Questions to Ask a Mesothelioma Attorney

Facing a mesothelioma diagnosis is extremely difficult, leaving many people without an idea as to where to turn next.  Between having to find a qualified doctor to figuring out which treatment form may work best, there are a lot of questions you likely have with respect to the right steps you need to take following your diagnosis.

Additionally, you may also have a number of questions about your legal rights and options. While each case is different, it is important to meet with a qualified mesothelioma attorney in order to have a chance of receiving the monetary compensation you need to afford treatment, pay your bills, and provide your loved ones with future financial security.

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma or lost a loved one to the disease, contact Stern Law, PLLC at (844) 808-7529 today.  Our seasoned asbestos exposure attorneys have handled countless mesothelioma cases, securing millions of dollars in damages for their clients.  You didn’t deserve to get mesothelioma, but you do deserve to be compensated to the fullest extent of the law.  Contact Stern Law, PLLC now to speak with one of our qualified mesothelioma lawyers.

Questions for Your Asbestos Attorney

Asbestos related laws and litigation can be complex, requiring the assistance of a qualified mesothelioma lawyer.  While meeting with an attorney is highly recommended in order to learn more about your options in light of your individual case, it is also critical to be as educated as possible when seeking legal action.  As such, we have compiled a list of questions most often asked of our attorneys in order to prepare you for when you meet with your attorney.  Note that the following is not a substitute for legal advice.  For specific questions or concerns, it is recommended that you contact Stern Law, PLLC today to speak with one of our compassionate asbestos exposure lawyers.

• When should I hire an attorney?

While hiring an attorney is not mandatory, it is highly recommended since the time for filing a legal action is limited.  Moreover, it can take time to research the details that are necessary to build an effective case on your behalf.  Therefore, we recommend that once you have secured medical treatment, that you contact Stern Law, PLLC right away to get your case started.

• I lost my spouse to mesothelioma a while ago. Can I still file a lawsuit?

This depends.  As noted above, there are time limitations (also called the statute of limitations) that dictate how long you have to file a legal claim.  While each state is different, the statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases can range from one to six years, depending upon where you choose to submit your claim.  Additionally, some states impose different deadlines for certain personal injury claims, including wrongful death actions.  Even if the statute of limitations has passed on your case, you may still have enough time to receive financial restitution through asbestos trust funds, Veteran’s Administration benefits, if you were in the military, or workers’ compensation benefits.  To better understand all of your options, don’t wait – contact Stern Law, PLLC immediately to learn more.

• I am not sure how or where I was exposed to asbestos. Do I still have a viable claim?

While it depends, most often a seasoned mesothelioma attorney can help you to review your personal history to determine a likely source of your exposure.  He or she will definitely ask you such questions as to where you lived, worked, attended school, and/or travelled, whether you served in the military, and other related inquiries.  

• What if I have never worked for an asbestos company but I was still diagnosed with mesothelioma? 

Exposure to asbestos can occur at many different places, including at home, school, a mining or manufacturing facility, or via natural occurring asbestos deposits in the environment.  The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, and if you were diagnosed with this disease, there must have been some type of asbestos exposure pathway that occurred in your lifetime.  A lawyer in experience in these types of cases can help you to determine when and where you were diagnosed, increasing your chances of being compensated for the harm you sustained.

• The company that caused my mesothelioma is now bankrupt. Do I still have a chance to be compensated for my illness?

The answer is, it depends, however, the good news is that the U.S. bankruptcy courts now require certain companies to set up asbestos bankruptcy trust funds to compensate individuals for getting mesothelioma.  The purpose of these “asbestos trusts” is to pay both current and future claims that are brought against these companies.  Currently, there are about sixty funds that have been established to pay on claims for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.  Importantly, each trust has its own set of requirements for an individual to receive compensation, which is why it is critical to hire an attorney experienced in negotiating with these trusts.  Contact a qualified attorney at Stern Law, PLLC to determine whether filing a claim with an asbestos trust is the best course of action in your case.

• Should I settle my case? Or, should I go to trial?

Making this determination depends on your individual set of circumstances.  For instance, in a case where a person was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma and the disease has not progressed to advanced stages, he or she may have more time to pursue a lawsuit than others who are in Stages III or IV of the disease.  However, lawsuits can be risky, as there is no guarantee of success given the fact that the case is determined by a judge and jury.  Settling may also be a viable option however, defendants often propose low monetary amounts hoping they can make the case go away.  Accepting such settlement without speaking with an attorney is not recommended, as a qualified lawyer can help you to negotiate for the fullest amount of compensation possible.  Whether you should settle, go to trial, or even pursue trust fund money is something you should discuss with your attorney, and he or she can help you to make the best decisions possible in your case.

Were You Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?  Contact Stern Law, PLLC Today

At Stern Law, PLLC, we understand the complexities associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis, and want to help.  We take the time you need to review your case, determine the sources of your exposure, and develop a plan of action to fight for the compensation you deserve.  Contact Stern Law, PLLC today at (844) 808-7529 to schedule your free consultation with one of our seasoned mesothelioma attorneys.