3. Familiarity with Asbestos Trust Funds
Many companies responsible for asbestos exposure have filed for bankruptcy and set up asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. These trust funds exist to ensure that individuals who were exposed to asbestos by bankrupt companies can still receive compensation. However, filing claims with asbestos trust funds can be a complicated process, involving specific paperwork, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.
An experienced asbestos lawyer will be familiar with the various asbestos trust funds and can help you file claims with them, even if the companies responsible for your exposure are no longer in business. This can increase your chances of receiving financial compensation in addition to any lawsuit settlement or verdict.
4. Maximize Your Compensation
An asbestos lawyer’s primary goal is to secure the maximum compensation available for your case. They will investigate all potential sources of compensation, including lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, workers’ compensation claims, and more. They have the skills and resources to accurately assess your case and identify all potential avenues for compensation.
Additionally, an experienced lawyer will understand how to calculate damages, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life. By hiring an asbestos lawyer, you significantly increase the likelihood of securing a higher settlement or verdict compared to handling the case on your own.
5. Handle Complex Legal Procedures
Asbestos cases often involve complicated legal procedures, including filing lawsuits in different jurisdictions, complying with strict statutes of limitations, and navigating intricate court rules. For instance, the statute of limitations for asbestos cases varies by state and can be quite short—sometimes only a few years from the time of diagnosis or exposure.
An asbestos lawyer will ensure that all deadlines are met and that the appropriate legal documents are filed on time. They will also deal with any legal challenges that arise, such as disputes over liability or defenses raised by asbestos manufacturers and other defendants. Having a skilled lawyer by your side will help navigate these hurdles with ease.
6. No Upfront Costs (Contingency Fee Basis)
One of the most significant advantages of hiring an asbestos lawyer is that most of them work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay any upfront legal fees. The lawyer’s fee will be a percentage of the settlement or verdict you receive, typically ranging from 25% to 40%. If you don’t win the case, you don’t owe any legal fees.
This contingency fee structure ensures that you can pursue your case without the financial burden of paying for legal services upfront. It also aligns the lawyer’s interests with yours—since they only get paid if you win, they are motivated to achieve the best possible result.
Conclusion
Hiring an asbestos lawyer is essential if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Their expertise in asbestos laws, access to key experts, and ability to navigate complex legal procedures are critical to securing the compensation you deserve. Additionally, their understanding of asbestos trust funds, the ability to maximize compensation, and the fact that most work on a contingency fee basis make hiring an asbestos lawyer a smart and necessary choice. By partnering with the right attorney, you can focus on your health and well-being, knowing that your legal case is in capable hands.
