10 Keys to Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney
Hiring a lawyer can be an intimidating process, especially if
you've never hired one before. Mesothelioma and other
asbestos-related cases are complex and require experienced, top
notch attorneys. How do you know which lawyer will bring the
attention and skill to your case that it deserves? We've
compiled the following list to help you with your decision:
1. Trust your instincts. Do you feel comfortable talking with
the prospective attorney? Does he or she listen and ask
questions? If you feel that you are not being taken seriously,
go elsewhere.
2. Check the attorney's professional credentials. Carefully
review the firm's website and brochures, and check the
attorney's profile and rating at
www.martindale-hubbell.com. If
you're still unsure, ask for references.
3. Make sure the firm is customer-oriented. Do you have direct
access to the attorney who is actually responsible for your
case? Does he or she return your phone calls promptly? Remember
you are the customer and have the right to expect good service.
4. Ask if your case will be handled individually. Some firms
will accept your case, only to bundle it with a large group of
similar cases. This practice tends to diminish the value of
stronger cases in order to help weaker ones.
5. Find an attorney with experience in mesothelioma litigation.
Does your attorney have direct experience in mesothelioma
litigation? Look nationally for a firm with a solid track record
in this area.
6. Make sure your attorney has trial experience. Many attorneys
have limited trial experience. Although most cases settle out of
court, a lawyer with a strong trial record puts you in a better
bargaining position during the negotiating process.
7. Find a skilled negotiator. Does your attorney have training
in negotiation? What is his or her settlement value track
record? Even though most lawyers spend a much greater percentage
of their time negotiating than trying cases, very few attorneys
have training or expertise in this area.
8. Ask the firm who their strategic partners are. Under certain
circumstances law firms join forces to share their research,
expertise and other resources in order to build the best
possible case for you.
9. Make sure the firm works on a contingency fee basis. With
this type of arrangement the law firm incurs all the financial
risk. You don't pay any out-of-pocket costs until the firm
recovers compensation for you; fees are a percentage of the
recovery.
10. Check to see if the lawyer is AARP-approved. If not, go to
the AARP Legal Services Network to find an attorney. Besides
being extensively screened by AARP to become approved, AARP
attorneys offer AARP members a 20% discount on their standard
legal fees.
Although selecting a qualified mesothelioma attorney is not
easy, don't get discouraged. There are great lawyers out there
who are genuinely interested in helping others. Your case
deserves no less. For more information visit
www.mesotheliomaadvice.org/legal/mesothelioma-attorney.asp.
About the author:
Scott Hendler is Founder of HendlerLaw, a plaintiff's firm
focused on mesothelioma litigation(
www.mesotheliomaadvice.com).
His firm has won record verdicts and settlements in numerous
cases and recently won an argument in front of the U.S. Supreme
Court. In 2003 Scott was honored with an AV rating by
Martindale-Hubbell. You can reach him at 800.443.6353 or
help@hendlerlaw.com.
