The Importance of Hiring a Massachusetts Mesothelioma Attorney
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium (the linings that protect the lungs, abdomen, heart, and other major organs in the body), is a devastating disease that typically takes between 20-50 years to develop. The only generally accepted cause of mesothelioma in the U.S. is exposure to asbestos, which most often occurred at the patient’s job site. Hard-working men and women had no idea they were entering a potentially dangerous environment day after day and the companies that knowingly continued the use of this harmful material for decades after it was known to be dangerous should be held accountable. Today, many victims are successfully filing mesothelioma lawsuits in Massachusetts to get the financial compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one is currently suffering with, or has recently passed away from, mesothelioma in Massachusetts, your best option for a successful mesothelioma lawsuit is hiring a Massachusetts mesothelioma lawyer. To see why, consider the questions below.
Does Your Asbestos Lawyer Understand Massachusetts Law?
If you file your mesothelioma legal case in Massachusetts, you will want to hire a Massachusetts mesothelioma lawyer to be absolutely certain that they fully understand Massachusetts mesothelioma law. A Massachusetts-based mesothelioma lawyer will also be familiar with the Judge and Special Master, the defense attorneys on the other side, and the local rules of discovery and deposition, which vary widely from state to state. In fact, your case could be dismissed outright if your mesothelioma lawyer does not strictly follow the proper rules and procedures. Even improperly filling out a Plaintiff’s Disclosure Form can have serious implications for your case, potentially precluding claims against liable defendants, meaning your final financial award will be less than it could have been.
Does Your Mesothelioma Lawyer Know Who to Sue in Massachusetts?
A Massachusetts mesothelioma attorney also fully understands who to include in the lawsuit. Lawyers from out of state may not be familiar with the full list of the suppliers of specific asbestos-containing products used in Massachusetts and could overlook potential defendants that would add to your financial recovery. Experienced Massachusetts asbestos lawyers will have intimate knowledge of the entire pool of potential defendants specific to your job sites.
Has Your Lawyer Tried Mesothelioma Cases in Massachusetts?
Lawyers have varied interests and experience, and many practice in multiple different areas of law so be sure that your personal injury lawyer has successfully tried mesothelioma lawsuits in Massachusetts in the past. Many mesothelioma cases in Massachusetts stem from similar job sites, projects or exposures, whether they’re paper mills, navy ships, powerhouses, shipyards, high-rise office buildings, or a host of other workplaces. Specific, relevant Massachusetts asbestos litigation experience is critical to a successful outcome.
Is Your Mesothelioma Lawyer Part of the Massachusetts Landscape?
As in many other areas, communities in Massachusetts are tight-knit and tend to help and support their own. Out of state mesothelioma lawyers often find it more difficult to get critical information than a Massachusetts mesothelioma lawyer. If there is even the slightest chance of implicit bias against outsiders, there is the potential it could negatively affect your case.
Is Your Mesothelioma Lawyer Licensed in Massachusetts?
All cases litigated in Massachusetts require a Massachusetts-licensed attorney to bring the case to court, so you will need a Massachusetts mesothelioma lawyer on your team in any case. Why not hire experienced Massachusetts mesothelioma counsel to begin with?
Are They Personally Available?
In a highly complex lawsuit, it’s natural for you to have questions. Having personal access to your lawyer whenever you need answers, or just want reassurance that everything is on track, can make all the difference to your peace of mind. A local personal injury law firm entirely dedicated to your case can often answer your questions with one email, text, or phone call. Working with a Massachusetts mesothelioma attorney means you will get personal attention and can work with one lawyer on your case from start to finish. If your mesothelioma lawyer is out of state, you will be responsible for paying for their travel and associated costs which will quickly add up.
Does Your Mesothelioma Attorney Really Care?
You and your family are undoubtedly experiencing emotional stress and trauma as you deal with this painful time in your lives. Especially now, you need a mesothelioma attorney who is present, who cares about what’s happening to you, and who is committed to seeking justice in your case. Make sure you find an attorney for whom you are not just a number on a spreadsheet or a docket. Having responsive, compassionate, and sincere counsel that understands the Massachusetts court system and who lives and works in Massachusetts is crucial to success.
Contact a Massachusetts Mesothelioma Attorney
Above all, you are hoping for compensation for your suffering. Ask to see your mesothelioma attorney’s successful track record in Massachusetts mesothelioma cases. The mesothelioma law firm of Shepard O’Donnell has helped hundreds of individuals and families obtain justice for their injuries, regularly reaching settlements and verdicts in the millions. If you think you might have a mesothelioma legal case in Massachusetts, we encourage you to contact us. We are happy to offer you a free case evaluation and will tell you honestly if we think you have a viable claim.