According to the National Cancer Institute, mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the thin layer of tissue covering many internal organs (known as the mesothelium). This type of cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos, and symptoms can take many years – even decades – to develop.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s essential to understand your legal options. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.
The world of law is a complicated one. And if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you must find an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate the legal landscape. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a mesothelioma lawyer in Ohio:
1. Experience:
First and foremost, you’ll want to choose a lawyer with significant experience handling mesothelioma cases in Ohio. This experience will give your lawyer a deep understanding of the laws surrounding asbestos exposure and mesothelioma and the expertise necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.
Many mesothelioma lawyers practice in multiple states, but having an attorney based in the state you want to file your claim can be very beneficial. A local lawyer will be more familiar with the nuances of state law and the procedures for filing a claim.
For instance, any location in Ohio can be used as a venue for filing your lawsuit. Filing in a venue where the lawyer is based may be more convenient and result in a quicker resolution to your case.
However, the most important factor in choosing a lawyer is experience. Whether your lawyer is based in Ohio or practices in multiple states, you’ll want to choose someone with a proven track record of success in mesothelioma cases.
2. Resources:
Another important factor to consider is the resources your potential lawyer has at their disposal. Handling a mesothelioma case is expensive, and you’ll want to ensure your lawyer has the financial resources to see your case through to completion.
Some of the costs associated with a mesothelioma case include:
-Investigating your exposure to asbestos
-Hiring expert witnesses
-Travel expenses
-Court filing fees
It would be best if you also inquired about how your lawyer plans to fund your case. Some lawyers may require you to pay a retainer upfront, while others offer contingency-based pricing (meaning you only pay if you win your case).
Remember, you should never have to pay anything out of pocket to hire a mesothelioma lawyer. Look elsewhere if a lawyer asks you to pay upfront or charges an hourly rate.
3. Communication:
It’s necessary that you feel comfortable communicating with your lawyer. This is especially true in a mesothelioma case, where the stakes are high, and the process can be complex and emotional.
Be sure to ask how your lawyer plans to keep you updated on the status of your case and how they prefer to communicate (e.g., by phone, email, etc.). It would help if you also inquired how often you expect to hear from your lawyer.
Ideally, you should be able to reach your lawyer when you need to and receive prompt responses to your questions and concerns. If you don’t feel comfortable with your lawyer’s communication style, it may be time to look for someone else.
4. Compassion:
This is an important factor to consider, but it’s often overlooked. It would help if you chose a compassionate and understanding lawyer who will treat you with respect and dignity throughout the legal process.
Remember, you entrust your lawyer with a very personal and sensitive issue. And while you want your lawyer to be aggressive in pursuing your claim, you also want them to be understanding of the emotional toll this process can take on you and your family.
The legal process can be long and arduous, so it’s essential to have a lawyer you can rely on for support, advice, and compassion.
5. Results:
Now, who can deny the importance of results? You want a lawyer who gets results when all is said and done.
Be sure to ask your potential lawyer about their past successes in mesothelioma cases. While every case is different, and there’s no guarantee of success, you’ll want to choose a lawyer with a track record of winning similar cases.
You should also inquire about the potential value of your case and how much money you can expect to receive if you win. While no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome, a good lawyer should be able to give you a realistic estimate of what you can expect.
Remember that many mesothelioma cases settle out of court, so your lawyer’s experience with settlements is also important.
6. Referrals:
One of the best ways to find a great mesothelioma lawyer is to get referrals from people you trust.
If you know someone who has been through a similar experience, ask them for recommendations. You can also check with local and national mesothelioma support groups for referrals.
When you get a referral, ask about the person’s experience with the lawyer and whether they would recommend them.
However, don’t hesitate to do your own research as well. Read online reviews and check the lawyer’s rating with national organizations.
7. A Lawyer You Can Trust:
At the end of the day, you want a lawyer you can trust. This person will have your best interests at heart and fight diligently on your behalf.
You should feel confident in your lawyer’s ability to handle your case and comfortable communicating with them. If you don’t, it may be time to look for someone else.
Most importantly, you want a lawyer who will be there for you every step of the way. So, take your time, do your research, and choose wisely.
Conclusion
When you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to choose the right lawyer to handle your case. This can be daunting, but it’s important to take your time and consider your options before making a decision.
Keep in mind the factors discussed above, and don’t hesitate to ask for referrals from people you trust. And most importantly, choose a lawyer you can trust to fight diligently on your behalf.
