Mesothelioma Lawyer Questions 16-20
What Are the Characteristics of a Good Mesothelioma Attorney?
Obtaining the assistance of a good mesothelioma attorney is one of the first steps in obtaining the compensation that you need. There are several important criteria that should influence which attorney a mesothelioma victim decides to hire. A good mesothelioma attorney will focus exclusively on helping individuals who have been harmed by asbestos exposure and have an intricate understanding of state and federal laws. A good attorney will also be compassionate and understand the nature of your case. A good mesothelioma attorney will also have the time to listen to any potential concerns that you might have and will take the time to explain any questions.
Can I File a Lawsuit in More Than One State?
Yes, a person harmed by asbestos exposure can always file a lawsuit in which the defendant is located or incorporated. In some instances, a person might wish to file a mesothelioma lawsuit in multiple states because there are several liable parties or multiple locations where the exposure to asbestos occurred. Sometimes, a person might also need to file a lawsuit in another state because the statute of limitations in the first state has expired. If the parties to the lawsuit are from different states and the damages involved are greater than $75,000, there is a likelihood that a federal court might hear the case.
What is the Average Settlement for a Mesothelioma Case?
It is extremely difficult to estimate the average settlement for a mesothelioma case. While some cases result in the jury awarding millions of dollars, other cases settle for much less. One of the reasons for the large difference in compensation is that some companies have gone bankrupt or closed down and since run out of money that was placed in a trust to pay for mesothelioma victims. Another reason for the difference in compensation amounts is that each person is affected differently by mesothelioma and has different resulting damages. With these considerations stated, the average settlement for a mesothelioma case is typically between $1 to $5 million but after attorney’s fees, court costs, and medical expenses, this amount is often reduced to around two-thirds this size.
Will Going Forward with a Mesothelioma Case Affect My Pension?
No, going forward with a mesothelioma case will generally not affect pension. In nearly all situations, mesothelioma cases are brought against the manufacturers of asbestos instead of a person’s employer which means that this lawsuit will have little impact on pension. Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma actually have an easier time obtaining pension because these veterans are considered permanently disabled for the purposes of a pension. In these situations, being diagnosed with mesothelioma does not need to be directly caused by the veteran’s service in the military. A knowledgeable attorney is often able to address any additional questions that a person might have about the relationship between pension and mesothelioma.
Will I Need to Travel If I File a Lawsuit?
No, in many cases a person will not be required to travel to pursue a lawsuit. This can be advantageous if your condition has resulted in becoming disabled to the point of being unable to walk or leave the bed. Legal counsel is able to travel to a person’s home, the hospital, or any other agreed on location to meet to discuss how the lawsuit will be filed. An experienced attorney will be able to handle your case from start to finish including during various court appearances with no adverse effect on the case. As a result, you should not worry that limited mobility will prevent you from being able to obtain the compensation you deserve.
