However, it is not as easy as it seems. Hiring a mesothelioma attorney/lawyer can be a pretty tough job if you have never set foot in a lawyer’s office. While choosing an expert mesothelioma attorney/lawyer, you need to consider a number of things before you hire him/her to present you in a mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit.
You may not know all the important things to keep in mind for choosing an attorney. Here we have compiled some important points that you should consider while choosing an expert mesothelioma attorney/lawyer.
Check out an Attorney’s/Lawyer’s Credentials
Do not go for television advertisements and billboards. They are not important enough for choosing an expert attorney to fight your mesothelioma case. Check out the credentials of the mesothelioma attorney you want to fight your case.
The main things to focus are the accomplishments of the lawyer, the mesothelioma cases s/he has won, way of handling cases and other related things. Remember, most of the best law firms or attorneys do not go for advertising as they don’t need to publicize themselves.
Don’t get impressed by Big Names
Big law firms with lots of attorneys and money always seem the best choice for fighting your case. However, due to their work load and pressure, your case might be assigned to a junior attorney, lawyer or a paralegal who might not be competent enough to handle your case as seriously as it demands.
You don’t want your case to be dragged for extended period of time with numerous court visits and endless arguments. You should know that in many cases an expert mesothelioma attorney/lawyer, can get the case settled outside the court. You might not be up for so much exertion and stress while suffering from mesothelioma. This might happen if a junior lawyer from a big firm is handling your case instead of an experienced attorney whom you wanted instead.
Your lawyer does not necessarily have to be in the same state as you. According to the laws, an attorney can practice in any state for a specific area regardless of the office or staff.
Decide the Fee before Hiring an Attorney/Lawyer
It is advised that you decide the terms and conditions for payment before hiring a mesothelioma attorney/lawyer. When you choose a mesothelioma or asbestos attorney, talk about the fees and how it would be paid when you receive compensation. In most of the mesothelioma cases, contingency payments are made. It means that the attorney/lawyer only gets paid if they win compensation for you. Most of the mesothelioma and asbestos cases are handled on contingency basis by law firms.
The rate for contingency fee varies from state to state. Usually it ranges form 33-40% of the total compensation amount after deducting the expenses. Be sure to discuss the matter of fees and payment, the services covered in that fee and any other concerns openly. This will save you any problems that might occur afterwards.
Understand the Legalities involved in the Case
While choosing a mesothelioma attorney/lawyer, it is vital that you ask your attorney to keep you informed on the legalities of the case and the case proceedings. Your lawyer must agree to this before you sign an agreement with her/him. If the attorney you want to engage does not agree to your active participation in decision making and other important matters, it is advised that you look somewhere else for an expert mesothelioma attorney.
Your attorney should be a trusted partner whom you can trust completely to win your case. If you feel that you cannot trust your attorney on his/her expertise, skill and dedication to your case… perhaps s/he is not the right person for the job.
Some warning signs that can help you determine if you are choosing an expert mesothelioma attorney/lawyer or not:
* Your mesothelioma lawyer is hard to reach, does not return the calls promptly or does not attend his/her own calls when you need them most
* Your mesothelioma attorney is not interested in what you have to say and only does what he deems right
* During the initial meetings, you doubt his/her competence, experience and integrity to fight your mesothelioma case
Filing your mesothelioma case is a very important issue as it’s your only chance of winning money that could help you and your family in this time of dire need and pain. Choosing an expert mesothelioma attorney/lawyer is imperative as an incompetent attorney can lose your case and all chance of remuneration.
Remember: Take your time, do your research and ask questions BEFORE you sign an agreement or contract.
Source: mesoblog
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