If you believe you have a potential case for a mesothelioma attorney and are seeking a consultation, you will want to make a list of questions a head of time to ask at your first meeting. There are a number of things you should know early on in the process, so do your homework and make the most of the initial and usually free, consultation. Here are the top ten questions you should consider.
1. First and foremost inquire about timelines. Virtually all legal cases have some sort of statute of limitations so it is crucial that you establish whether or not you can even file a case. It is always wise to seek legal advice as early as possible after any event occurs that may result in a lawsuit. This will protect your rights and preserve the statute of limitations.
2. Ask your lawyer how many mesothelioma cases he or she has handled and be certain that the firm has the experience and track record to offer you the best chance for success. You can check with the state bar in your state that regulates attorneys for information regarding any client complaints or disciplinary actions that may have been taken against the firm. Keep in mind that client complaints that did not result in state bar action will not usually be documented.
3. Will your attorney be handling your case personally or will your case be given to someone else in the office? Be very clear as to whom exactly you will be working with. Verify that the costs involved are usual for your type of case. You can do this with the state bar. Usually the case will be handled on a contingency basis, so if there is no settlement you will not owe a legal bill.
4. Inquire of your mesothelioma attorney how long it will take to prepare the case. The initial weeks and months will be spent doing research which may involve substantial time from you and your family. Find out what the time frames are and what to expect.
5. Determine exactly where your exposure to asbestos occurred and where your case will be heard. Settlements can differ greatly from state to state and even city to city, so ask your attorney about such concerns.
6. Ask what to expect in terms of potential compensation. This is critical to know as soon as possible so you can weigh the pros and cons of undertaking a lawsuit. Will the time, energy and stress be worth it? Will you be adequately compensated for pain and suffering?
7. Inquire as to class action lawsuits if you are involved in a large, well-known action in which many people were harmed. Is it to your best advantage to sue individually or as part of a class action? How many other individual lawsuits are pending if that information is available to you?
8. Will you need to travel for depositions or other testimony? If so, how will those costs be handled? How much time can you expect to be away from your family in total?
9. If you are in current need of medical care how will those costs be handled? Is your attorneys firm in a position to comfortably bear the expenses of your case now and in the future even if the case runs to several years?
10. Finally, take the time to peruse your retainer agreement carefully and ask your attorney to explain any clauses you do not understand. Do not be afraid to request additional clauses that will make you feel secure and more at ease. If possible, choose an attorney that you have been referred to by someone you trust.
Always make your decision carefully over a few days, never in a rush. Remember that you may be dealing with this attorney and this law firm frequently for the next several years. You want to feel that they have your best interests at heart and that they are easy to work with. Your case is very important to you and it should be to your attorney as well.