Questions to Ask Your Mesothelioma Lawyer in a Consultation (2024)

Questions to Ask Your Mesothelioma Lawyer in a Consultation (1)

Asbestos lawsuits are complex, and choosing the right mesothelioma lawyer to represent you can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

An attorney can help you take legal action and pursue compensation from the manufacturers of the asbestos products you were exposed to — but only some have the experience and resources to go toe-to-toe against some of the biggest companies in the world.

Your legal team will be responsible for performing extensive research to determine how you were exposed to asbestos, identify which companies may be at fault, and assess all of the compensation options available to you.

With a top asbestos attorney on your side, you can focus on your health and family while they fight to secure as much compensation as possible on your behalf.

To make sure you find the best mesothelioma lawyer for your case, here are 10 essential questions to ask during a free legal consultation.

10 Questions to Ask a Mesothelioma Attorney

In your initial meeting with a mesothelioma attorney, you’ll have the opportunity to ask them about their experience with asbestos lawsuits and how they might approach your case.

It’s helpful to have a list of questions prepared before this meeting — and a good mesothelioma lawyer will take the time to answer each and every one.

“Everybody’s case is different, but until you talk to somebody who’s knowledgeable about mesothelioma and the repercussions of mesothelioma, I think you haven’t done your due diligence as a patient.”
Bonnie, Mesothelioma Survivor & Firm Client

Be sure to ask any lawyer you meet with the following questions to get a feel for their style and see if they may be the best fit for your case.

1. How Long Have You Been Handling Mesothelioma Cases?

For over 20 years, Simmons Hanly Conroy has helped thousands of mesothelioma patients and their loved ones seek justice and compensation.

Chairman John Simmons founded the firm in 1999 with the mission of supporting individuals and families impacted by asbestos-related diseases.

Since then, we’ve secured more than $9.6 billion in mesothelioma compensation for families across the country.

2. What Are Your Past Results for Mesothelioma Cases?

We have a long track record of successfully recovering compensation for our clients, including the largest mesothelioma verdict against a single defendant in the history of asbestos litigation — $250 million

Recently, our mesothelioma trial teams have taken 12 asbestos cases to trial and were awarded more than $234 million in verdicts for our clients.

Some of our past mesothelioma settlements and verdicts include:

  • $60 million for a New York laborer
  • $34 million to a mechanic in California
  • $40 million for a U.S. Navy veteran in Washington
  • $3.8 million to a laborer with peritoneal mesothelioma
  • $15 million for the family of a construction worker
  • $4 million to an electrician in Illinois
  • $13.1 million for a carpenter with mesothelioma
  • $2.53 million to the family of a Michigan maintenance worker
  • $20 million for a Missouri mechanic
  • $4.25 million to a U.S. Air Force veteran and welder in Indiana
  • $30 million for a construction supervisor and his wife

While results vary in each case, our mesothelioma attorneys have the resources and experience necessary to fight for the most compensation possible.

We can also help eligible clients pursue compensation from the estimated $30 billion still available in asbestos trust funds.

Call (800) 326-8900 now to find out if our asbestos attorneys can fight for your family.

3. Do You Focus Exclusively on Asbestos Litigation?

Choosing a lawyer who focuses exclusively on asbestos litigation is your best chance at getting the most compensation in your case — in the shortest amount of time.

With centuries of cumulative experience, our mesothelioma attorneys focus primarily on asbestos litigation.

“When we have a new client, we can hit the ground running. We know the products, we know the manufacturers, we know the science, we know the medicine. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel.”
– Nick Angelides, Chair of the Asbestos Department

We have a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding mesothelioma cases and the profound emotional, physical, and financial toll this cancer takes on families.

4. How Much Will It Cost to Hire You?

There are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to work with our mesothelioma lawyers. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.

Our lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we take a percentage of any money recovered on your behalf. There’s no financial risk for our clients to take legal action.

5. What Resources Do You Have to Prove My Asbestos Exposure?

All mesothelioma cases require a thorough investigation into a victim’s background to determine how, when, and where they may have been exposed to asbestos.

Our mesothelioma lawyers have gathered key information about different job sites and products that contained asbestos, as well as the companies that made, sold, and distributed these products.

“We have an extensive database of documents that we’ve collected over 25 years. By utilizing this database, we can get our clients the compensation they deserve.”
– Lisa Nathanson Busch, Chair of the Bankruptcy Department

Contact us now to see if we can use our resources to build a strong case on your behalf. It’s even likely we’ve already represented clients from the same or a similar workplace as yours.

6. Who Will Work on My Case?

Every mesothelioma client we work with will have a dedicated and experienced team working on their case from start to finish.

Vital team members include:

  • A senior attorney
  • Associate attorneys
  • Investigators
  • Medical experts
  • Paralegals
  • Registered nurses

“We represent more mesothelioma victims on an annual basis than any other firm in the country,” said Firm Partner Michael Angelides. “So when a victim of mesothelioma engages Simmons Hanly Conroy, they have an absolute army of people working on their case.”

Each member of the team plays an integral role that contributes to the strength of the overall case, in addition to providing families with medical, emotional, and financial support along the way.

7. Why Should I Choose a National Mesothelioma Law Firm?

Whether local or national, mesothelioma law firms vary in their areas of expertise, levels of experience, and available resources, which can either help or hurt your case.

Mesothelioma litigation involves taking action against companies within the multibillion-dollar asbestos industry. The key is to find a law firm that can give you the attention you deserve and has the tools needed to create a strong case on your behalf.

“At Simmons Hanly Conroy, families get the personal attention of working with a small, local law firm with the extra benefit of the muscle and resources of a large national law firm,” said Firm Partner Myles Epperson. “This is critical in cases where you’re taking on major corporations.”

Our asbestos lawyers regularly work with families across the United States and have successfully secured results in all 50 states.

Regardless of where you are in the U.S., our attorneys will travel to you at no cost, whenever it’s convenient for your schedule. We also offer virtual meeting options if you prefer.

8. Do You Donate to Mesothelioma Research?

At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’ve donated over $20 million to cancer research, including mesothelioma research and support organizations — more than any other plaintiff law firm in the country.

“Simmons Hanly Conroy is the largest, they’re the best, but also, they invest their money in research and trying to fight that disease,” said Sheryl, a firm client whose mother passed away. “They definitely believe in improving the lives of people who have been hurt by mesothelioma.”

Our team is committed to giving back to the community and supporting the search for a permanent mesothelioma cure.

9. Has Your Firm Received Any Awards or Recognitions?

Many successful asbestos lawyers have been recognized for their contributions to the mesothelioma community and the results they’ve achieved on behalf of their clients.

Since 2014, Simmons Hanly Conroy has been ranked one of the “Best Law Firms” in the country by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers. Firm mesothelioma lawyers have also been consistently represented on the Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists since 2006.

The results we’ve achieved for our clients have also won awards like the National Law Journal’s annual Top 100 Verdicts List.

10. What Do Your Past Clients Say?

Our asbestos attorneys have helped over 6,000 families fight for justice after a mesothelioma diagnosis, and we’ve stayed in touch with many of them long after their cases have been resolved.

“At Simmons Hanly Conroy, the people working on your case are just as concerned about your well-being as they are about what’s going on with the case,” said firm client Mike Mattmuller. “I can’t say enough good things about them. They make you feel like you’re in good hands.”

We take pride in sharing the stories of our past clients and feel honored to have stood by their side throughout their mesothelioma journey.

The Importance of Working with a Top Asbestos Attorney

Working with a top asbestos attorney may help increase your chances of successfully securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

We’ll handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and loved ones.

This includes identifying how you may have been exposed to asbestos, gathering evidence to prove who is responsible, filing your claim, and fighting for compensation on your behalf.

Skilled attorneys will work to maximize your potential payout by identifying all of the different mesothelioma claims you may be eligible to file, like:

  • Asbestos trust fund claims
  • Mesothelioma lawsuits
  • VA benefit claims for U.S. veterans with mesothelioma

By choosing to work with a top asbestos attorney, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the personalized attention you deserve from someone dedicated to achieving the best possible results in your case.

Why Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer at Simmons Hanly Conroy?

At Simmons Hanly Conroy, our mesothelioma lawyers can help families in all 50 states secure justice and compensation from the companies that caused them harm.

Simmons Hanly Conroy has:

  • Recovered over $10 billion for victims of asbestos exposure
  • 20+ years of experience with mesothelioma litigation
  • More than 90 attorneys in offices nationwide

There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our mesothelioma lawyers, so you can get the help you deserve without any financial risks.

Call (800) 326-8900 now or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

Questions to Ask Your Mesothelioma Lawyer in a Consultation (2024)

FAQs

What is the best question to ask a lawyer? ›

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation
  • What are my possible outcomes?
  • Who will actually handle my case?
  • What is my role in my case?
  • What Are Your Fees and Costs?
  • Who Is Your Typical Client?
  • How Strong Is My Case?
  • How Long Have You Practiced Law?

How long does it take to settle a mesothelioma case? ›

Most mesothelioma cases are resolved in a settlement within one year or less. But sometimes asbestos companies simply won't agree to a fair settlement amount. At this point, a mesothelioma attorney may urge the victim to take the case to a jury trial.

What should I say to my lawyer? ›

Be honest

Plain and simple: Don't lie. Remember that you and your lawyer are on the same team. Your lawyer cannot share confidential information with anyone unless you give them permission to do so. When you start omitting relevant facts or adding fictitious information to your story, it'll only hurt you in the end.

What is the fourth question you should ask a potential lawyer? ›

Here is a handy checklist of basic questions to ask before you hire a lawyer: What is your experience in this field? Have you handled matters like mine? What are the possible outcomes of my case? What are my alternatives in resolving the matter?

What is the average payout for a mesothelioma case? ›

Mesothelioma Settlements: An Overview

A mesothelioma settlement is an amount of financial compensation that your legal team negotiates with the companies responsible for your illness. The average mesothelioma settlement is between $1 Million and $1.4 Million.

What are the odds of recovering from mesothelioma? ›

One-year survival rate: 73% Three-year survival rate: 23% Five-year survival rate: 12% Ten-year survival rate: 5%

Are mesothelioma settlements taxable? ›

According to the IRS, compensation for personal injury or sickness is not considered taxable income. Any mesothelioma settlement for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, or emotional distress is not taxable.

What are some law questions? ›

  • What Is the Distinction between Types of Crimes, Felony, Misdemeanor, Infractions? ...
  • What Are the Different Roles of Law Enforcement? ...
  • What Are the Different Tools Criminal Defense Lawyers Have Available to Help Their Clients? ...
  • Do Police Actually Say You Have the Right to Remain Silent like on T.V., And If So, Why?
Feb 6, 2023

What are six examples of cases when a lawyer should be contacted? ›

When you need to hire a lawyer
  • You are in over your head. ...
  • You could go to jail. ...
  • You could lose a lot of money. ...
  • Your opponent has an attorney. ...
  • Bodily injury is involved. ...
  • You are in a complicated divorce. ...
  • You need to administer the estate of someone who died. ...
  • You want to do comprehensive estate planning.
Mar 8, 2023

What's one question to ask a lawyer when starting a business and why? ›

1. What business structure should I choose? Before starting a small business, you must decide how your business will be structured. If you do not form a formal business entity, your business will either be a sole proprietorship (with one owner) or a general partnership (with more than one owner).

Should you be 100% honest with your lawyer? ›

The best strategy for someone facing criminal charges is to follow the lead of an experienced, trusted criminal defense lawyer, and no matter, to be truthful with that lawyer. An attorney who has your best interests in mind will advise you regarding the possibilities and your best course of action.

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