{"id":353281,"date":"2016-12-16T15:33:27","date_gmt":"2016-12-16T20:33:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/how-to-choose-an-asbestos-or-mesothelioma-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2025-09-15T14:07:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T19:07:00","slug":"how-to-choose-an-asbestos-or-mesothelioma-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/how-to-choose-an-asbestos-or-mesothelioma-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"Getting Legal Help With an Asbestos Claim: How To Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Getting Legal Help With an Asbestos Claim: How To Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Choosing the right mesothelioma lawyer is essential to securing the compensation you deserve after an asbestos-related diagnosis. A qualified attorney can guide you through the complex legal process<\/span> while prioritizing your medical needs.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illness can be devastating. It can even be hard to consider filing legal action<\/span> when dealing with doctor appointments and treatment for your disease. Still, you have legal rights. The right asbestos attorney<\/span> may prove that this dangerous mineral caused your illness. This can entitle you to significant compensation.<\/p>\n

Mesothelioma cases<\/span> are some of the most complicated\u00a0tort claims<\/a>. As a result, who you choose for an asbestos or mesothelioma lawyer is critical. Your attorney will be the one who helps you navigate the legal system<\/span>. They will also be your fiercest advocate during this difficult time<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article describes how the process works for victims of asbestos-related diseases, varying legal options<\/span>, and how a personal injury<\/span> lawyer familiar with asbestos cases<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can help with your claim.<\/p>\n

Further down in this article, you\u2019ll also find several questions to ask when interviewing potential asbestos attorneys<\/span>. These questions can help you feel confident about the legal help<\/span> you decide to hire for your claim.<\/p>\n

Asbestos Use Today<\/h2>\n

Asbestos used to be one of the most commonly used insulators. Manufacturers were largely aware of the risks associated with asbestos but kept them secret to avoid damage to their businesses. The courts have seen decades of litigation tied to asbestos-related injuries and\u00a0mesothelioma<\/a>, a rare cancer that develops due to asbestos exposure<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Though the use of asbestos products<\/span> is heavily regulated today, asbestos-containing products remain\u00a0on the market. Asbestos is still used on job sites<\/span> in the construction industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, nearly three thousand people receive a new mesothelioma diagnosis<\/span><\/a> every year in the U.S. As such, courts have mandated that companies that continue to use asbestos contribute to an asbestos trust fund. This fund helps compensate people who become sick or die from asbestosis and other illnesses.<\/p>\n

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure<\/span><\/h2>\n

Asbestos exposure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can result in many asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos diseases can require intense medical treatment and cause you to incur significant medical expenses.<\/p>\n

Victims of <\/span>asbestos exposure<\/span> may have inhaled asbestos fibers during their employment. For example, many workers in the shipbuilding industry were exposed to various types of asbestos used to produce sea vessels.<\/p>\n

Mesothelioma victims<\/span><\/a>\u00a0comprise the majority of plaintiffs who file asbestos lawsuits<\/span>. These cases often result in large mesothelioma settlements<\/span>. In some cases, family members of someone exposed to asbestos at work can recover mesothelioma compensation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Asbestos Illness Liability<\/h2>\n

One of the problematic things about filing an asbestos claim is determining who you need to sue. These cases are not as straightforward as car accidents with personal injuries<\/span><\/a>. The responsible party can be an employer,\u00a0manufacturer, or construction company.<\/p>\n

For example, if you were in the Navy and were exposed to asbestos, your attorney may need to pursue a claim against the government. If your illness appears while you\u2019re still working for your employer, you may be able to file a\u00a0workers\u2019 compensation claim<\/a>. It all depends on the facts of your case.<\/p>\n

The issue many mesothelioma patients<\/span> face is that they may not have much time to live by the time the doctor hands down their diagnosis. For them, the timing issue goes beyond the statute of limitations<\/span><\/a>. If they expect a payout<\/span> before passing away, they must act quickly.<\/p>\n

The same is true for plaintiffs who have lung cancer or asbestosis. You must file your legal claim<\/span> immediately after receiving your diagnosis.<\/p>\n

How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Asbestos Case<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illness, you should speak with an experienced <\/span>mesothelioma lawyer<\/span><\/a>. Your lawyer will provide legal advice and help protect your legal rights.<\/p>\n

When you contact an asbestos law<\/span> firm, your attorney can also explain what to expect at every step of your personal injury<\/span> case. Ideally, your attorney will\u00a0negotiate a settlement<\/a>\u00a0of your mesothelioma case<\/span>. They will also file a personal injury<\/span> lawsuit on your behalf.<\/p>\n

Your lawyer should have years of experience<\/span> handling asbestos litigation<\/span>. Whether you need to file a mesothelioma lawsuit<\/span> or wrongful death<\/span> lawsuit<\/a>, your attorney will take on the asbestos companies and fight to secure compensation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Some of the tasks your lawyer will handle<\/a> for you include:<\/p>\n