mesothelioma cases are complex and typically involve exposures to numerous asbestos companies. A seasoned lawyer will be able to streamline the legal process including filing deadlines, court hearings, settlement negotiations and trial preparation. A specializing mesothelioma lawyer will limit the amount of time and effort a client will spend on the legal process so that patients and families can focus on medical needs, work, family, etc.
Sources
Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute. contingency fee.
State Bar of California. What to Expect Regarding Fees and Billing.
U.S. News and World Report. What Does Hiring a Lawyer Cost?
Legal Rights for Mesothelioma Victims
For more than two decades, Jennifer Lucarelli has served as Legal Advisor at Mesothelioma.com. She has advocated for more than 1,000 asbestos victims, securing millions in settlements and helping them access quality medical care.
