How to choose a mesothelioma lawyer

What experience looks like

Asbestos cases involve decades-old exposure, many possible defendants, and dozens of bankruptcy trusts, each with its own rules. A firm that does this work regularly is more likely to:

• keep records of which asbestos products were used at particular ships, plants, and job sites
• know the trust distribution procedures of the major trusts
• know how to schedule testimony quickly and near home when a client is seriously ill
• coordinate with your doctors and, for veterans, with VA claims

Questions to ask

1. How many mesothelioma or asbestos cases has your firm handled in the last few years?
2. Who will handle my case day to day, and how do I reach them?
3. Which states are you licensed in? Where would my case likely be filed, and why?
4. Will you also file trust fund claims for me? Is there any separate fee for that?
5. What is your fee percentage? Is it calculated before or after case expenses are deducted?
6. Who pays expenses if there is no recovery?
7. Will you refer my case to another firm? If so, how will fees be shared, and will I agree to it in writing?
8. How will you protect my time and energy if I am in treatment?
9. If I am a veteran, how do you coordinate with my VA claim?

How contingency fees work

Most asbestos lawyers work on a contingency fee: the fee is a percentage of any recovery, and there is no fee if there is no recovery. South Carolina's lawyer advertising rule (Rule 7.2(f)) requires any advertisement that mentions fees to disclose whether the client will be liable for expenses in addition to the fee and, if the fee is a percentage, whether it is computed before or after expenses are deducted. Whatever your state, ask for those answers in writing.

Checking a license

Every state's bar or supreme court keeps a public record of licensed lawyers and any public discipline. In South Carolina, the Supreme Court regulates lawyer conduct through the Rules of Professional Conduct (Rule 407), and the South Carolina Bar has resources for the public.

Warning signs

• a promise of a specific amount or a guaranteed result
• pressure to sign during the first call
• reluctance to put the fee agreement in writing
• asking you to pay money up front for a contingency case
• unsolicited in-person or phone contact when you did not reach out (state rules restrict this)

About lawyers on this site

Lawyers who appear on this site pay to advertise. We do not rank, endorse, or recommend them, and appearing here says nothing about a lawyer's skill. Under South Carolina's advertising rule, advertising lawyers are responsible for reviewing their ads. See our disclaimer and the attorney directory.