Mesothelioma legal FAQs

How long do I have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?

Statutes of limitation, which define the amount of time people have to file a claim after they are injured by or exposed to a dangerous substance, are different in every state; therefore, it's important to contact a mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. Find an attorney who is experienced in asbestos litigation and who understands how the laws are applied in those cases.

Who has to testify?

As the person with the asbestos-related illness, you will need to give your testimony if you are able. If you are very ill, your attorney can conduct a deposition in your own home or office. Depositions involve only your mesothelioma attorney(s), attorney(s) for the corporation responsible, a court reporter, and the witness.

If your case goes to trial, you may have to testify in court at that time. Your attorney should help you understand the kinds of questions that might be asked and how you can best answer them to protect yourself. Frequently, offers to settle before going to trial are made by those involved in the litigation. It is your choice whether to accept any such offer.

How long does it take?

Mesothelioma clients often receive some compensation within the first year but most settlements don't occur until just before the case goes to trial. Your case is unique and how long it takes will depend on many factors like where and how your exposure occurred, where you are filing the case (what state, the level of the court-state or federal), how many cases the court has to hear, and how quickly that court's cases tend to go to trial. Your attorney is responsible for moving your case through the process as efficiently as possible.

How much might I be awarded?

The amount of compensation depends on the specific circumstances of each case. It is not unusual for mesothelioma clients and their families to receive hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars for this type of illness. However, this depends on the evidence of exposure, the type of disease involved, and the specific damages in each case, as well as the capabilities of the law firm you hire to represent you.

What are my chances of success?

Your chances of success depend on the circumstances of your case. After you have chosen your attorney, you should meet with him or her to discuss your case and evaluate the chances of a successful outcome. However, if a medical diagnosis of mesothelioma has been made and there is clear evidence of exposure to specific asbestos manufacturers' products, you have a very good chance of recovery if you use a capable attorney experienced in handling mesothelioma cases.

Please contact us if you have questions or need more information. The HendlerLaw has been successfully representing victims of mesothelioma for more than a decade. Call us 24 hours a day at 1-800-443-6353 or e-mail us at help@mesotheliomaadvice.org.