Mesothelioma Attorney
Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney by Maggie Kay
Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is a long and dwindling
process. Selection of a mesothelioma attorney whom you trust and have a good
rapport with is very important.
If you are thinking about filing a
mesothelioma lawsuit, you must meet with a variety of lawyers before making your
final decision. Choosing from a long list of mesothelioma lawyers can be a
daunting task, so here is a guide to help you through the
process:
1. Start the Search
Look for a
qualified mesothelioma attorney in the following places:
-Bar
Associations
-Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (found in most public
libraries)
-Yellow Pages
-Internet (many firms have their own sites)
2. Narrow Down the Field
Once you have found
the names of some mesothelioma attorneys in your area, begin by contacting each
firm by telephone for further information.
Describe your legal issue to
each attorney and inquire as to whether he/she can handle your situation. Don’t
forget to ask whether there is a fee for an initial consultation, and the
approximate cost to handle a mesothelioma lawsuit.
It is advisable to
schedule appointments with two or three different attorneys before making your
final selection.
3. Meet the Prospective
Attorneys
The initial consultation is an opportunity for you
and the lawyer to get to know each other. After listening to your case, the
lawyer should be able to outline your rights and offer you alternative courses
of action.
The initial consultation is the mesothelioma attorney's
opportunity to explain what he or she can do for you and how much it will cost.
You should not hesitate to ask about the attorney's experience in handling
previous mesothelioma lawsuits.
Feel free to ask about the lawyer's fees
and the likely results. If you are considering going beyond the initial
consultation and hiring the lawyer, request a written fee agreement before
proceeding.
It is also important to ask each attorney for a list of
references that you may contact.
4. Making Your
Decision
After each initial consultation, ask yourself the
following questions about the mesothelioma attorney you just met:
-Did
the attorney listen to me?
-Was the attorney knowledgeable about asbestos
law?
-Did the attorney give me a firm understanding of my alternative
courses of action?
-Do I understand the range of possible results associated
with each course of action?
-Did the attorney seem trustworthy?
If
need be, take notes after each consultation, indicating your initial reaction to
the mesothelioma attorney you have just met.
About the Author
Maggie Kay is a freelance writer from Montreal and is the head researcher and content manager of Mesothelioma Attorney Advice Center (www.maacenter.org).